To help plan your visit to the Hunter Valley we’ve compiled a list of the biggest events happening in our region over the next 12 months, from wine and foodie festivals, to street long winery parties, concerts, prehistoric family adventures and a whole lot more.
Note that the concerts for the later part of the year have not yet been announced, stay up to date on our socials to be the first to know when the date and line-ups are released. Here's what's on in the Hunter Valley:
February
2025 Hunter Valley Air Show
Saturday 8th February - Sunday 9th February
An action-packed weekend of unbelievable live stunt flying by Australia’s champion pilots, iconic warbirds, huge pyrotechnics, family entertainment and much more. Stunts include formation flying, a bike backflipping over a plane, a car vs plane drag race, even a plane landing on the back of a moving truck.
Valentines Day events
14th February
Love is in the air and our esteemed restaurants are crafting up something special to celebrate. See Valentine's Day events here.
March
Roxette at A Day On The Green
Saturday 15th March
Swedish pop-rockers Roxette will make a very welcome return to A Day On The Green in March 2025.The super Swedes were a hit-making machine in Australia with hit songs like 'Dressed For Success', 'Listen To Your Heart', 'Dangerous', 'Fading Like A Flower', and number one singles 'The Look', 'It Must Have Been Love' and 'Joyride'. Come dance in the vines to some classic tunes.
Xavier Rudd for Great Southern Nights
Saturday 29th March
Join Xavier Rudd for an unforgettable all-ages campout under the stars on Saturday, March 29, at the beautiful nature playground of Dashville in the Hunter Valley. Xavier will be joined by the incredible multi-instrumentalist Lisa Purmodh in 2025, taking the live show to an extraordinary new level. More special guests will be announced soon.
April
The Gum Ball Festival
Friday 25th April - Sunday 27th April
What began as a little grass roots party has grown to become a bonafide cultural institution for the region as a hub for musical inspiration and community. Set in the bushlands of Dashville (Wonnarua) the Gum Ball Festival will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary with music and entertainment across three glorious nights.
Mega Creatures
5th April to 4th May 2025
Step into a prehistoric world of imagination, where towering dinosaurs, giant insects and mythical creatures roam at Hunter Valley Gardens. Explore the creators during the day or enter the after-dark experiences to marvel at the dazzling fantastical beasts, much-loved prehistoric creatures, and spine-chilling giant insects, all illuminated in breathtaking specialty lighting.
Easter Long Weekend
Saturday 19th April - Monday 21st April
Gather your loved ones and take a break from the everyday routines to enjoy a relaxing Easter getaway in the Hunter Valley. Spend your days hopping from winery to winery, admiring the changing colours of the vineyards this Autumn whilst sipping on some of the region’s finest wines. Special events including a Giant Easter Egg Hunt and amusement rides at Hunter Valley Gardens, and Easter feasts at many of our leading restaurants.
May
ZZ-TOP at Red Hot Summer Tour
Saturday 3rd May
A classic rock titans festival in the vines featuring ZZ TOP along with the masters of American blues-rock, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, as special guests. Also joining them on the stage will be local Aussie rockers, The Living End, Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo & Dallas Frasca.
Lovedale Long Lunch
Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th May
In 2025, Lovedale Long Lunch is celebrating 31 years - The Hunter Valley’s largest and longest running food and wine event. Lovedale Long Lunch is a progressive dining experience, inviting food and wine lovers to immerse themselves in the flavours of Lovedale. Every year in May, the Hunter Valley’s top chefs collaborate with six of the area’s best wineries, paired with local entertainment, for an unforgettable weekend of foodie fun.
June
Winter Events
It’s the season of Shiraz, fireside tastings and indulging in food delights. Meet the winemaker, taste the next round of stellar wines and celebrate the season next to a roaring fire and under a canopy of stars. Many of our cellar doors host bespoke events during this period to shape and celebrate the winter season. Check back closer to June to discover winter events.
Snow time in the Garden
28 June – 27 July 2025
Discover the magic of Winter at Hunter Valley Gardens as the grounds transform into a winter wonderland with artificial snow, an ice skating rink, and various winter-themed activities. Families and visitors can enjoy tobogganing, build snowmen, participate in snowball fights, and explore the enchanting gardens adorned with icy decorations.
Hunter Valley Beer and Wine Festival
Gourmet local food, live entertainment and an extensive array of Hunter Valley wine, spirits, beer, cider and gourmet food are all on offer at Hunter Valley Beer and Wine Festival. It’s easy to see why this is a popular event each year.
September
D’vine Food and Wine Festival
September 20 & 21
Does a street long festival of unique wine and food experience sound like a dream? Then look no further than the D’vine Food and Wine Festival. We’re talking a weekend off hand blending wine, oyster tastings, wine and gelato pairings, pasta making classes, wine tastings and so much more.
October
October Long Weekend
Saturday 4th - Monday 6th October
During this bustling weekend many of our cellar doors host special events. Join us during October Long Weekend of gourmet food and wine delights, live music, markets and more.
Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral
The Hunter Valley is coming to Sydney. Picture this, a day of tasting Hunter Valley wine beachside with live music and friends, the weather is warm and the outdoor dance floor is alive. Tickets go on sale in September, stay tuned for details.
Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show
Friday 24th - Sunday 26th October
Brisbane locals, we will see you at the Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show. Look out for the Hunter Valley Pavilion for wine tastings from some of the Hunter Valley's most-loved brands.
November
Christmas Lights Spectacular
7 November 2025 – 26 January 2026
It’s time to start reveling in the magic of Christmas as the Christmas Lights Spectacular returns on 7th of November. Featuring 4 million Christmas Lights over 8 hectares, this light display is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Accompanying the dazzling lights are amusement rides, Santas photos and food stalls, perfect for the whole family.
December
Christmas Lights Spectacular
7 November 2025 – 26 January 2026
Christmas Day Lunches
Thursday 25th December
We’re crafting something special. Come together with the family over a Christmas feast and a glass of wine in the Hunter Valley. An extensive guide to delicious Christmas Day lunches will be posted in October.
NYE Parties
Wednesday 31st December
Raise a glass (of Hunter Valley wine) to 2025 and end the year on a high with fireworks, dinner and a party. Multiple venues will be hosting bespoke parties, check back in closer to the time.
For all events, check out our Upcoming Events Page.
This blog was created and written by Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.