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: 8 January - 12 January 2026.
The Parkes Elvis Festival is held every year in the second week in January, coinciding with Elvis Presley’s birthday. Going into its 33rd year, the Festival continues to grow – with over 200 events across five fabulous, fun-filled days.
Officially endorsed by the estate of Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. in Memphis, Parkes Elvis Festival hosts a number of live entertainment including the official Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (the winner representing Australia in Memphis, USA), Feature concert series starring a special guest artist, Evolution Mining Northparkes Operations street parade, renewal of vows ceremony, Miss Priscilla Competition and many free live concerts, competitions and prizes.
Recognised as one of the top three Festivals and Events in Australia, the Festival attracts over 22,000 fans, both nationally and internationally, having a global reach of more than 200 million with exposure in the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia.
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.