Across the New England region, the Easter long weekend is shaping up to be a vibrant, region-wide celebration, with everything from major festivals and markets to live music, car rallies and relaxed country gatherings on offer.
Leading the calendar is Tenterfield’s flagship Autumn Festival, running from April 3–6 and anchoring Easter in the Northern Tablelands. The four-day event transforms the historic town into a hub of colour and activity, celebrating the season with a packed program of markets, live music and family-friendly experiences.
This year’s program spans everything from open gardens showcasing the region’s famed autumn foliage to heritage experiences like Stannum House tours and Cobb & Co coach rides. Visitors can wander the popular Jubilee Park markets, explore the hay bale and art trail, or enjoy hands-on workshops and exhibitions across town.
Easter Saturday is a particular highlight, with a full day of activity followed by the much-loved Eat Street event, bringing together food vans, live music, kids’ entertainment and fire pits into the evening. The festival also features concerts, a fashion parade, vintage car displays and even kite flying competitions, reinforcing its reputation as one of the region’s most diverse and family-friendly events.
Elsewhere, Tamworth and surrounds are delivering a lively long weekend program of its own. The Woolomin Easter Long Weekend Markets offer a classic country market experience, while venues like the Peel Inn Hotel and the Courthouse Hotel are hosting Easter celebrations with live music and food. Adding a unique edge, the Volvo National Rally will roll into town, drawing car enthusiasts and creating a buzz across the city.
In nearby Uralla, the Uralla High Country Markets on Sunday, April 5 will once again showcase local produce, handmade goods and the village’s signature charm — a perfect stop for those exploring the region over the weekend.
Further north-west, Bingara’s Easter Market on Sunday (10am–2pm) promises a relaxed, family-friendly day out, complete with artisan stalls, live music, food, kids’ activities and even an open mic session. It’s a quintessential small-town Easter gathering, with a strong community focus and support for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Across the plains, Moree and Narrabri round out the offering with their own mix of markets and community events. The Narrabri Rotary Markets continue to be a staple, offering fresh produce, local goods and a chance to connect with the region’s agricultural heart, while events across the Moree Plains region complement its well-known attractions, including the artesian baths. Meanwhile, the Amaroo Tavern will once again deliver their popular Easter Family fun day on Saturday from 12pm.
For Walcha families looking for a fun-filled Easter Saturday, Ingelba Hall is hosting its Easter Cup Day on April 4, starting at 11am. Guests are encouraged to bring their own inflatable costumes and enjoy a lively day of face painting, egg hunts, novelty races, raffles, and a BBQ lunch, with coffee available to go. It’s a cash-only event designed for all ages, promising plenty of laughs and festive fun in a relaxed community setting.
Easter in the New England region is less about a single headline event and more about the collective energy across its towns. From the large-scale festivities of Tenterfield to the laid-back charm of Bingara and Uralla, the long weekend offers something for every pace and interest.
Whether it’s browsing markets, enjoying live music, exploring heritage sites or simply soaking up the crisp autumn air, the New England region once again delivers a rich and varied Easter experience, one that invites visitors to slow down, explore and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.