The Blue Mountains are welcoming autumn with a month-long celebration that promises to be a feast for the senses. Art, entertainment, fireside storytelling, outdoor adventures, live music and a lot more are on the cards. Plus a glamourous masquerade ball, workshops, stargazing and heaps of foodie events will also make an appearance. Spanning the entire Blue Mountains region over four weekends between March 10 – April 2, these free as well as ticketed experiences are guaranteed to draw the crowds. The festival coincides with the equinox with a new celebration of the senses as we usher in a new season.
Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses
Festivities begin on March 10 with Stories by the Fire at Kyah Boutique Hotel in Blackheath followed by the stargazing event Equinox Under the Stars on March 11 at the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre.
Other festival highlights include a traditional high tea dubbed ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ at Bygone Beautys, Leura, each Saturday and Sunday where you’re encouraged to dress for the occasion. Go on a walking tour of Mount Victoria on March 25 and learn all about the rich history of the village or vibe to live folk and blues across a number of venues in Katoomba from March 17-19. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts should have Scenic World Nocturnal on their radar where the world’s steepest train will ride into the Jamison Valley for two nights only.
The Equinox Masquerade Ball will pop up in Carrington Hotel on March 25 with flamenco dancing, a three-course dinner and entertainment plus Balkan gypsy and Romani beats. Dress in your best for this opulent event and add all the carnival elements to go with the theme.
Come April, Equinox dials it up to eleven with feasts, long lunches, antique fairs, brunches, candlelight dinners and so much more. The month kicks off with a huge celebration of Middle Eastern culture with a Lebanese feast at Boilerhouse Restaurant on April 1 complete with dancers and fire breathers performing gainst sweeping views over the Megalong Valley.
Watch out for Equinox Sunset Sessions at Bar NSW every Saturday, where you can take in stunning views as the sun sets over the Jamison Valley and enjoy live music with it. Plus a Spanish-inspired event of music and flamenco dance hits the Palais Royale Hotel in Katoomba on April 1.
There’s a lot more on the cards including e-bike tours, guided bushwalks, ghost tours with Blue Mountains Mystery Tours and the Blue Mountains Flavours Festival. Get out of town as the weather gets cooler and start filling out your calendar with these excellent events. Head here for the jam-packed program.