Moree Plains annual events guide

Nestled in the beautiful landscapes of New South Wales, the Moree Plains is a vibrant hub of culture, sport, agriculture, and community spirit. Throughout the year, this dynamic region plays host to an array of incredible annual events that draw thousands of locals and visitors alike. From prestigious outback racing carnivals and premier foodie festivals to community markets and wellness celebrations, there’s always an excuse to pack your bags and experience true country hospitality. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed sporting weekend, a taste of artisanal local produce, or a relaxing day out with the family, this comprehensive guide covers every must-not-miss event on the Moree Plains annual calendar.

 

Western Challenge Knockout – February

• Location: Boughton Oval
• Website: Western Challenge Knockout Facebook

Kickstarting the region’s major events calendar in February, the Western Challenge Knockout stands proud as one of the largest Aboriginal rugby league carnivals in regional Australia. Hosted annually in Moree, this highly anticipated event brings together teams, families, and communities from across both New South Wales and Queensland. Beyond the fierce and high-spirited competition on the field, the carnival serves as a magnificent celebration of sport, culture, and community connection, attracting thousands of passionate players and spectators to the region every year.

Moree Show – April

• Location: Moree Showground
• Website: Moree Show Society

Embracing the rich heritage of the land, the Moree Show in April is a quintessential country experience. This traditional agricultural show proudly highlights the very best of regional life, featuring extensive livestock exhibitions, prestigious equestrian competitions, and impressive local produce displays. Families and visitors can wander through the vibrant sideshow attractions, enjoy live entertainment, and explore cutting-edge displays showcasing the region’s rural industries.

Moree on a Plate – May

• Location: Moree Race Club, Moree
• Website: Moree on a Plate

For food lovers, May brings the region’s premier food and wine festival, Moree on a Plate. As one of the largest visitor events on the Moree Plains calendar, this festival acts as a grand showcase for exceptional local produce, artisan stalls, and boutique regional tipples. Visitors can watch highly anticipated cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, keep the kids entertained with a dedicated range of family activities, and soak up the lively atmosphere with entertainment for all tastes.

Golden Triangle Picnic Races – May-July

• Location: Moree, Mallawa, Talmoi, and Mungindi
• Website: Visit Moree Plains Events

The iconic Golden Triangle is a celebrated outback racing circuit that links three distinct, historic country race meetings across the Moree Plains and its surrounding districts. Highly popular with racing enthusiasts, locals, and travelling visitors, this circuit captures the romance of country racing across three key events:

Moree Picnic Races (May): Held at the Moree Racecourse, this classic country racing event brings together a vibrant social atmosphere, classic picnic-style hospitality, live entertainment, and elegant “fashions on the field” competitions.

Mallawa Picnic Races (June long weekend): Held at the Mallawa Racecourse, this race is held on the June long weekend every year. Known for its wonderful camaraderie, traditional bush hospitality, and thrilling local turf racing, it remains a major highlight for regional racegoers and travellers alike.

Talmoi Picnic Races (June): Hosted at the Talmoi Racecourse in Garah, this is officially recognised as one of the oldest picnic race meetings in north-west New South Wales, offering a quintessential rural Australian social experience.

Mungindi Races (July School Holidays): Taking place at the Mungindi Showgrounds, this family-friendly race day serves as a wonderful border celebration, successfully attracting enthusiastic crowds from both sides of the New South Wales and Queensland border for racing and community festivities.

Mungindi Show – August

• Location: Mungindi Showground
• Website: Visit Moree Plains Events

Continuing the agricultural celebrations in August, the Mungindi Show delivers a deeply community-focused experience. The event honours the rich rural traditions of the border region, showcasing local farming achievements, livestock judging, regional crafts, and classic family show entertainment.

Pally Tractor Pull – August

• Location: Pallamallawa Recreation Ground
• Website: Pally Pullers Inc Facebook

For something delightfully unique, the village of Pallamallawa hosts the thrilling Pally Tractor Pull each August. This classic country event sees vintage tractors and custom, high-powered machines go head-to-head to determine who can pull heavily weighted sleds over a set distance. It’s an action-packed, noisy, and fun-filled day out that draws mechanical enthusiasts from near and far.

Run the Plains – September

• Location: Moree
• Website: Visit Moree Plains Events

Fast becoming a signature celebration for the region, Run the Plains is a premium running and wellness festival that proudly holds the title of the 2025 Community Event of the Year. The festival features various distances along scenic routes, community wellness activities, and an energetic weekend dedicated to health, fitness, and tourism.

Twilight Races – December

• Location: Moree Racecourse
• Website: Moree Race Club

Bringing a festive sparkle to the end of the year, the Moree Twilight Races offer an exciting evening of country racing under lights. Complete with live music, holiday cheer, and vibrant social festivities, it provides the perfect summer atmosphere to celebrate the end of the year with friends and family.

Regular community markets

In addition to these major calendar highlights, the Moree Plains region plays host to highly popular regular community markets, providing the perfect opportunity to meet local makers, stock up on fresh regional produce, and find unique handmade treats.

• Jellicoe Park Markets (First Sunday of each month): Located at Jellicoe Park in Moree, these monthly markets feature an impressive array of local produce, handmade craft goods, diverse food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
• Pally Bush Markets (Quarterly): Held at the Pallamallawa War Memorial Hall, these seasonal rural markets showcase the very best of village-made goods, local produce, and artisan foods in a warm, welcoming country setting.

From adrenaline-pumping horse races across dusty outback tracks to the sensory delight of fresh regional food festivals, the Moree Plains calendar offers an unforgettable taste of regional Australia. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and get ready to experience the incredible community spirit of the plains!