What's Happening In Hills This September: OBF Edition

A child in front of blue light show

From glowing nights to foodie delights, experience the magic of spring in full bloom at this year's Orange Blossom Festival, featuring three headline events alongside a vibrant lineup of community-run activities.

Each September, The Hills community comes together to celebrate the region's rich citrus-growing heritage, dating back to the 1800s, with a mix of lively events and activities for everyone to enjoy.

Here's our guide on how to squeeze the most out of the 2025 Orange Blossom Festival:

Immerse yourself in echoes of the past and lights of the future

Friday, 5 September to Monday, 6 October

Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista

Echoes - Luna Light Journey will transform Bella Vista Farm into a dazzling display of colour, light, and multi-sensory experiences after dark. Explore the glowing convict road, stroll through fluorescent flower fields, and witness the stargazing stories of the Dharug People and early settlers. Bring the whole family and grab dinner at one of the on-site food trucks.

Low sensory sessions with smaller crowds and lower-intensity light displays are also available.

Get your tickets now

People walking through a jungle at night with neon lights

Meet the Minions and Dance-along with Cocomelon at the OBF Parade

Saturday, 13 September | 11am to 4pm

Rouse Hill Town Centre, Rouse Hill

Get ready for a day filled with colour, music, and community spirit at Rouse Hill Town Centre. Join the Cocomelon Dance-Along, mingle with the Minions, and cheer on a dazzling parade of community groups, floats, and performers. Take part in free gardening workshops, face painting, and photobooth fun. There will also be a Secret Garden space available for neurodivergent attendees seeking a quiet retreat.

A group of people in orange shirts waving at the camera

Grab your picnic mat and join us for A Taste of Wisemans

Sunday, 28 September | 10am to 3pm

Wisemans Ferry Park, Wisemans Ferry

Bigger, brighter, and bursting with flavour – A Taste of Wisemans returns for its second year. Soak up the scenery of the Rural North while sampling delicious delicacies from local producers and businesses, including wineries, distilleries, orchards, and more. Enjoy a laid-back day of acoustic performances, free face painting, interactive art activities, a petting zoo, and family-friendly fun.

A group of people posing for a photo at an outdoor market

Associated events:

Bonsai Society of Australia Annual Show

Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September | 10am to 4pm (Fri/Sat) & 10am to 3pm (Sun)

Harvey Lowe Pavillion, Castle Hill

View stunning bonsai trees showcased by the Bonsai Society of Australia Club, where every tree tells a story of patience and precision. Enjoy captivating live demonstrations by leading Australian bonsai artists on Saturday and Sunday.

Run for The Hills

Sunday, 7 September | 8am to 3pm

Bella Vista Farm, Bella Vista

Run, don't walk to sign up for Run for The Hills. Choose your distance and enjoy a fun, inclusive run through the historic Bella Vista Farm. After the race, stick around for community markets, local food, and entertainment. Help Castle Hill Rotary go the distance to raise $100,000 for local Hills charities.

Two people in tutus running in a race

Orange Blossom Festival Annual Art Awards

Friday 12 to Sunday 14 September | 9am to 4pm

Castle Glen Community Centre, Castle Hill

If you want to brush up on your painting skills, stroke your creativity, or draw inspiration from live demonstrations, there's a canvas of opportunities waiting at the OBF Annual Art Awards. The exhibition showcases incredible artworks in oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels, and drawing.

Friends of The Hills Library Pop-Up Book Collection and Sale

Saturday, 13 & 20 September | 9:30am to 3pm

Castle Hill Library, Castle Hill

Got books to spare? Donate your pre-loved reads on Saturday 13th to be sold at the Pop-Up Book Sale on Saturday 20th. Every book helps build a brighter future for The Hills Shire Library Service. Since 1994, Friends of The Hills Library have raised over $195,000 – let's help them raise even more this September!

Kenthurst Fair

Sunday, 14 September | 10am to 3pm

John Benyon Rotary Park, Kenthurst

Get ready for a fair-tastic time at the Kenthurst Fair. Watch the vibrant street parade featuring bands, schools, cars, and community groups, enjoy the stage entertainment, savour delicious treats, and explore a variety of stalls.

An older couple and a clown at an outdoor event

Emergency Expo with NSW SES

Sunday, 14 September | 10am to 5pm

Castle Hill Showground, Castle Hill

Get ready to fire up your safety skills at the Emergency Expo. Chat with first responders and learn how to tackle any situation with confidence. Don't get caught off guard – emergencies don't come with instructions.

The Hills Young Musicians Contest 2025

Saturday, 14 September | 7pm to 9pm

Baulkham Hills High School, Baulkham Hills

Tune into The Hills Young Musicians Contest for an unmissable night of talent. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to bring their musical talent and potential to the stage.

Sydney Hills Garden Competition

Monday, 15 September to Friday, 26 September

Grab your gardening gloves and spade – it's thyme to dig into some fun this September. Garden enthusiasts can branch out by showcasing their beautiful gardens and root for a chance to win big in the Gardening Competition. Judging runs from 15–19 September, wrapping up with a blooming celebration at the Awards Night on 26 September.

A garden with flowers and shrubs in front of a white fence

Soroptimists International of The Hills Public Speaking Competition

Saturday, 20 September | 1pm to 5pm

Vinegar Hill Memorial Community Centre, Rouse Hill

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or trying public speaking for the first time, this is a fantastic opportunity to step up to the mic, find your voice, and shine on stage. Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating youth leadership and the power of words.

Jazz at The Pines

Sunday, 21 September | 12:30pm to 3:30pm

The Pines Roughley House, Dural

Jazz up your September and join us for an afternoon of smooth melodies, live entertainment, and laid-back vibes on the historic grounds of 'The Pines' Roughley House. Brought to you by the Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville, this event blends soulful tunes, rich history, and community spirit.

Trumpet performance at Jazz at The Pines

Hills Community Aid – Spring Family Fun Day

Tuesday, 30 September | 10am to 1pm

Balcombe Heights Estate, Baulkham Hills

Make the most of the school holidays with Hills Community Aid's Family Fun Day – a free, action-packed day of activities for all ages. Designed to support families with affordable entertainment, this event creates a welcoming space where kids and youth can connect, play, and make new friends.

The Hills Orange Blossom Festival Concert

Tuesday, 30 September | 7pm to 9pm

Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill

Listen to the classical symphonies of Beethoven performed by the Western Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Experience the timeless power and emotion of his masterpieces brought to life by talented musicians.

For more information on this year's Orange Blossom Festival events, visit the Orange Blossom Festival website

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