Spring in the Blue Mountains: Blooms, Big Weekends & Beautiful Adventures
- Annette Blake
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Discover the Best of Spring: Events, Nature, and Wellness Escapes in the Blue Mountains
Spring has officially sprung in the Blue Mountains, and with it comes a burst of colour, adventure, and opportunity! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to visit, this is your sign: the October long weekend is now OPEN for individual bookings at No.14 Lovel St! (Or, for one lucky group, snag a last-minute full house booking—be quick, this is our Friyay deal of the week!).
What’s On: Festivals galore!
Katoomba and Leura host a vibrant day dedicated to sustainable living, with hands-on workshops, inspiring talks, market stalls, a shopping trail, and live events that champion eco-friendly choices and local creativity. Explore vintage finds, support local businesses, and join in the fun by donning your best vintage, pre-loved, or upcycled outfit for a chance to win prizes—all while connecting with our community and celebrating sustainability in style.
This September, Mount Victoria is set to dazzle as BAZfest transforms the village into a vibrant, cinematic playground inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s legendary Red Curtain Trilogy—Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, and Moulin Rouge!. More than just a film festival, BAZfest is an immersive celebration where the entire community gets involved: shopfronts become film sets, menus take on theatrical flair, and the streets come alive with music, fashion, and performance. Whether you’re a movie lover, a local, or simply seeking a weekend of joy and spectacle in the Blue Mountains, BAZfest promises a weekend where everyone is invited to join the cast and soak up the magic.
Go further after exploring BazFest and enjoy the Oberon Spring Festival. Oberon bursts into life this season with Terra Firma Dining, hands-on creative workshops, live music, artisan markets, blooming spring gardens, and the much-anticipated return of the beloved Daffodil Parade—offering a fresh, vibrant take on the town’s classic charm..
🐣 Springwood Spring Festival: 20 September
Celebrate the vibrant heritage of Springwood as the village comes alive for its annual Spring Festival. This much-loved event draws thousands, highlighting the unique spirit and evolving character of the town. As a not-for-profit festival, every dollar raised directly supports the local community.
🎸Downunder Cigar Box Festival: 20 September
Take a day trip from No.14 and see Portland come alive with the Downunder Cigar Box Festival—Australia’s first-ever national celebration of the cigar box guitar—welcoming interstate and international musicians for two days of gritty, foot-stomping, homemade music, promising a truly unforgettable and energetic musical experience.
🪄 Katoomba Spring Equinox Festival: 27 September
Katoomba will come alive with a vibrant Spring Equinox Street Party. The lower half of Katoomba Street will be closed to traffic and transformed with lively stalls, music, dance performances, and family-friendly activities—a wonderful celebration of community spirit and creativity. This special event sets the stage for the much-anticipated return of the full Winter Magic Street Parade in 2026.
🌸 The October long weekend (3-6 October) isn’t just about extra time off—it’s also the grand finale of the Leura Gardens Festival and the fabulous Leura Fair! Wander through stunning open gardens, then enjoy local markets, food stalls and entertainment in the heart of Leura. It’s one of the most vibrant weekends of the year, and a must for garden lovers and festival market fans alike.
Spring Jazz in the Garden returns to the Norman Lindsay Gallery for another vibrant day of live music with George Washing Machine and friends, lively dance performances, and a showcase of local flavours—featuring tastings from both large and boutique wineries, craft brewers, cider makers, and regional food producers, all set in the gallery’s picturesque gardens.
🍻 Oktoberfest: 18 & 25 October
Bootlegger Bar is donning their lederhosen on 18 October. Enjoy free entry (bookings recommended) to an evening of Oktoberfest fun, with themed drink specials, German-inspired food, and a lively Best Dressed Competition. Don your best Oktoberfest costume, raise a stein, and join in for a memorable night of great food, drinks, and festive spirit.
Oktoberfest at The Carrington Hotel on 25 October is promising to be its biggest celebration yet with live music, dancing, and authentic German fare. Enjoy local bands, bratwurst and pretzels, souvenir steins, and a wide range of German beers—including a special brew from Katoomba Brewing Co.—all set in the lively atmosphere of a historic hotel. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, it’s a day of fun and vibrant festival spirit not to be missed,
Lithgow’s iconic Halloween celebration is now in its 12th year, and 2025 is set to be the most memorable yet! What began as a one-day street party has now evolved into a week-long festival filled with music, cultural experiences, food, film, and spooky fun.
The Hartley Valley Garden Festival promises a weekend of inspiration and beauty for garden lovers. Explore some of the region’s most stunning gardens, including Wild Meadows, Highfields, Hartvale, and the Gory’u Japanese Garden, while enjoying plant stalls, art and craft, guest speakers, delicious food and drinks, bee talks, and tastings. With something for everyone, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate spring in the Hartley Valley.
(sorry - we're already fully booked for a writers weekend 🫤)
The Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival returns for three inspiring days, inviting readers and writers to immerse themselves in a celebration of ideas, creativity, and connection. This year’s theme, “a path to wonder,” encourages audiences to engage with literature and the world around them with curiosity and an open mind—offering a vibrant program featuring Australia’s most thought-provoking voices and countless opportunities for reflection, discovery, and new perspectives.
Side note: our sister business Out of the Bllue - Blue Mountains Guidebook & Experiences is proud to be sponsoring Bryan Brown's event at the Festival!
The Lyrebird Festival returns with a vibrant celebration of music, art, food, wine, and nature. Presented by the Bowerbird Collective with support from Lot 101, this unique event blends world-class performances, local culinary delights, and inspiring talks and walks, with a standout line-up including Seckou Keita, James Crabb, Emily Granger, Claire Edwardes, Andrew Blanch, The Bowerbird Collective, and Jane Sheldon’s ‘Sonic Blossom’ installation.
Spring into Adventure
Spring in the Mountains means adventure is back in full swing. Empress Canyon is calling all thrill-seekers, with the iconic waterfall abseil making for an unforgettable experience.
Charles Darwin Walk has reopened in full, so you can pick up the Grand Cliff Top Walk just near Wentworth Falls village / train station and set off on as much or as little of the full 19km to Scenic World that you like. Top tip: get us to pick up your bags and either have them back at No.14 Lovel St (the perfect midpoint accommodation for one or two nights to do the GCTW 😉) for you, or store them at Blue Mountains Bag Storage for you to collect later.
Spring Clean Your Soul: Wellness & ReYOUventation
Need a reset? There’s no better place for a personal Spring clean than the Blue Mountains. After a day of walking in the fresh air, treat yourself to a massage or a relaxing sauna session. The beautiful spring weather and longer days mean you can fit even more wellness (and adventure!) into your visit. Pictured is the new Japanese style bathhouse Aqua Ignus in Blackheath. Follow Out of the Blue on Instagram or Facebook for more local gems.
Flower Fervour
Prefer something a little more tranquil? The blossoms are already blanketing the region. As well as the Leura Gardens Festival, flower fans will be in heaven exploring the gardens of Mt Wilson and Wildwood Garden in Bilpin—perfect day trips, especially when paired with an Out of the Blue private tour for a hassle-free, scenic escape.
Closer to home, don’t miss the Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath, which are absolutely spectacular from late September through early November. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, a photo session, or simply soaking up the Spring sunshine.
Markets
Spring dates: 21 September, 19 October, 16 November
The Magpie Up Style Market is what all great markets should be - a mixture of unusual, handmade clothing, jewellery, artwork, woodwork, vintage, retro, collectables, and food.
Love Local Makers Market: 30 November
The Love Local Makers Market in Springwood showcases contemporary handmade wares from Blue Mountains artists and producers, offering visitors the chance to browse unique crafts, enjoy coffee and treats, and take in live entertainment and demonstrations—all in a relaxed, community setting.
Farmers markets
Lot 101 Farmgate Market: every Saturday
Blackheath Growers Market dates: 14 September, 12 October, 9 November
Springwood Growers Market dates: 28 September, 26 October, 23 November
Farmers markets are a beloved part of Blue Mountains life, offering a direct connection to the region’s freshest produce and local makers. The Blackheath Growers Market has been supporting local and regional growers for over 20 years, while Springwood Growers Market is another favourite for picking up everything from crisp fruit and veg to tasty treats. For something truly special, the Megalong Valley Tearooms hosts the Lot 101 Farmgate Market every Saturday morning, where you’ll find just-picked veggies and herbs from the gardens next door, alongside freshly baked breads, eggs, honey, jams, and other local delights. Whether you’re stocking up for a meal in No.14’s kitchen or simply enjoying a wander, these markets are a wonderful way to experience the flavours and friendly spirit of the mountains.
Travel Light: Bag Storage & Private Tours
We make your stay easy and carefree. Blue Mountains Bag Storage is open to everyone, but we do have special rates for No.14 guests—and best of all, it’s FREE all day from 9am on your check-in day! Drop your bags, hit the trails, and make the most of every minute.
Want another way to go further and take the hassle out of exploring? Ask us about Out of the Blue private transport and tours are here to help you maximise your spring adventure—saving you time and letting you focus on the fun.
Insider Perks: Weekly Deals Just for You
Not on our Insiders list yet? Now’s the perfect time to join! Subscribers get exclusive weekly special offers and discounts—think early access to deals like the October long weekend and more. Don’t miss out on the best value in the Mountains. Click here to join.
Ready for your Spring escape?
With so much on, you'll want to plan a few visits! Book now so you don't miss out. And don’t forget to subscribe to our Insiders list for more exclusive deals, every week.
Rooms for the October long weekend are limited—book now to secure your spot, or gather your crew for that one last full-house getaway.
Sign up to our Insiders list for weekly special deals!
P.S. Christmas and Summer holidays are just around the corner! If you’re dreaming of a full house getaway with family or friends, now’s the time to book. These dates fill fast—secure your summer spot at No.14 Lovel St before it’s too late.
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