Lockhart is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors over two big weekends.

Last year saw about 2000 people turn out for the Lockhart Picnic Races, while the Spirit of the Land Festival attracted 6000 visitors across its two days.

The races will be held on October 4, a week before the festival.

First held on Boxing Day way back in 1898, the race meets have continued to draw crowds from near and far, and Lockhart's meet has long been considered one of the best race meets in country NSW.

Gates open at noon, with the first race at 1.30pm, so there's plenty of time to enjoy a picnic lunch trackside before racing commences.

Gate entry is $20 per person for non-members with special discounts members.

Fashion and style are always an important part of any race day and Lockhart Picnic Races are no exception, with one of the race day highlights being the hotly contested judging of Fashions on the Field.

The Spirit of the Land Festival first started in 2006 when Lockhart was in the grip of drought, the idea behind it was to get people together for a social outing while celebrating the resilience of people who live and work on the land.

The core meaning of the event is still the same and this year the festival showcases an amazing array of fantastic sculptures and art, music, markets and farm visits.

Attractions including the markets and live music are free, while for just $5 for adults (and free for children under 16) visitors can gain entry to the farm art sculptures and the visual arts.

This year the spectacular RAAF hot air balloon, rising high against the local skyline, will offer free tethered balloon rides to visitors over the weekend, while the Leeton Lions Train will be running train rides all weekend. Pony rides, a merry-go round and jumping castles will add to the attractions available for children.

With more than $20,000 in prize money available, a highlight of the Festival is the National Farm Art Awards.

Located near the shady banks of Brookong Lagoon, creative farm art sculptures fashioned from recycled metal, old tools, rusty machinery and other elements of the land are always popular.

The $10,000 award for the main prize is always hotly contested with entries from established and emerging artists always welcome.

The Lockhart Memorial Hall adjacent the main street markets will be awash with visual art and it is a great opportunity to enjoy many different mediums including oils, acrylics and mixed mediums, with prizes being awarded for both fine and indigenous artworks. There is also an extensive photography exhibition.

Art and sculptures are available for purchase over the weekend.

More than 120 markets will feature at the lagoon and along Green Street selling a variety of high quality and hand crafted goods and giftwares, including luxurious bath and beauty products, bespoke fashion, designer homewares, children's gifts, fabulous garden decor, local produce and a variety of food options to taste and savour.

Garden lovers will enjoy the trail of town and country gardens open over the weekend, and for those who get in early, farm tours will run on the Saturday for a gold coin donation, bookings are a must. There are a variety of plant stalls at the markets, as well as loads of garden décor.

Right in the heart of the action, Greens Gunyah Museum will be open for the weekend and includes the new Tim Fischer Gallery, the Jackson Strong display, the Talking Machines exhibition, the Doris Golder Wool Art Gallery and more than 100 entries from the 2019 Love Lockhart Shire Photo Competition held earlier in the year. Entry to the Museum is $5.

There is plenty of parking and facilities, plus lots of food options to choose from, so gather your friends and family and head to Lockhart's Spirit of the Land Festival, on Saturday October 12 and Sunday October 13.