The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is returning from 20 to 29 March with 200 events to whet the appetites of foodies seeking uniquely Victorian experiences.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Food + Drink Victoria chief executive officer Anthea Loucas Bosha unveiled the 2026 program, which fuses local and international culinary delights at events in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
As one of Victoria’s signature events, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival plays a key role in attracting visitors and boosting the state’s $43.7 billion visitor economy – accelerating economic activity and supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state.
“The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is quintessentially Victorian – a melting pot of culture and culinary delights – while supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
“Victorians play a vital role at every stage of producing our world-class food and beverages – so whether you’re dining in Frankston or Kew, you’re enjoying the work of one of the most talented workforces in the world.”
The iconic World’s Longest Lunch will celebrate Australia’s Greek influence through a menu designed by author Ella Mittas, chefs from CBD hit restaurant Kafeneion and Yarraville sensation Tzaki. Held across 600 metres of table winding through Kings Domain, the 1,600-seat event is expected to sell-out quickly.
The festival’s international guests program features an exciting lineup of chefs from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malta and the United Kingdom.
Visiting chefs will team up with some of Melbourne’s most-loved establishments including Maha, Brico, Omnia, Osteria Ilaria and Farmer’s Daughters, and in regional Victoria, events at Trapeze Wines and Phillip Island Winery will offer special dining experiences only available through the festival program.
The festival also includes the Southern Hemisphere debut of the international cake sensation, Cake Picnic, in Kings Domain on 21 March.
Cake Picnic has captured the world’s attention with a delicious proposition: no cake, no entry. Everyone must bring a cake, and in turn can sample an extraordinary collection of baking.
The jam-packed program will welcome three new free events across the city, including The Spicy Side of Collins Street, The Festival of Korean Fried Chicken, and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party.
“From a Greek-themed World’s Longest Lunch, the global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC, our supersized baking fair Baker’s Dozen at Fed Square, an extraordinary line-up of international culinary talent and 200 events in restaurants and venues across the state, there is so much to be excited by in the 2026 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival program,” Ms Loucas Bosha said.
“For 10 days in March there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world.”
Tickets for the 2026 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival go on sale at 10am on Thursday 27 November.
Details: melbournefoodandwine.com.au
