National Cherry Festival

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Food & DrinkYoung
Dates4–6 December 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
CrowdVery LargeAbout 500,000 people
Best forRegional food & drinkThe festival's December timing is fixed to
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: AUD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

National Cherry Festival in Young

Young's identity as Australia's Cherry Capital drives this December harvest festival, built around a community street parade, cherry pip-spitting competitions and roadside stalls of fresh-picked fruit. Surrounding orchards typically open for pick-your-own visits during the same peak-harvest weekend. Running since 1963, the festival is one of the longer-established regional food events in New South Wales, timed each year to the district's early-summer cherry harvest.

Young, in the NSW South West Slopes, calls itself the Cherry Capital of Australia, and this festival celebrates that identity each December when local orchards reach peak harvest.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival's December timing is fixed to the cherry harvest rather than a calendar convention, giving it a direct agricultural rhythm most food festivals lack

02

The mystery stays covered

Young's cool-climate slopes location makes it one of the most significant cherry-growing districts supplying NSW and interstate markets, so the fruit on sale is genuinely local rather than trucked in for the event

03

The city starts moving

Cherry pip-spitting competitions are a distinctive, lighthearted festival tradition tied directly to the crop itself

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The community street parade with crowned festival royalty and the cherry pip-spitting competition have run since the festival's early editions in the 1960s

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

4–6 December 2026

Getting around

Plan the trip into Young around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes suit the parade route and orchard visits, with sun protection for December daytime heat typical of inland NSW.

Safety

National Cherry Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Young.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

AUD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.31 S, 148.30 EOpen in Google Maps

Young, New South Wales, Australia

Nearest airportNGA — Young
TransportPlan the trip into Young around the exact event area, then leave extra time for the return.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Young.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Young via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Young, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for December.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes suit the parade route and orchard visits, with sun protection for December daytime heat typical of inland NSW.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Australia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is National Cherry Festival?

National Cherry Festival is listed for 4–6 December 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does National Cherry Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Young, Australia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Young, New South Wales, Australia

How big is it?

Very Large: 500000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLcherryfestival.com.au
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates4–6 December 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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