Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival

Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is a biennial celebration of local food and wine. Next fe

Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival - The 2022 festival will be held 23 February - 3 March (main weekend 2 & 3 March). The festival is held every two years, on even numbered years.

As our local schools get ready to wrap up for the Easter holidays, we thought it was the perfect time to give a big shou...
31/03/2026

As our local schools get ready to wrap up for the Easter holidays, we thought it was the perfect time to give a big shout out to the winners of the School Section in the Grand Parade.

There were some seriously epic floats this year, all bringing the colour, creativity and a whole lot of fun to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival.

A huge congratulations to Greenlands State School who took out the win 👏

Such an incredible effort by the students, teachers and everyone involved behind the scenes. The time, energy and creativity that goes into these floats never goes unnoticed.

What an incredible group of young leaders we’ve had represent the festival this year.Festival Ambassador (Pursehouse Rur...
29/03/2026

What an incredible group of young leaders we’ve had represent the festival this year.

Festival Ambassador (Pursehouse Rural)
Rylee Vedelago

Fundraising Ambassador (Granite Belt Growers Association)
Brianna Fairbank

Ambassador’s Choice (Stanthorpe Rotary Club)
Tessa Pascoe

Alongside our winners, we also recognise our outstanding entrants who have been part of this journey:
✨ Ashley Wren, proudly sponsored by the Stanthorpe SES Support Group
✨ Siena Zanatta, proudly sponsored by the Lions Club of Stanthorpe

Together, this group raised an incredible $113,400.64. A phenomenal effort that speaks volumes about their dedication, passion and commitment to community.

But behind every ambassador is a support network that helps them grow.

To our Ambassador Family, thank you for the role you play in shaping these young people. From building confidence and public speaking skills, to supporting them through industry days and every moment in between.

A special thank you to Jordan and Marella for your guidance and ongoing support throughout the program.

And to Samantha, your contribution goes far beyond what’s seen. Your commitment to the ambassadors and the Gala Ball, your time, care and consistency does not go unnoticed. You truly go above and beyond.

This program is about so much more than a title. It is about growth, connection and creating future leaders, and this year’s group has embodied that in every way.

🍇 Balancing Heart Vineyard CELEBRITY GRAPE CRUSH 🍇Well… we put the politicians to the test and let’s just say… there was...
25/03/2026

🍇 Balancing Heart Vineyard CELEBRITY GRAPE CRUSH 🍇

Well… we put the politicians to the test and let’s just say… there was plenty of enthusiasm in the crush pit 😂

A big thank you to Councillor Russell Wantling, David Littleproud MP James Lister MP - Member for Southern Downs and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP for jumping in and having a crack.

Now, was there a clear winner? We can neither confirm or deny.
But rumour has it David might be claiming the title… we’ll let you be the judge 👀

All jokes aside, we’re grateful to have their support behind the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival. It’s this kind of backing that helps keep events like ours going.

If you were ring side for this one who do YOU think took it out?

🍇 THE CELEBRITY GRAPE CRUSH HAS BEEN DECIDED!What an amazing day in the heart of Stanthorpe! The main street was buzzin...
18/03/2026

🍇 THE CELEBRITY GRAPE CRUSH HAS BEEN DECIDED!

What an amazing day in the heart of Stanthorpe! The main street was buzzing with energy, laughter, and a whole lot of purple feet 👣

We are THRILLED to announce that the Celebrity Grape Crush title goes ONCE AGAIN to the one and only Kim McCosker from 4 Ingredients
🏆 Kim, you are in a league of your own!

Of course, it wouldn't be a crush without fierce competition. Massive love and applause for challengers:
👣 David McMahon
🌿 Livio Regano
🥂 Charlotte Caslick
who gave it absolutely everything. Legends, all of them 😂

A huge THANK YOU to our wonderful sponsor Balancing Heart Vineyard for bringing the vineyard vibes straight to the main street 🍇

Thank you to everyone who came out and cheered, but stay tuned for more highlights and results.

🍎🍇 You see the festival… but do you know the people behind it?The ones who built the arches, wore the mascots, ran the l...
15/03/2026

🍎🍇 You see the festival… but do you know the people behind it?

The ones who built the arches, wore the mascots, ran the logistics and gathered the produce that brings the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival to life.

At the Harvest Gala Ball, we proudly inducted several incredible Life Members whose dedication has helped shape this festival for generations.

✨ Helen Gosney
Helen quite literally brought the festival to life. She designed our very first Apple and Grape mascots and proudly wore the Grape costume for more than a decade, even while pregnant. From the much loved Youth Concerts held in the Woolworths and YMCA car parks to directing the Apple and Grape Ball, Helen has been part of the festival’s story for decades. To this day she can still be heard on the microphone spruiking everything there is to see and do across the festival.

✨ Matthew Auliff
The Auliff family name has been connected to the festival for decades. Matthew started helping as a child, selling tickets, running supplies and cleaning up after events. In 1988 he first helped install the iconic festival arches and he has not missed an installation since. Today he proudly leads the crew installing the arches that welcome visitors to Stanthorpe.

✨ Graham Hitchener
Graham began volunteering in 1996 through the local Scouts, helping with the essential behind the scenes jobs that keep events running. He later joined the festival committee as Director of Event Operations, overseeing key elements including traffic control, lighting and infrastructure. Today, through Ensby Electrical, he continues to support the festival by helping ensure the lights and bunting across Stanthorpe shine brightly.

✨ Vic Pennisi
Vic’s connection to the festival stretches back almost as far as the festival itself. From helping build colourful parade floats to once dressing as an ABBA Queen for the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce, he has always been willing to jump in and be part of the fun. Today he can still be found travelling across the region gathering the incredible produce that helps create the festival displays.

✨ Angelo Puglisi
Angelo Puglisi and the Puglisi family have long been proud supporters of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival and the celebration of the Granite Belt’s rich agricultural heritage. Through Ballandean Estate Wines, Angelo has spent more than five decades promoting the region’s wine, agriculture and tourism industries. For many years Angelo has grown a special section of grapes at Ballandean Estate specifically for the Festival’s famous Celebrity Grape Crush, carefully selecting fruit that produces the rich purple stain that has become a signature of the event.

👏 The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival is built on the dedication of volunteers, families and community members who give their time year after year.

Thank you to our Life Members for helping create the festival we celebrate today.

🏃‍♂️🍎🍇 ERGON ENERGY MT MARLAY CHALLENGE 🍇🍎🏃‍♀️What an incredible Sunday morning in Stanthorpe! Can you believe 130 runn...
10/03/2026

🏃‍♂️🍎🍇 ERGON ENERGY MT MARLAY CHALLENGE 🍇🍎🏃‍♀️

What an incredible Sunday morning in Stanthorpe! Can you believe 130 runners took on the legendary Mt Marlay Challenge as part of the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival?

👑 KING OF THE MOUNTAIN – Scott Beesley
👑 QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAIN – Natalie Smith

🎽 10KM PODIUM
🥇 Scott Beesley
🥈 Craig Harbers
🥉 Joshua Carnell

🎽 5KM PODIUM
🥇 Jace Patti
🥈 Jasper Beesley
🥉 Lainey Madders

Massive congratulations to every single one of the 130 runners who laced up and took on the mountain this morning – you absolutely smashed it! 💪

Thank you to Ergon Energy for powering this incredible event. Stanthorpe, you never disappoint! 🌄

And that’s a wrap on the 60th Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival. 🍎🍇What an incredible ten days it has been on th...
08/03/2026

And that’s a wrap on the 60th Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival. 🍎🍇

What an incredible ten days it has been on the Granite Belt, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to celebrate this special milestone with us.

From buskers filling the streets with music, stunning Open Gardens, delicious long lunches and cooking demonstrations, to farm tours, Apple Day, Grape Day and of course the iconic Balancing Heart Vineyard Grape Crush, the 60th anniversary festival delivered colour, flavour and community spirit in true Granite Belt style.

The Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta kept the celebrations flowing all weekend with fantastic wineries, delicious food, live entertainment and plenty of smiling faces enjoying everything our region has to offer.

To our volunteers, sponsors, growers, winemakers, performers, stallholders, ambassadors and the incredible community who bring this festival to life, thank you. And to the thousands who travelled to Stanthorpe to celebrate with us, we hope you loved every moment.

This may be the end of the festival, but it is not the end of the celebrations. Over the coming days we will be sharing more photos, festival moments and special acknowledgements as we reflect on what has been a truly memorable Diamond Jubilee year.

Thank you for being part of it. 🍷

🍷 Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta📍 Weeroona ParkLive Music Lineup🎺 8:45–9:45am – Brass Bands Galore🎶 10:00–11...
08/03/2026

🍷 Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta

📍 Weeroona Park

Live Music Lineup

🎺 8:45–9:45am – Brass Bands Galore
🎶 10:00–11:15am – Anthem
🎸 11:30am–12:45pm – No Relation Band
🎤 1:00–2:15pm – Magic Carpet Ride
🎵 2:30–3:30pm – ’78 Sound
🎷 3:45–5:15pm – Soul’d
🎹 5:30–7:00pm – The Accidentals

🎪 Festival Activities

🎨 Market in the Mountains
Handmade and locally made artisan markets
📍 Civic Centre
⏰ 8am–3pm – FREE

👨‍👩‍👧 Woolworths Kids Zone
📍 Inside the Food & Wine Fiesta at Weeroona Park
⏰ 10am–4pm
Kids free with paying adult Fiesta ticket

🎨 Wall of Fruit Display
📍 Civic Centre
⏰ 10am–3pm – FREE

🎶 Live Performances

🎼 The Musical Quiet Hour – Granite Belt Choir
📍 St Paul’s Anglican Church
⏰ 11:30am–12:30pm – FREE

🍇 Auction of the Wall of Fruit
📍 Civic Centre
⏰ 3:00–3:30pm
Don’t miss your chance to take home a slice of the Granite Belt!

Who is coming down for the last day of the festival?

Wine can wait… runners first. 🏃‍♀️🍇While many festival-goers might be thinking about their first wine of the day, 130 ru...
07/03/2026

Wine can wait… runners first. 🏃‍♀️🍇

While many festival-goers might be thinking about their first wine of the day, 130 runners swapped their wine glasses for running shoes this morning at the Ergon Energy Mt Marlay 5km & 10km Run.

We are incredibly proud to have sold out this year’s event, with runners taking on the beautiful Mt Marlay course bright and early to kick start their Sunday.

A huge congratulations to everyone who laced up and hit the track this morning. What a fantastic way to start the day.

Soon it will be time to trade those runners for a wine glass and head into the Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta for an afternoon of incredible Granite Belt wine, food and live entertainment. 🍷🎶

What a way to start the day at the Stanthorpe Apple & Grape Harvest Festival!

07/03/2026

You can still boogie the night away at the Queensland Country Bank food and wine fiesta but be sure to turn your eyes to the sky at 7.30pm for Lillie's Cubby House Wallangarra Fireworks!!!!

🎪 The Woolworths Kids Zone is bursting with fun at the Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta!Running inside the Fie...
07/03/2026

🎪 The Woolworths Kids Zone is bursting with fun at the Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta!

Running inside the Fiesta at Weeroona Park, the Woolworths Kids Zone transforms the park into a colourful family playground packed with hands-on fun and entertainment for kids of all ages.

Here’s just some of what’s waiting for the little festival goers:

🐐 Cuddle the adorable residents at the Amazing Animals petting zoo
🎨 Get creative with spin art and Woolworths craft activities
✨ Face painting and airbrush tattoos
🎭 Magic, puppets and roaming entertainers
🧪 Street Science demonstrations and slime lab
🏃 Tackle the giant inflatable obstacle course
💎 Hunt for treasure in the gem mining experience

And don’t miss these Kids Zone stage highlights:

🎭 Saturday
⏰ 4:00–4:30pm – Punch & Judy Puppets
⏰ 4:30–5:00pm – Mick The Bush Galah
🎆 7:30pm – Festival Fireworks lighting up the Granite Belt sky

🎪 Sunday
⏰ 10:00–10:30am – Marsupial Madness
⏰ 10:30–11:00am – Magic & Puppets
⏰ 11:30–12:00pm – Scrap The Clown
⏰ 12:00–12:45pm – Singing & Dancing Mini Concert
⏰ 1:00–1:30pm – Tales From The Toybox

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids are FREE with a paying Fiesta adult ticket
📍 Weeroona Park – inside the Queensland Country Bank Food & Wine Fiesta

Bring the family, grab a picnic rug and enjoy a weekend filled with food, wine, live music and plenty of fun for the kids.

Address

20 Maryland Street
Stanthorpe, QLD
4380

Telephone

+61439420289

Website

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