The Hunter Valley is known for its beautiful scenery, exquisite fine dining and delicious wine tastings. But we have a secret: There are many other amazing events that take place in this charming part of the world.
Our beautiful region offers a variety of entertainment options, including planning for the holiday season, weekend getaways, and exciting Hunter Valley activities.
We’ve put together the ultimate Hunter Valley events guide, to help you get started with your Wine Country plans. That’s some cheers!
Hunter Valley Wine Tours
The Skippy Down Under Tours are a great place to start. They will prepare you for tastings as you travel the Hunter Valley with custom tours tailored to you and your friends.
They travel to many vineyards which offer a wide range of delicious options to satisfy every taste, all year. They will pamper you with the best spoils from the vineyard and with expert local knowledge. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend getaway for the whole family, Skippy Down Under Tours offers the best wine tours in the Hunter Valley.
Terrace Wine Bar Live Music
Our Terrace Wine Bar offers sunset sips and live entertainment. It is the ideal place to enjoy wine-down before you head out to The Wood, or get ready for a Hunter concert.
On Friday afternoons, you can find great live music by up-and-coming artists at the venue. Enjoy a refreshing Semillon or rich Shiraz, while enjoying a photo-worthy platter of charcuterie and freshly shucked oysters.
Are you heading to the Hunter for a show? Our shuttle service is free and will ensure that you and your crew have a seamless experience.
Tour and Tasting Experiences
Hunter Valley wineries are the best when it comes to wine tours and wine tastings. Skippy Down Under Tours offers a variety of experiences throughout the year, which provide an enticing treat for the senses and offer an inside look into the best Hunter Valley has to offer.
- Enjoy a casual wine tasting? A guided wine of some of the best wineries in the Hunter Valley hosted by Skippy Down Under Tours.
- Do you feel a bit hungry? Enjoy delicious, perfectly paired canapes with a recommended wine.
Family-Friendly Festivities
Warmer temperatures, longer days, fairy lights, and Christmas carols. We are here to help you celebrate Christmas!
These must-do activities are family-friendly and will make this the best time of year.
Christmas Lights Spectacular
Hunter Valley Gardens’ annual Christmas Lights Show returns for another year full of spectacular displays, wild rides and delicious bites. This iconic Christmas festival, which is located right next to us, attracts many visitors from all over the world.
Music Festival Frenzies
Did you know that the Hunter Valley is home to two of Australia’s most popular music festivals?
Wine Machine and Red Hot Summer Tour will be kicking things off in Wine Country early next year. Get your tickets, organize your festival attire, and get together with your friends to enjoy the best combination of music, food, and wine.
Wine Machine 2023
Wine Machinery is a place to bask in the splendour of Australia’s finest live music acts, best wines, and best food.
This incredible festival is described as a “garden-party picnic by the day, fiesta at night” and features a jaw-dropping 2023 lineup that includes Lime Cordiale (Vera Blue), Touch Sensitive, The Kite String Tangle, and Vera Blue.
Wine Machine at Hunter Valley, which will be setting up camp at the stunning Dalwood Estate, is looking to be an unforgettable bespoke festival event.
Red Hot Summer Tour 2023
It’s hot in Hunter. But it’s also getting warm. The Red Hot Summer Tour is back in action in just a few months. It will be a wild day of Australia’s finest in Rock n Roll.
This iconic tour takes place at the Roche Estate. It features Aussie Rock legends Paul Kelly and Bernard Fanning as well as Missy Higgins and Troy Cassar–Daley. You can enjoy your favourite wines and listen to the incredible musical talent of some of our most loved acts.
Hunter Valley Highlights
These two events are the best way to capture the Hunter Valley’s true spirit.
These are fan favourites that are loved by both locals and tourists. They showcase the best of the region’s winemaking, food, and wares.
Handmade in Hunter Markets
The Hunter Markets is the place to go if you are looking for unique gifts or hidden treasures in your area. Handmade in Hunter is the only place in New South Wales that sells 100% handmade goods.
The’meet the-maker’ market allows guests to meet local artists and allow them to share their passions.
You will find many unique treasures and delights in Hunter’s creative community. You will need to plan a few hours so you can enjoy the labyrinthine stalls.
Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival 2023
This vibrant community event, formerly known as the Hunter Valley Wine Festival was once a celebration of the best local winemaking and gourmet food.
The Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival brings together some of the most exciting people in the business for a day full of fun and excitement in picturesque Pokolbin. Enjoy expert talks and live music as well as tastings of premium wine, beer, and cider. Children will find plenty to do at the festival, which includes activities for them throughout the day.
Although 2023 exhibitors are yet to be announced for the event, you can be certain that many Hunter Valley wineries will be there.
Visit the Hunter Valley
While you may come to enjoy the wine and food, the community spirit is what will keep you there. You’ll find so many things happening in this beautiful region, including wine tastings and Cellar Door tours, music festivals and markets.
Hunter Valley has many events that will please everyone, whether you’re visiting during the festive season or just for a weekend getaway.
