What to Expect at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival in 2026

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is confirmed as open and active for 2026. It will run from 20th March to 29th March across Melbourne and regional Victoria. More than 200 events will take place during the ten-day program. The festival matters because it brings together global chefs, local producers and some of the city’s most admired restaurants. Visitors can explore Victoria through food, which creates a lively atmosphere across the state.

The program begins with the World’s Longest Lunch at Kings Domain on 20th March. It will feature a Greek-inspired menu from Ella Mittas, Alex Xinis from Tzaki and the team from Kafeneion. The event seats around 1,600 guests at one of the longest tables ever set in the city. It always sells out due to its outdoor setting and festive spirit. In addition, it sets the tone for the rest of the festival.

On 21st March, the Cake Picnic will bring a bright and relaxed energy to Kings Domain. The event asks every guest to bring a homemade cake to share. The founder said, “I am so excited to bring CAKE PICNIC to Melbourne. I am looking forward to seeing what flavours and styles Australia’s bakers bring to the table. I have heard only great things about Melbourne’s food scene, so my excitement is at a high.” The cheerful nature of the picnic makes it ideal for families, groups and visitors who want a simple way to join the festival.

Major Events Inside the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival

World’s Longest Lunch

A large-scale outdoor feast with Greek flavours and local produce. The table stretches more than 600 metres and creates a memorable shared meal.

Cake Picnic

A public gathering that celebrates creativity and community. Guests share homemade cakes and enjoy live entertainment in the park.

Baker’s Dozen

From March 24th to March 29th, Federation Square will transform into a pastry destination. Leading patissiers such as Helen Goh will appear with bakeries including Amann Patisserie and Butter Days. Visitors can enjoy pastries, cakes, and small-batch treats each day.

Global Dining Series

International chefs from New York, Manila, London, Singapore and Paris will cook with Melbourne restaurants. Creative Director Pat Nourse said, “We have guests making their way to Melbourne from Mexico City, Manila, Chiang Rai, Valetta, London, New York City, Singapore, Paris and beyond cooking food from Bundjalung, Shenyang, Larrakia, Abruzzese, Samoan, Maltese, Maori, Filipino, Malaysian and Finnish traditions.” These collaborations offer one-night menus filled with rare creations.

Regional Events Across Victoria

The regional program includes 26 events in towns across Victoria. Guests can enjoy vineyard lunches, coastal dinners, farm tours and hands-on workshops. These events highlight local producers and invite visitors to explore beyond Melbourne.

Why the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Stands Out in 2026

The 2026 program feels larger and more varied than previous years. It offers outdoor gatherings, chef-led dinners, free activations, regional adventures and family-friendly activities. The mix creates a festival that suits every style of diner. The Chief Executive, Anthea Loucas Bosha, said, “There is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. The program features an incredible Special Events program with 170 events across Melbourne, alongside our Regional Special Events program bringing 26 events to towns and regions across Victoria.” Her statement highlights the scale and excitement behind this edition.

With global talent, iconic signature events and a huge list of new experiences, the Melbourne Food Festival offers ten days of discovery across Victoria’s food culture. Visitors can choose a mix of large events and intimate dining sessions to build a festival plan that fits their taste.

Full Melbourne Food Festival Programme: https://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/program/

Event Details

World’s Longest Lunch
Date: 20th March 2026
Location: Kings Domain, Melbourne
Tickets: From $285 – BUY TICKETS
Notes: Three-course Greek-inspired menu with seating for around 1,600 guests.

Cake Picnic
Date: 21st March 2026
Location: Kings Domain, Melbourne
Tickets: $75 – BUY TICKETS
Notes: Guests bring a homemade cake to share. Family-friendly.

Baker’s Dozen
Dates: 24th to 29th March 2026
Location: Federation Square
Tickets: Free entry, purchases optional
Notes: Six days of pastries, desserts and daily bakery showcases.

Global Dining Series
Dates: 20th to 29th March 2026
Location: Various Melbourne restaurants
Tickets: Prices vary by restaurant
Notes: One night collaborations between international chefs and local venues.

Regional Special Events
Dates: 20th to 29th March 2026
Location: Towns across Victoria
Tickets: Prices vary
Notes: Vineyard lunches, farm dinners, coastal events and hands-on workshops.