Horizontal Festival: A new celebration in Southern Highlands near Sydney

This debut event, taking place at the stunning Centennial Vineyards in Bowral on 4–5 October 2025, promises to be a feast for the senses, blending food, wine, art, music, and culture into an unforgettable experience.

Tickets for New South Wales’ most anticipated new festival, the Horizontal Festival, are set to go on sale on Monday, 14 July 2025, via Ticketmaster. This debut event, taking place at the stunning Centennial Vineyards in Bowral on 4–5 October 2025, promises to be a feast for the senses, blending food, wine, art, music, and culture into an unforgettable experience.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Southern Highlands, the Horizontal Festival is far more than a traditional food and wine event. It’s a unique fusion of concert, degustation menu, art exhibition, and tasting extravaganza, offering guests a curated journey through the very best of New South Wales’ regional produce. Over two days, attendees will indulge in world-class wine, craft beer, and cocktails, paired with exceptional local cuisine, art, and live performances.

A Festival of Choice: Day or Night

The festival features two daily sessions, allowing guests to tailor their experience. Day sessions run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere, while evening sessions, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm, provide a more enchanting and intimate setting. Each four-hour session invites attendees to immerse themselves in the flavours, sights, and sounds of a thriving community of makers, producers, and creatives.

Tickets and Experiences

General Admission tickets are priced at $59 per person, granting access to the festival grounds, live music, captivating art installations, and complimentary wine and cheese tastings. Guests will also receive a take-home festival glass and the opportunity to meet and interact with New South Wales’ finest producers and artisans. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, Platinum packages will be available from late July, offering premium benefits and access.

Once inside, festival-goers can explore a series of themed zones, each designed to delight the senses:

  • The Sparkling Bar: A serene, minimalist space featuring classical music, sparkling wines, oysters, high tea, and rare delicacies.
  • The Vineyard: An Italian-inspired haven with upbeat music, white wines, antipasto, and artisan showcases.
  • The Rosé Room: The festival’s masterclass hub, perfect for learning and tasting.
  • The Barrel Room: A cosy retreat offering red wines and sweet pairings.
  • The Hops Garden and Orchard: A lively outdoor area with craft brews, distillers, gourmet food trucks, and the main concert stage.

Culinary Delights and Local Produce

Guests will have the freedom to purchase a wide array of culinary delights, from freshly shucked oysters to hearty meals crafted by gourmet food trucks and local chefs. Additionally, visitors can browse and buy produce from local agritourism providers or simply relax on the lawn with a craft beer or cocktail while enjoying live performances.

Getting There

Reaching the festival is simple and convenient. Onsite parking is available for $30 per vehicle, or attendees can opt for a shuttle bus service from Bowral Railway Station.

A Boost for the Southern Highlands

Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick of Wingecarribee Shire Council expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating:
“Events like the Horizontal Festival are exactly the kind of activity we want in the Highlands. They bring people into our towns, support local jobs, and put a spotlight on the producers and creatives who make this region special. It’s a smart way to grow our visitor economy and celebrate what we do best.”

Festival Creator and Founder Amanda Fry added:
“Events have evolved beyond what’s on stage or on the plate—people are craving unforgettable, immersive experiences that engage all the senses. I designed Horizontal Festival to put the guest at the heart of the action from the moment they enter the event. Every space offers a multi-faceted experience because I want people to walk away having been part of something fresh, new, and exciting.”

“With tickets now on sale, I’m thrilled to invite everyone to be part of this unique celebration. For the price of admission, guests will enjoy access to an incredible range of tastings, performances, and curated spaces—delivering exceptional value and memories that will last long after the festival ends.”

Festival Details

  • Where: Centennial Vineyards, Bowral, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
  • When: Saturday 4 October – Sunday 5 October 2025
  • Session Times:
    • Day: 12:00pm – 4:00pm
    • Evening: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
  • Ticket Price: $59 General Admission. Platinum packages to be released late July.

Proudly supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the Horizontal Festival is set to be a landmark event, celebrating the best of the Southern Highlands and beyond.

Tickets for New South Wales’ most anticipated new festival, the Horizontal Festival, debuting at Centennial Vineyards in the Southern Highlands on 4–5 October 2025, will go on sale on Monday 14 July  at tickemaster.com.au.