The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival will return from 20 to 29 March, featuring a 10-day program of 200 events designed to showcase uniquely Victorian flavours and experiences.
Unveiling the 2026 line-up in Melbourne today, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the festival remained “quintessentially Victorian – a melting pot of culture and culinary delights – while supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state.”
He added that 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 festival, a fixture in Victoria’s major events calendar for more than three decades, continues to play a key role in attracting visitors and driving the state’s $43.7 billion visitor economy.
This year’s program brings together local and global talent, with chefs from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malta and the United Kingdom set to collaborate with some of Melbourne’s most-loved restaurants, including Maha, Brico, Omnia, Osteria Ilaria and Farmer’s Daughters. Regional venues such as Trapeze Wines and Phillip Island Winery will also host exclusive festival dining experiences.
One of the major drawcards will be the iconic World’s Longest Lunch, which in 2026 celebrates Australia’s Greek culinary heritage. A 600-metre table will wind through Kings Domain as diners enjoy a menu crafted by author Ella Mittas alongside chefs from city favourite Kafeneion and Yarraville’s Tzaki. The 1,600-seat event is expected to sell out quickly.
The festival will also host the Southern Hemisphere debut of Cake Picnic on 21 March, an international sensation built on the simple rule: no cake, no entry. Guests bring a homemade creation and gain access to an extraordinary spread of baking from across the community.
Food + Drink Victoria CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha said the 2026 offering was one of the strongest yet, pointing to the breadth of experiences from “a Greek-themed World’s Longest Lunch” to “the global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC” and “an extraordinary line-up of international culinary talent”.
With 200 events across the state, she said, “for 10 days in March there will be nowhere better to eat and drink in the world.”
The program also introduces three new free events across the city: The Spicy Side of Collins Street, The Festival of Korean Fried Chicken, and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the festival was a key pillar of the state’s “blockbuster major events calendar”, noting that 2026 was already shaping up to be a bumper year with the Australian Open, Melbourne Fashion Festival, A Beautiful Noise musical, State of Origin and the first-ever NFL Regular Season Game in September.
“We’re thrilled to be supporting this iconic festival,” he said.
The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival adds to a packed major events schedule that also includes the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
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