Event date: 28 May 2027
The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival celebrates the essence of the Burdekin region, renowned as the Sugarcane Capital of Australia, by showcasing its people, produce and culture.
Consisting of two headline events, the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival starts with the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire on Friday night, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday at the Home Hill Showgrounds.
The Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire celebrates the diversity of the Burdekin region bringing together a diverse range of cultures through a variety of culinary delights, interactive activities and captivating entertainment. Don't miss the highlight of the night, the lighting of the first fire of the 2027 sugarcane crushing season. Hear the crackling of the crop burning, smell the sweet essence of the burning sugar and feel the heat of the fire as it tears through the paddock.
The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is the ultimate test of skill and endurance, with competitors swinging their cane knives in hopes to be crowned the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Champion! Spectators will have the opportunity to walk through a paddock of burnt sugarcane, immersing themselves in the dirty, back-breaking work of a by-gone era. This family-friendly event promises great food, live music, captivating entertainment and so much more!
Mark your calendar for Saturday 3 October 2026 and head up to the beautiful Melrose Showgrounds for a classic day of rural fun, community spirit and family entertainment! From lively side shows, horse events and livestock displays to craft exhibits, delicious food stalls and kids’ activities, the Melrose Show delivers a full day of country show magic. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Remarkable, it’s the perfect way to celebrate spring, enjoy local culture, and make memories with family and friends. Don’t miss the picnic show of the north!
Event date - 4 April 2026
Come along to the Dungog Rodeo and watch the talented riders test their skills. The rodeo is made up of a wide range of horse and cow events: bareback riding, followed by calf roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and as a grand finale bull riding.
It is explosive action, danger, extraordinary skill, and refined talent – and the cowboys and cowgirls who ride are some of the most rugged individualists in athletics, pursuing glory in the dust and mud.
Hot dogs, pluto pups and Aussie steak sandwiches, there is something for the whole family, test your skills on the mechanical bull, Side Shows with rides, hats, clothing, coffee, and ice cream, and watch the fearless cow dogs show their skill at high jumping.
Laugh with the crowd at the action by the clowns and pickup riders in the ring entertaining between the events with a big screen for action replays and a live band. It is a true bush spectacle not to be missed!
Camping is free at the Showground, should you wish to stay on the Saturday night after the rodeo.
No bookings are required.