The best Queensland food festivals worth fuelling up the car to attend in 2026

Feast of the Senses Festival – Sunday March 29
If exotic fruits like mangosteen, durian and soursop are on your must-try foods list, then Tropical North Queensland’s Feast of the Senses Festival is one event you should plan a holiday to experience. Held over four days from March 26–29, an hour south of Cairns in Innisfail, North Queensland’s premier food festival showcases the region’s vibrant exotic fruits, fresh local produce, seafood and meats. Offering more varieties of exotic and tropical fruit than almost anywhere else in the world, Feast of the Senses Festival is unrivalled when it comes to the diversity of flavours and culture. The event program features food trails, cooking competitions, live music, children’s rides and a huge market day extravaganza – head to the festival’s website for the lowdown.

*Meatstock* returns to Toowoomba on April 10–11 | Credit: *Meatstock*

Meatstock – April 10–11
If you’ve got some carnivorous cravings, there’s no festival more deserving of your patronage than Meatstock. A highlight of the Queensland foodie calendar, this barbecue bonanza is kicking off its 2026 national tour in Toowoomba in April, celebrating the best of barbecue culture and live music for two days of fun. Some of the best Australian and international pitmasters will be firing up the smokers in 2026, with guests able to eat their body weight in low ‘n’ slow meats. Barbecue enthusiasts can also peruse a range of products at the Meatstock Expo before catching some sensational tunes from the likes of Morgan Evans, Chase Matthew and The Wolfe Brothers. Tickets are on sale now – get yours via the Meatstock website.

GourMay Mary Valley – May 1–31
The best of Mary Valley Country will be celebrated for the entire month of May for the GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival. Known for shining a light on the region’s agricultural heritage, vibrant food culture and innovative producers, gourmands flock to the area to get a taste of top produce, score wares from talented artisans and learn more about Mary Valley Country’s agricultural roots. The calendar includes a host of activities, from farmers markets and cooking workshops to farm tours and live music. Highlights include the Festival Day on Saturday May 10 in Imbil Town Square and the Gala Celebration on Sunday May 31. To find out what’s in store for 2026, head to the GourMay Mary Valley website.

Grazing the Granite Belt – May 2–3
Twice a year, wine and food enthusiasts make their way to Granite Belt Wine Country for Grazing the Granite Belt – a weekend of tastings and snacking. Ticket holders can hop on and off specialised coaches that shuttle visitors to various cellar doors in the area. Each ticket gives guests access to wine, beer or cider tastings, as well as vouchers for entree-sized signature dishes. There’s also a special Sunday brunch event for those staying overnight. Keen to dive head-first into everything Granite Belt Wine Country has to offer? Head to the Grazing the Granite Belt website for more information on its autumn edition.

Hampton Festival – May 16–17
Foodies will flock to Queensland’s High Country in May for the Hampton Festival – a vibrant weekend celebration of food, wine and art held at Chapman Park. Set against the picturesque autumn backdrop, the festival showcases local producers, wineries, cafes and artisans, alongside art exhibitions, live music, children’s activities and hands-on workshops. With delicious regional fare, the Hampton Art Exhibition highlighting talented local artists and plenty of family-friendly fun, the festival offers an authentic High Country experience that celebrates the region’s culture, community and natural beauty. You can find more information here.

Goomeri Pumpkin Festival – May 29–31
On the last weekend in May, the town of Goomeri gets pumped up for the annual Goomeri Pumpkin Festival – one of the state’s most unique celebrations. First held in 1997, the festival has evolved into a must-attend event for many, thanks to its combination of country hospitality and a stacked itinerary of pumpkin-themed events. Chief among these is The Great Australian Pumpkin Roll, an event where visitors send pumpkins racing down Policeman’s Hill in the hopes of being crowned the Pumpkin Roll Champion. The event also includes a pumpkin-filled street parade, family-friendly market day, live music, a beer and wine garden, fireworks and food trucks. Click here for more information.

The Curated Plate – July 24 to August 2
The Sunshine Coast’s epicurean bounty comes to the fore for The Curated Plate – a ten-day celebration of food, drink and community. Taking place across July and August this year, the event will showcase the area’s produce, producers and chefs with a program that spans a variety of settings. One day you might be enjoying a long lunch on a storied farmstead and the next you could be dining under the stars, by the seaside or on a boat. Signature events typically include the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival and the Mooloolaba Seafood Series, which are joined by everything from chef collaborations and cooking demonstrations to farm visits. Be sure to bookmark The Curated Plate’s website for word on the 2026 program.

Relish Food & Wine Festival – Saturday June 6
Fraser Coast will be the place to be in early June, with the return of the Relish Food & Wine Festival in 2026. Spread across Maryborough’s Queens Park and Portside Precinct, the festival will offer an exciting lineup of live music, food and drink vendors and ticketed events – each offering something different. The previous year’s program included beer tastings, cooking demonstrations from chef Matt Golinski, pop-ups from distilleries and wineries and plenty of entertainment. While the 2026 program is still to be released, you can get a feel for Relish Food & Wine Festival’s offering via its website.

Noosa Food & Wine Festival – June 11–14
An event that needs no introduction, the Noosa Food & Wine Festival is perhaps the state’s preeminent event for gourmands. Sunshine, surf and serious flavour will be on the menu in June when the festival returns with a refreshed identity and a stacked program of unmissable events. Running from June 11–14, the festival will welcome world-class chefs and culinary leaders to Noosa for four days of flavour-driven events and experiences – from intimate chef’s tables to exclusive island lunches and sunset dinners on the beach. We’ve already assembled a preview of the 2026 program’s signature events here – but keep your eyes on the Noosa Food & Wine Festival website for more information to come soon.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month – June 1–30
One of Australia’s most acclaimed paddock-to-plate food and farming showcases, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month gives visitors a backstage pass to the region’s abundant offering – think farms, wineries, distilleries and eateries. More than a food festival, this month-long celebration gives insight into the workings of the Scenic Rim’s farmers, producers, artisans, brewers and butchers across a program spanning more than 100 events. From farm-gate visits and hands-on workshops to produce markets, cooking demonstrations and all sorts of culinary experiences, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is nearly unrivaled in scope and depth. It’s a must-attend for foodies of all ages. Head to the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month website for more info.

Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival – August 6–9
Fancy a trip to the pointy end of Queensland? The Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival is a great excuse. Picture this – four days of sense-enlivening events, featuring sun-kissed beaches, drool-worthy flavours and magical experiences. The annual festival features a program filled to the brim with curated events, from gourmet dinners and masterclasses to more. There’s no better way to experience Far North Queensland – head to the festival’s website for info on early bird tickets and program details.

State of play – Queensland food festivals worth fuelling up the car to attend in 2026

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