Flagship Events

Maitland boasts a year round calendar of festivals and events that share the story of Maitland and its people, and celebrate the place it is today.

Whether you enjoy good food and drink, creative and performing arts, family friendly entertainment, or immersive heritage and cultural event experiences, Maitland is your destination for festivals and events in the Hunter Valley.

Each year, Maitland hosts some of the regions largest and most popular festivals and events including Hunter Valley Steamfest, Maitland Taste, Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival, Riverlights Multicultural Festival and Maitland New Year’s Eve.

BURTON AUTOMOTIVE HUNTER VALLEY STEAMFEST

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest is one of Australia’s premier festivals of steam, celebrating Maitland’s rich steam and industrial heritage and attracting tens of thousands of people each year.

Steamfest features a diverse program of fun and family friendly entertainment including historic steam train trips, vintage machinery displays and demonstrations, live music, interactive heritage walks and displays, vintage car display, market stalls, food stalls, steampunkers, mini steam train rides, kid’s activities and more.

MAITLAND TASTE

Maitland Taste is a celebration of great food, wine and produce from the Hunter Region and surrounds. Experience local food and produce, from garden to the plate at this highly anticipated annual event. See local and interstate experts in the fields of cooking, edible gardening and biodiversity across two stages, whilst sampling some of the best street food and local wine the Hunter has to offer.

MAITLAND AROMA COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, rich melted chocolate and decadent dishes descend on Maitland during this snug August festival. Featuring expert chocolatiers, talented baristas and the best of the region’s winemakers it is the perfect way to ward off the winter chill.

MAITLAND RIVERLIGHTS

This week long annual festival held in October celebrates Maitland’s cultural diversity through food, music, dance and interactive experience. See The Levee Central Maitland transform into a global village where visitors can see, taste, feel and experience different cultures. The main event really shines at night, with the popular festival parade and magical lantern flotilla featured on the Hunter River.

MAITLAND NEW YEAR'S EVE

Attracting crowds of over 15,000 Maitland New Year’s Eve celebrations are a highlight of summer and the festive season. Held on the banks of the Hunter River in Central Maitland, this family friendly event offers an exciting program of activities and live entertainment, food and drink, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9.00pm.

event calendar

If you’re planning a visit to Maitland or a catch up with friends or family, you may like to plan your visit in line with the city’s year round calendar of festivals and events. 

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