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!
Event date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Baerami Bush Dance is a truly authentic and fun-filled bush dance at the beautifully timber-lined Baerami Hall in the Upper Hunter Valley, featuring traditional acoustic music performed by musicians from the Hunter Valley.
Dances are explained, and you don't need a partner. The event is family-friendly.
Bring your own dinner and drinks, and a supper to share. Camp at the hall, or stay at nearby accommodation. A well-equipped kitchen is available to prepare your food, and there is space to sit for dinner inside the hall.
A ticketing website will be provided closer to the dance. More information available HERE.
Event date: 11 April - 19 April 2026
See the magic and spectacle as one of the Southern Hemispheres biggest Hot air balloon events takes to the sky over the beautiful Canowindra countryside in Central West NSW.
The action is at either end of the day with balloons flying at sunrise and in the last hour before sunset over a 9 day period at the beginning of April.
The signature event is the Cabonne Community Glow and night markets where you will enjoy local produce, wine, crafts and entertainment culminating in a night display as the balloons light up synchronised to music.
Watching the balloons each day is free but there is an entry charge for the Balloon Glow.
As the action happens at either end of the day this leaves plenty of time for exploring the incredible sights in the area and visting the villages and town of the area. Stop in at wineries and local food producers to get a real sense of how wonderful this area is.
Whilst in Canowindra visit the Age of Fishes Museum (home of the State Fossil), wander down the historic main street or enjoy art galleries, wonderful coffee, cellar doors and quirky shopping.