Starting on Feb. 23rd, punters will be heading south to Stanthorpe to attend the Apple & Grape Harvest Festival. In this post, we share with you a complete guide on what will keep you busy throughout the festival, ending March 4th (10 days). The biennial event is one of Queensland’s longest-running festivals.

The Granite Belt Region is renowned for its produce and booming wine industry – so what a perfect way to experience all it has to offer.

Friday, Feb 23:

If you’re travelling to Stanthorpe from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, don’t worry too much about arriving early. The festival kicks-off as the street lights are turned on and the evening will be filled with music, markets & entertainment.

Saturday, Feb 24:

Guests are in for a musical treat, with the South East Queensland Regional Finals of The Australian National Busking Championship taking place. You’ll find buskers lining the street during the day, culminating in the park in the evening. It’s also the first day for Stanthorpe’s Open Garden.

Visitors can also enjoy a wonderful Wine Masterclass with Mike Hayers. Alternatively, if you love golf, the festival features a special golf tournament called the Apple & Grape Cup.

Sunday, Feb 25:

Enjoy a special lunch at the “Banchetto Italiano: Celebrating Italian Culture on the Granite Belt” which will extend into an afternoon filled with food, wine, fun and entertainment.

You can also stay active at the festival, with That Dam Ride and The Summit Lawn Bowls Apple & Grape Triples Carnival. Following on from the Saturday events, you can also opt to take a Wine Masterclass or stroll through the Open Gardens.

From 5 to 7pm, it’s time to give thanks to this year’s harvest – presented by the Combined Churches of Stanthorpe. The Harvest Thanksgiving Service will be held at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre.

Monday, Feb 26:

This “free day” will give you time to explore and enjoy the regions’ wineries and other produce on offer. It’s also the day the Apple Pie Competition entries are due.

Tuesday, Feb 27:

Make sure to see the “Brass, Pipe, Swing, String & Sing” concert featuring The String Family, the RSL Pipe Band, the RSL Brass Band & Stanthorpe’s new Swing Band – think of Tuesday as the music day!

Wednesday, Feb 28:

The town will be filled with art on Wednesday, with an amazing chalk artist working in front of the Post Office and many shops vying for the Decorated Windows Competition. There is also another Wine Masterclass, the Open Gardens and a golf day on offer.

Thursday, Mar 1:

It’s Apple Day! There will be apple competitions galore and the winners of the Apple Pie Competition will be announced. The chalk artist will reveal her complete masterpiece today and there’s yet another chance to learn all about wine with Mike Hayes in the Wine Masterclass, the Open Gardens and golf.

Friday, Mar 2:

Get your dancing shoes on for the Black Toyota Gala Ball which will feature the bands Bassline and Lets Dance Band. Again, there will be a Wine Masterclass & the Gardens will be open.

Saturday, Mar 3:

This will be the biggest day of the festival so it you only have a couple of days to join festivities make sure this is one of them! The entire main street will be closed off for the Rebel/The Breeze Street Carnival all day, and the Channel 7 Grand Parade will be held at 2pm.

You can also join the Heritage Bank Multicultural Carnival & Wine Fiesta in Weeroona Park which will be filled with music, wine & delicious food.

Be sure to check out the artists performing in the park and down the street throughout the day (and the rest of the weekend).

Have a bit of messy fun with the Border Post Celebrity Grape Crush or join the Power Tynan Mt Marlay Fun Run.

The Market in the Mountains will also be on both Saturday & Sunday, and the Rodeo will be held at the Showgrounds. On top of this, several local gardens will be open.

The evening finishes with the Fireworks Spectacular by the creek.

Sunday, Mar 4:

To close festivities, start your day with the Big Bush Breakfast at the Stanthorpe Museum.

The Heritage Bank Multicultural Carnival & Wine Fiesta in Weeroona Park will continue until 7pm.

The Market in the Mountains will continue. It’s also your last chance to get to a Wine Masterclass, and see the gardens.

And don’t forget! Fruits and vegetables from the region will be on sale at the Uniting Church, giving you a chance to stock up before heading home.

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