Pioneer Weekend returns to the Historic Village Herberton on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, bringing together live music, steam train rides, working machinery, pioneer demonstrations and family activities across two days of living history. 

Visitors are encouraged to dress in period costume and step back into the 1880s, experiencing life in a Queensland pioneer town through blacksmithing, camp oven cooking, tin panning and live demonstrations of old-world trades and machinery.

Live music will feature throughout the weekend with performances by the Jeanette Wormald Trio, Now or Never, Ben Wilson and Sligo, alongside additional entertainment across the Village precinct. 

Pioneer Fashions on the Field will be held at 11am on both Saturday and Sunday, with categories including Best Dressed Children, Best Dressed Male and Female, and Best Dressed Family.

Owners of Historic Village Herberton, Craig and Connie Kimberley, said Pioneer Weekend remained one of the Village’s most popular annual events.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the region’s pioneering history while bringing the community together for a really enjoyable weekend,” Mr Kimberley said.

“People love seeing the machinery in action, hearing the music throughout the Village and experiencing the hands-on activities that give a glimpse into how life once was.”

The Atherton Herberton Historic Railway will operate heritage steam train rides between Herberton Railway Station and Historic Village Herberton (additional cost applies), while food stalls from the Lions Club, Red Cross and Bakerville Tea House will operate throughout the event.

A sausage sizzle will raise funds for the local Lions Club, with the Historic Village donating the sausages and bread each year to support local community causes.

Families can also enjoy hay wagon rides and traditional games across the weekend. 

Normal admission prices apply. For more information go to www.historicvillageherberton.com.au.