Huon Valley

As a small but vibrant region located in the south of Tasmania, the Huon Valley boasts a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that draws visitors from all over the world. Throughout the year, the valley hosts a variety of events that celebrate its unique history, culture, and landscape. Whether you're a local or a tourist, here are some nationally or globally recognised annual events that you might want to check out in and around the Huon Valley.

Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival
Held annually in July, the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival is an event that celebrates the pagan tradition of wassailing – the act of singing, dancing, and drinking to awaken the apple trees from their winter slumber and ensure a fruitful harvest in the coming season. The festival features a torchlight procession, fire twirlers, Morris dancers, and a traditional bonfire, as well as plenty of food, cider, and live music. Visitors can also participate in the wassail ceremony, where they are invited to sing and make noise to wake the apple trees and scare away any evil spirits that might be lurking in the orchard.

Huon Show
The Huon Show is an annual agricultural show that takes place in November and attracts over 10,000 visitors each year. The show features a range of traditional country activities, such as sheep-shearing, wood-chopping, and cattle-judging, as well as carnival rides, sideshow alley games, and fireworks. Visitors can also browse the farmer's market, watch cooking demonstrations, and sample locally made cheeses and wines. The highlight of the show is the Grand Parade, where local farmers and their prize-winning animals march through the streets of Ranelagh.

Taste of the Huon
The Taste of the Huon is a two-day food and wine festival held annually in March. The festival showcases the region's finest produce, including apples, cherries, oysters, salmon, and cheeses, as well as wines from the local vineyards. Visitors can taste a broad range of dishes and beverages while enjoying live music and cooking demonstrations from some of Tasmania's best chefs. The festival also features a family-friendly area with petting zoos, face painting, and pony rides.

Cygnet Folk Festival
The Cygnet Folk Festival is an annual three-day event that takes place in January and celebrates the music, dance, and storytelling traditions of Tasmania and beyond. The festival features over 100 acts on six stages, ranging from traditional folk and Celtic music to blues, jazz, and world music. Visitors can also participate in workshops on everything from songwriting and storytelling to dance and instrument-making. The festival is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities for children, including a kids' concert and a "minstrels' parade" where they can dress up and join in the musical fun.

Hobart Summer Festival
While not technically located in the Huon Valley, the Hobart Summer Festival is only an hour's drive away and is well worth a visit. Held annually in January, the festival is a celebration of Hobart's vibrant arts and culture scene and features a range of events, including music, theatre, comedy, cinema, and visual arts. Visitors can attend outdoor screenings, street performances, and art exhibitions throughout the city. The highlight of the festival is the Taste of Tasmania, where visitors can sample some of Tasmania's finest food and drink while enjoying live music and entertainment on Hobart's waterfront.

the Huon Valley and its surrounding areas are home to a variety of nationally or globally recognised annual events that celebrate the region's unique history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in wassailing, agricultural shows, food and wine festivals, folk music, or arts and culture, there is something for everyone in the Huon Valley.