The Noosa Eat & Drink Festival returns for its 21st edition, featuring over 75 events spread across four days. Enjoy a lively Festival Village, celebrity chef demonstrations, masterclasses, and unique dining experiences showcasing the culinary excellence of the Sunshine Coast.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival: A Delectable Culinary Experience
( Credit to: Racq )
The Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is back for its 21st edition, promising a delectable experience for food and drink enthusiasts. Taking place from May 30th to June 2nd on the Sunshine Coast, the festival will feature over 75 events spread across four days.
( Credit to: Racq )
At the heart of the festival is the Festival Village, a lively hub of food, drink, and entertainment. Festival Village tickets include a glass of prosecco upon arrival and provide access to pop-up restaurants from some of Noosa's top culinary establishments. Visitors can also explore the Producers Pavilion, where they can discover artisanal delights from the region and sample refreshing beverages from craft brewers, distillers, and local wineries.
Festival Director John Guise expressed excitement about the Festival Village, highlighting the lineup of over 80 local, Australian, and international brands. He also mentioned the exciting demonstrations and masterclasses that will be conducted by celebrity chefs.
The Festival Village Main Stage will host daily culinary sessions with special guests Gary Mehigan and Hayden Quinn. Renowned industry powerhouses such as George Calombaris, Anna Polyviou, Adriano Zumbo, and Warren Mendes will join them in cooking up a storm during live demonstrations. For those seeking a more intimate experience, there will be masterclasses with Polyviou, Zumbo, Mendes, and other notable chefs.
Additionally, the Celebrity Cooking Competition will feature special guests Olympian Michael Klim and Olympian-turned-restaurateur Eamon Sullivan, who will showcase their gastronomic skills. Visitors can also indulge in the Chandon VIP Lounge, where they can enjoy front-row seats to celebrity chef demos and savor a Chandon cocktail on arrival.
As the sun sets, the festival will come alive with an array of DJs and bands, ensuring a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the evening.
Showcasing the Culinary Excellence of the Sunshine Coast
Noosa Eat & Drink is not just about the festival itself but also about showcasing the culinary excellence of the Sunshine Coast. Local restaurants will be offering unique dining experiences, chef pairings, and pop-up events that highlight the region's abundant produce. Celebrity chef Matt Golinski, who has been involved in the festival since its inception, emphasized the collaboration between local restaurants and regional producers to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to the table.
The festival's signature event, The Long Lunch, will continue this year on Arcadia Street in Noosa Junction, featuring catering by local restaurants. The Gala Dinner on Sunday night, hosted by Locale, will be a grand finale with a collaboration between Ben Williamson from Agnes in Brisbane and Jason Saxby from Raes on Wategos in Byron Bay.
Noosa Eat & Drink is expected to attract 10,000 visitors to the region, with over 1,500 interstate and international visitors predicted to attend in 2024. This influx of visitors is estimated to contribute over $3 million to the local economy.
Tickets for the Festival Village and restaurant events are currently on sale, so food and drink enthusiasts should secure their spots for this culinary extravaganza.