New South Wales: Food, Wine & Music Festivals
Embrace the winter chill this year with these food, wine and music festivals. From sampling boutique wines and crumbling cheese, to enjoying just-caught seafood by the ocean and listening to local musicians, we’ve curated our picks of the crop from all the upcoming festivals so you can get out there and experience the best of what New South Wales has to offer.
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival
The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival aims to celebrate the finest drops and award-winning food that the picturesque region is famed for. Now in its sixth year, the festival spans two months, with something on offer for everyone. Wine, beer and cider tastings will be available, as well as gourmet dinners at award-winning restaurants, winemaking classes and vineyard tours. Along the way, you’ll be sure to meet some passionate wine makers and friendly members of the local community.
When
23 May - 30 June
Best for
Wine, great restaurants, a weekend away
Good Food & Wine Show
Centrally located in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, the Good Food & Wine Show is a showcase of some of the country’s best food and wine. Hundreds of local and international exhibitors will be featuring recipes and great new ideas for you to try at home. There’s a village where you can purchase artisanal products, a cheese masterclass and you can sample some of the Barossa’s premium wines. Hear from some of Australia’s best chefs, including Maggie Beer and Matt Moran, who will show you how to create the perfect Aussie BBQ and homemade pavlova.
When
22 - 24 June
Best for
To learn new skills, sample a range of products
Bathurst Winter Festival
The annual Bathurst Winter Festival is staged across two weeks and aims to showcase everything that the region is known for in a creative and vibrant way. When night falls, historic buildings in the area are lit up by interactive light displays. Head along to the winter playground where there is an ice skating rink and giant ferris wheel. The first Saturday will feature local music, entertainment and light shows. At the following Saturday you’ll find markets, food trucks and a silent disco. Mulled wine (a winter essential) will be sold on both occasions.
When
7 July, 22 July
Best for
Family fun
Bastille Festival Sydney
If there are two things that the French have nailed, it’s wine and cheese. Born out of a desire to share the best bits of this much-loved European country with the Australian people, Bastille Festival Sydney is celebration of the French National Day and all things blue, white and red.
Held in Sydney’s Circular Quay and The Rocks, the four-day annual event highlights food, wine and art. Expect to find eight wine bars and beer gardens, 14 live concerts and DJ sets, shows, movie screenings and live street performances. And of course, the food: there will be four food villages with a total of 70 stalls, selling everything from just-baked crusty baguettes, hard cheeses and sweet and sticky cakes.
When
12 - 15 July
Best for
Gain insight into the culture (and food) of France
Love Seafood
Freshly-shucked oysters, just-caught prawns and lightly grilled fish: is there any better meal to enjoy in the sunshine on a crisp winter’s day?
Port Stephens, located two-and-a-half hours north of Sydney on New South Wales coast, is home to 26 beaches, bays and secluded inlets. The area is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, which supplies all the local eateries. Love Seafood is a month-long celebration of all things that are found in the ocean and the local fishermen. Signature dinners will be on offer, as well as lunch specials and a seafood foodie weekend. Details and program are coming soon- keep your eyes posted.
When
1 - 31 August
Best for
Seafood lovers
Newcastle Music Festival
Enjoy listening to local musicians at the Newcastle Music Festival and experience all the talent that the coastal city has to offer. A whole range of styles and genres are featured across the two-week period, including Jazz and classical. Held across a mix of venues, you’ll get a chance to see professionals, amateurs and students perform in collaboration with guest artists at the festival. Last year, John Paul Young and Deborah Humble were some of the artists who performed - keep your eyes peeled for the release of 2018’s line up.
When
2 - 19 August
Best for
Those looking for something different for a night out
The Food & Wine Festival
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better combination than food, wine, music and sunshine, all of which is found at The Food & Wine Festival over one day. A great day out for the whole family to enjoy, the event is held at Mt Penang Gardens and Event Park on the Central Coast, New South Wales, just a 40-minute drive from Sydney and Newcastle. The entry is free, and there will be over 80 food and wine vendors for you to choose from. Learn a thing or two from the cooking demonstrations and let the kids run around in the kids’ zone while you sample the craft beers and boutique wines on offer.
When
5 August
Best for
A great one-day outing in the sunshine
Country Music Festival
Held over two days at the seaside location of The Entrance on the Central Coast of New South Wales, the Country Music Festival draws in locals and visitors alike for an enjoyable time listing to music and watching performers. The free entertainment will be held in Memorial Park and Waterfront Plaza, with some local venues showcasing more country music across the weekend. Food and drinks stalls will also be there to satiate your hunger after you’ve got your boot scootin’ on.
When
11 - 12 August
Best for
If you’re over listing to pop music
The Mudgee Wine and Food Festival
One of New South Wales' longest running food and wine festivals, The Mudgee Wine and Food Festival, is one not to be missed. Beginning the second week of September, it runs for the rest of the month. There’s a diverse range of events on offer, including live music, tastings, lunches, dinners and tours. As well as the festival’s signature events, the participating wineries are also offering unique experiences to be had at their vineyards and cellar doors. Don’t miss the headliner event, ‘Flavours of Mudgee’, bringing the town alive with the region and New South Wales' winegrowers, producers, cooks, bakers, distillers and brewers and their best products.
When
7 - 30 September
Best for
Great for a weekend away