Noosa is set to serve up another unforgettable gourmet experience as the Noosa Food & Wine Festival reveals its 2026 program highlights.
Running from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 June, the festival promises four days of dynamic dishes, world-class chefs, and creative collaborations across Noosa’s iconic beachfront and hinterland locations.
Festival-goers can explore three key programs: the American Express Festival Village, the Signature Events, and the Restaurant Series.
The 2026 Restaurant Series will feature almost 20 of the region’s finest dining destinations, including Rickys Bar & Grill, Essa (Brisbane), Light Years and Long Time (Bali), Bandita and Byrdy (Melbourne), Peli’s and George Calombaris, Sum Yung Guys and Marion Grasby, The Wood Shed (Kin Kin), Lancemore (Melbourne), Humble on Duke, Makepeace Island, and the new Cibaria Noosa.
At the heart of the festival, the American Express Festival Village returns as the ultimate foodie hub. Highlights include live cooking demonstrations on the Main Stage with Australian culinary stars Alessandro Pavoni, Marion Grasby, and Italian television chef Gino D’Acampo.
Guests can also witness the thrilling PorkStar Live Cooking Battles, enjoy DJs and live music from Raw Audio, and experience hands-on workshops at the Olsson’s Salt Culinary Stage featuring chefs such as Warren Mendes, Louis Tikaram, Telina Menzies, Darren Robertson, Sarah Pound, Alistair McLeod, Matt Golinski, and Ben Cooper.
The festival’s Signature Events promise immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences:
Official Opening Party (Friday 12 June) – beachfront dinner with continuous canapés and interactive pop-ups, featuring Guy Grossi, Warren Mendes, and local icons like Lucio’s Marina.
The Makepeace Island Experience (Friday 12 June) – an exclusive 40-guest lunch with river cruise and a collaborative three-course menu by Ben Williamson and Zeb Gilbert.
Italian Long Lunch (Saturday 13 June) – four celebrated Italian chefs bring authentic flavours to Noosa Main Beach.
Sunset Sessions: Beachside Dinner (Saturday 13 June) – Lanai, Stanley, and Serai chefs serve bold, Asian-inspired dishes as the sun sets.
Le Bistro, La Plage (Sunday 14 June) – French bistro-inspired lunch on the sand with Ben Williamson and Ben Cross.
Catalina Afternoon Afloat (Sunday 14 June) – Latin-inspired lunch aboard Noosa’s iconic vessel with Chef Jason Jones.
Festival Sundowner (Sunday 14 June) – beachside party with continuous canapés by Light Years, music, and a lively festival atmosphere.
Festival Director John Guise said the 2026 program “is a dynamic mix of homegrown talent, world-class venues, and the unmistakable energy of Noosa Food & Wine Festival.” Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse highlighted the Restaurant Series as a showcase of the region’s exceptional dining scene, from beachfront classics to hinterland exclusives, cementing Noosa’s reputation as a premier food destination.
Queensland Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell added that the festival attracts visitors from near and far, generating over $5 million in economic benefits for the state as part of the government’s Destination 2045 strategy.
Tickets & Bookings:
Restaurant Series tickets: on sale Friday 13 March, with a 48-hour Amex presale on 10 March and a 24-hour presale on 12 March.
American Express Festival Village: now on sale.
Signature Events: now on sale, with some already booked out.
Full program details and ticket bookings are available at noosafoodandwine.com.au
Noosa Food & Wine Festival 2026 promises four decadent days of culinary excellence, waterfront lunches, beachside sundowners, and unforgettable experiences that celebrate the very best of Noosa’s food, wine and coastal charm.
