How good are road trips? Here’s another one for you. Round up the gang – a brand-new food, wine and music festival is going down this October at Bowral’s ridiculously pretty Centennial Vineyards. And the best bit? It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney – making Horizontal Festival perfect for a weekend getaway. The Southern Highlands’ best producers, distillers, creators, artists, DJs and more will be out in full force for a killer two-day celebration of food, wine, art, music and culture, all surrounded by ’gram-worthy vines.
The festival will be broken up into different sensory zones – so you can wander, sip, snack, dance and experience as you please. There’s the ‘Sparkling Bar’ featuring classical music, freshly shucked oysters, truffles and sparkling vino. Other highlights include the ‘Cheese Den’, where you can feast on sweet, salty, hard and soft fromage; the ‘Hops Garden and Concert Stage’, where you’ll go for a boogie (with headliners to be announced soon), burgers and local drops; and the ‘Barrel Room’ – a red wine haven with jazz and New Orleans energy. Plus loads more.
RELATED READ: Old-world charm meets a breath of fresh country air at this Bowral stay.
Horizontal Festival is going down on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. Day sessions run from noon to 4pm, while evening sessions take place from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost $59 per person and include entry to the festival, all musical acts, wine and cheese tastings, a take-home festival glass and other festival happenings – like meeting some of NSW’s best producers.
Horizontal Festival founder Amanda Fry says: “Events have evolved beyond what’s on stage or on the plate – people are craving unforgettable, immersive experiences that engage all the senses.
“By blending the very best of NSW’s food, music, wine and art in creatively curated spaces, we’re setting a new standard for what a festival can be – a festival that truly puts the customer experience first.
“Horizontal Festival is a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship found right here in the Southern Highlands and across New South Wales. We want every guest to walk away feeling inspired, engaged and part of a vibrant community – and planning their next trip to meet the makers in their home towns,” Fry adds.
Buses will be running to and from the festival grounds to Bowral, or if you wanna drive, there’s parking available – but you’ll need to book it in advance.
Tickets to Horizontal Festival are on sale now. Snap yours up here.