The Best Food Festivals Australia Has To Offer in 2020
Summer is here, which means Australia's best food and wine festivals are right around the corner. With events in every state and territory, celebrating cuisines from around the world, there's plenty to work up your appetite and increase your industry knowledge with the biggest and best events.
We've put together a list of our favourites - from hidden treats in the foothills of vineyards to the best bush foods you could ever wish to discover. This guide takes you on a journey around Australia with specific dates to fill your diary. Browse the full list below, or jump straight to your preferred month.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
March 2020
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival | VIC | March 2020
Taste the flavours of regional Victoria when you indulge your senses at this celebration of food and wine. As one of the most popular Melbourne events that runs for nearly three weeks during March, it's a chance to experience a world of different flavours. Enjoy dizzying rooftop venues, long lunches in the Australian bush, and award-winning dishes from some of the best chefs in the business. [More Details]
Orange Food Week | NSW | 27 March - 5 April 2020
Visit Australia's longest-running food festival in the food bowl around the town of Orange. Sip authentic cool-climate wines, enjoy day and night markets and cast your eye over miles of vineyards. Catch the F.O.O.D train from Sydney with an onboard breakfast to give you a taste of what's to come. [More Details]
Tasting Australia | SA | 27 March - 5 April 2020
Soak up the incredible diversity of South Australia with a celebration of food across more than 100 events. With lunches, dinners and tasting classes, you'll feast your way through the unique flavours of iconic regions like Kangaroo Island, Flinders Ranges and Adelaide Hills. [More Details]
TIP: If you're planning to exhibit at a food festival, try to make your setup as environmentally friendly as possible. Assess which essential catering disposables you'll need, and incorporate as many eco-friendly disposables as possible.
April 2020
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets | NT | April - October 2020
Worth a visit for the surroundings alone, the tropical setting of the sunset markets is the perfect place to soak up flavours from up to 60 food stalls. With cuisine from Turkey, Greece, Sri Lanka, South America, North Africa, India and all over South East Asia, it's a celebration of the diverse cultures that make up the region. Markets are held every Thursday and Sunday evening from April to October. [More Details]
May 2020
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival | NSW | 1 May - 30 June 2020
Experience the region's incredibly diverse food and wine culture at the famous Hunter Valley. Enjoy fine wines, delicious cheeses and interactive classes, run by some of Australia's best chefs. For a more relaxing experience, simply curl up beside an open fire with a glass of the finest red wine. It doesn't get better than that. [More Details]
The Grampians Grape Escape | VIC | 2-3 May 2020
Music, food and wine - what's not to love? The Grampians Grape Escape is a weekend-long party with chef masterclasses, live bands and some of the most beautiful scenery in Australia. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Williams, it really is the perfect escape. [More Details]
A Taste of Kakadu | NT | 10-19 May 2020
Known as Australia's premier Indigenous food festival, A Taste of Kakadu is a journey of discovery taking in the region's most iconic dishes. Set within a beautiful national park, it's a chance to discover delicious bush food in the setting it was born. [More Details]
Noosa Food and Wine Festival | QLD | 14-17 May 2020
Set in the magical beachside paradise of Noosa, there's a little something for everyone. From close-up cooking demonstrations to relaxing barbecues and beach tipis, you'll pick up tips from some of the best food and wine experts in Australia. [More Details]
Foodservice Australia: The Industry Event | NSW | 17-19 May 2020
Join thousands of chefs, restaurateurs, cafe owners and caterers at the International Convention Centre. This food festival in Sydney is your first look at the freshest ideas in the food industry. It's one of the most popular Sydney events for any foodie, where you'll have the chance to enjoy a series of special events, talks and masterclasses from the best in the business. [More Details]
Food and Grocery Australia 2020 | VIC | 27-28 May 2020
What's the future of the food industry? Find out for yourself at Food and Grocery Australia. Focusing on the future of Australia's $131 billion sector, you'll listen to thought leaders, industry experts and leading practitioners. It's one of the best Melbourne events in understanding how to drive success in this highly competitive sector. [More Details]
Food South Australia Summit | SA | 29 May 2020
The perfect place for manufacturers, producers, buyers and policy makers to find out what's new in the industry. Discover trends at both a global and local level that have the potential to impact your business. [More Details]
June 2020
Relish Food and Wine Festival | QLD | 6 June 2020
Whether you're after quirky boutique beers or the unmistakable taste of Queensland's premier wineries, the Relish Food and Wine Festival has it all. Learn how to match your foods and beverages, indulge in delightful wine tasting experiences, and sample the finest seasonal produce - all in a stunning setting. [More Details]
Good Food and Wine Show | NSW | 19-21 June 2020
It's a monster day of food and wine from amazing suppliers all over Australia. This is one for the diary and never to be missed. We suggest taking the three days to try every single bit of the show and enjoy yourself in the process! [More Details]
The Truffle Festival | ACT | June-August 2020
Head to the Truffle Festival to hone your skills at cooking classes, sample the best local creations, and enjoy the thrill of a truffle hunt. Choose from a rich variety of events from across the region, and satisfy your taste for the finer side of dining. [More Details]
August 2020
Tasmanian Whisky Week | TAS | 12-18 August 2020
There's plenty on this list for foodies, but Tasmania's Whisky Week is about celebrating Australia’s famous whisky distilleries. Enthusiasts from all over the world travel to the Holy Grail, to sample the perfect single malt. Hosted in barns, stables, restaurants and hotels, quenching your thirst in whisky glasses has never tasted so good. [More Details]
September 2020
Fine Food Australia | VIC | 7-10 September 2020
One of the biggest dates on the catering industry calendar. With more than 1,000 exhibitors, this is the place for trade buyers to discover the newest food trends and the very latest commercial cooking equipment. After a successful four days in Sydney in 2019, this year's exhibition will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. [More Details]
October 2020
Night Noodle Markets | NSW | TBC October 2020
As the weather warms up, one of the most popular events in Sydney comes out at night to share some of Australia's best noodle and Asian dishes. Helping you to grow your cooking ideas and tantalise your tastebuds, you'll learn how to use Asian cooking equipment to maximum effect. The 2019 market was the last to be staged in Hyde Park, so organisers are looking for a new venue for 2020.
Pinot Palooza | NSW | TBC October 2020
Do you like your pinot? So do we! Pinot Palooza is here to help you fill that gap and taste some of the country's finest pinot, as well as the best New Zealand, USA, and France has to offer. The 2019 festival visited 13 cities across six countries, including Sydney and Brisbane in October. Dates for 2020 are expected to be announced soon.
November 2020
Handpicked Festival | SA | 14 November 2020
Nestled among the gum trees of Lake Breeze Wines, Handpicked is among the best kept secrets in Australia. Stretch out on a picnic blanket to enjoy the best handmade goods in the country. With delicious regional dishes everywhere you look, it's an authentic, sensory overload that'll keep you coming back for more. [More Details]
Western Australia Gourmet Escape | WA | TBC November 2020
Feast your way through Western Australia by sampling the culinary delights of the famous Margaret River region. With more than 120 artisan food producers, there are more than enough options to satisfy any craving. Food, wine and music all come together in one of Australia's most beautiful settings. It's a food festival that's perfect for everyone. [More Details]
The World Gourmet Symposium | WA | TBC November 2020
Join chefs, creatives, food activists, business owners and brands for an unrivalled insight into how the food, drink and hospitality industry really works. With conversations from sector leaders discussing how they are coming together to innovate and collaborate, you’ll be inspired to help drive this positive change. [More Details]
Sydney Craft Spirits Fair | NSW | TBC November 2020
The Sydney Craft Spirits Fair is here to help you sample some of the best spirits from around the world, all at The Oak Barrel, one of Australia's most awarded bottle shops. Grab a glass and taste your way around the world. [More Details]
December 2020
Aussie Nightmarkets Canberra | ACT | TBC December 2020
Soak up the vibes of the Aussie Nightmarkets in Canberra for a weekend of delicious desserts, diverse culinary treats and authentic dishes from around the region. With plenty of variety around every corner, it's the perfect place for the whole family. [More Details]
Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival | WA | TBC December 2020
If you're looking for a good food and wine show, the Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival is one to pencil into your diary today. With cooking demonstrations, cherry art exhibitions and local crafts, it's perfect for all the family. [More Details]
February 2021
Festivale | TAS | 5-7 February 2021
Join 30,000 fellow food lovers to celebrate the best that Tasmania has to offer. With more than 80 stalls featuring everything from fine wines to gourmet foods, you'll party the night away with a backdrop of music, family entertainment and incredible street theatre. [More Details]
Article: If you're thinking of exhibiting at a food festival or any other outdoor event, this guide to Starting a Food Truck Business features expert advice and tips to get your mobile catering venture up and running.
