Following a record-breaking festival in 2025, The Curated Plate is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be part of the 2026 program.
Queensland’s premier food and drink festival attracted more than 10,000 locals and visitors across its 10-day program this year, a 45 per cent increase on the previous year.
Dates for the 2026 festival have been confirmed for Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August, 2025.
Festival culinary director Peter Kuruvita said organisers were looking for creative event ideas and collaborations.
“Food and drink producers, restaurants, venues, and tourism experiences are encouraged to take their seat at the table,” Mr Kuruvita said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local industry to showcase their creativity while celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s producers and landscapes.
“This year’s program was the most diverse and successful yet – from paddock-to-plate feasts and seafood celebrations at Mooloolaba, to family-friendly events and international culinary experiences, the Sunshine Coast truly shone.
“For 2026, we want to build on this momentum and welcome even more unique concepts that spotlight our local talent and ingredients.
“We’re open and we want to hear from you – think creatively, and let’s take this to a new level,” Mr Kuruvita said.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Portfolio Councilor Joe Natoli said the popular experiences from this year could serve as inspiration, including agri-tourism events where visitors could learn a new skill or enjoy an experience they can’t get on an ordinary day.
“Collaborations and partnerships are also encouraged – for those who may not wish to host their own event, opportunities exist to partner with a restaurant, venue or tourism operator,” Cr Natoli said.
“The focus remains on celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s diversity of cuisines while ensuring menus hero local ingredients.
“The event will continue to grow and become more high-profile, especially as the region prepares to step into the international spotlight during Brisbane 2032.”
Each business manages its own event logistics and ticketing, with support provided through festival marketing and communications.
Participating events are promoted to locals and visitors through a comprehensive strategy including public relations, social media campaigns, digital advertising, and direct outreach to the festival’s strong following.
The Curated Plate is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside industry and community collaborators.
EOIs for The Curated Plate 2026 open, Tuesday 16 September, and close Monday 1 December. Businesses can submit their concepts online at www.thecuratedplate.com.au.
