Horizontal Festival 2026

Start: Friday, October 2, 2026 5:30PM
End: Sunday, October 4, 2026 4:00PM

Horizontal Festival returns to the Southern Highlands for its second year across the October long weekend. Designed for those who appreciate the state's best wines, craft beer and spirits, curated into a relaxed yet refined sensory experience. Set amongst the picturesque vineyards of Centennial Vineyards and the surrounds of Bowral’s vineyard country, the festival brings world-class food, wine and culture together in one extraordinary location. The festival also extends beyond the main grounds with satellite events across surrounding venues from 1-5 October, the entire October Long Weekend. Entry to the festival hub at Centennial Vineyards includes tastings as well as Wine & Conversation drop-in tent lead by wine expert Nick Ryan as well as a series of curated tasting circles. New for 2026 is the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage offering a live, immersive free program of conversations and presentations with chefs, producers and makers across the weekend. 2026 also sees the Maldon Salt Culinary Stage. Expect conversations, spontaneous moments, and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft and culture shaping what’s on our plates. For those wanting to go deeper, you can book our hands-on workshops called “Our Food Stories’ led by leading NSW and internationally acclaimed chefs, including Francis Mallmann, who returns to the east coast of Australia for the first time in 15 years. These offer more intimate opportunities to learn from the culinary experts. Other fun favourites this year will include the Battle of the Banger in Berrima before the NRL kick off Sunday night and free entry Jam Exchange and Market on Monday celebrating all things jams, creativity, and a little friendly competition. ?? Centennial Vineyards and surrounds, Southern Highlands NSW