The Hills Shire's signature Orange Blossom Festival is back – bigger and better than ever with the return of old favourites and the addition of a new one.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the OBF Parade at Rouse Hill Town Centre was back, alongside food and wine event Taste of Wisemans and a month-long light show to kick off celebrations with Echoes at Bella Vista Farm.
"Each year, Orange Blossom Festival pays homage to our region's roots while celebrating who we are as a community today," Mayor Byrne said.
"OBF began as a garden competition and later grew to include a much-loved parade down Old Northern Road, Castle Hill. This year's rendition includes a parade at Rouse Hill Town Centre that will feature community groups and floats as well as the Cocomelon Dance-Along and a meet and greet with everyone's favourite yellow mischief makers – the Minions.
"I'm very excited to see a Taste of Wisemans return to OBF after last year's extremely successful inaugural event, which saw over 2,000 attendees. Join us on the banks of the Hawkesbury River to support local businesses, including wineries, distilleries, orchards, bakeries and more, while enjoying live music and free family friendly activities.
"We're blessed to have some fantastic community groups here in The Hills who will be running associated OBF events, such as the Garden Competition, Kenthurst Fair, and more.
"We also recently announced the new Echoes – Luna Light Journeys event, which is a month-long activation that will see Bella Vista Farm reimagined through light and sound for the first time in partnership with Laservision. It's shaping up to be the best Orange Blossom Festival yet."
Orange Blossom Festival acknowledges The Hills Shire's origins as a major citrus producing region in the 1800s and the first commercial provider of oranges.
For more information about OBF events, visit: www.orangeblossomfestival.com.au
ORANGE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 2025
ECHOES – LUNA LIGHT JOURNEY
WHAT: Explore the history of The Hills through light and sound at Echoes Bella Vista Farm.
WHEN: Nightly, Friday 5 September – Monday 6 October
SESSIONS: Entry times are every 15 minutes from 6:15pm | We recommend allowing 45 minutes to 1.25 hours to explore the show.
WHERE: Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
TICKET PRICES: Adults: $17.50 | Children (3 – 17 years): $12.50 | Family (2 adults and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids): $49 | Infants (aged 2 and under): FREE
To purchase tickets, visit: www.echoesbellavista.com.au
OBF PARADE
WHAT: Parade down Main Street featuring local performance groups, community groups and floats. Activities will include FREE face painting, gardening workshops and a photobooth. The Secret Garden will be available for neurodivergent attendees who need a quiet place to retreat to during the event.
WHEN: 11am – 4pm Saturday 13 September
WHERE: Rouse Hill Town Centre
A TASTE OF WISEMANS
WHAT: Sample delicacies from local producers and businesses and enjoy live entertainment and free family-friendly activities.
WHEN: 10am – 3pm Sunday 28 September
WHERE: Wisemans Ferry Park