Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2026 — Dates, Events, Program Guide & Best Experiences

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2026 — Dates, Events, Program Guide & Best Experiences

Your ultimate guide to MFWF 2026: 10 days of world-class dining, free events, regional road trips, and Melbourne's biggest culinary celebration. March 20–29, 2026.

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Quick Facts

• Dates: Thursday 20 March – Sunday 29 March 2026
• Duration: 10 days
• Location: Melbourne CBD, Fed Square, Kings Domain, and regional Victoria
• Events: 170+ Special Events, plus signature events, free activations, and regional experiences
• Tickets: melbournefoodandwine.com.au
• Contact: 03 9823 6100 | info@foodanddrinkvic.com.au

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1. Festival Overview & Key Dates

Melbourne doesn't just have a food scene — it is a food scene. And every March, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) turns that scene up to eleven. Now in its 33rd year (the festival launched back in 1993, the same year it hosted the inaugural World's Longest Lunch on the turf at the MCG), MFWF 2026 runs from Thursday 20 March to Sunday 29 March — ten glorious days of eating, drinking, and celebrating everything that makes this city one of the greatest food destinations on the planet.

This isn't your average food festival with a few tasting booths and a celebrity chef demo. MFWF is a proper, city-wide culinary takeover. We're talking over 170 special events across restaurants, laneways, parks, and regional cellar doors. There are exclusive Global Dining Series dinners with international chefs, free street food pop-ups, a festival hub at Fed Square, wine-soaked long lunches winding through parklands, and some of the most creative one-off dining collaborations you'll find anywhere in the world.

Key Dates at a Glance

Where Does It All Happen?

The festival is decentralised by design — that's the beauty of it. Events take place across:

• Fed Square — The festival hub for the fourth consecutive year, home to Baker's Dozen and MFWF Activations
• Kings Domain — The spectacular setting for the World's Longest Lunch, with 600+ metres of table winding through the gardens
• Melbourne CBD — Restaurants and laneways host Special Events, pop-ups, and collaborations
• Inner Suburbs — Carlton, Fitzroy, Yarraville, Collingwood, and beyond
• Regional Victoria — Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula, Gippsland, and more via the Regional Roadtrip program
• Queen Victoria Market — Home to the Indonesia Street Food Festival

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2. What's New in 2026

Every year MFWF pushes the boundary of what a food festival can be, and 2026 is no exception. Here's what's fresh:

Greek Melbourne Takes Centre Stage

The 2026 festival celebrates one of Melbourne's most essential diaspora communities: Greek Melbourne. The city's Greek food scene is experiencing a renaissance — buzzy new restaurants like Kafeneion in the CBD and Tzaki in Yarraville are leading the charge — and MFWF is harnessing that energy. The Greek theme permeates the flagship World's Longest Lunch, with a menu designed by author Ella Mittas and chefs from Kafeneion and Tzaki.

CAKE PICNIC Makes Its Southern Hemisphere Debut

The international cake sensation that's been selling out thousands of tickets in San Francisco, London, and New York is coming to Melbourne for the very first time. CAKE PICNIC, presented by QUEEN®, is a beautifully simple concept: bring an amazing cake, and you get to eat everyone else's amazing cakes. The San Francisco edition sold out 2,000 tickets in less than a minute. Melbourne's edition has already sold out — but you can join the waitlist.

Helen Goh Headlines

Malaysia-born, Melbourne-raised Helen Goh — the sweets genius behind a decade of Ottolenghi recipes and co-author of Sweet and Comfort — headlines the festival with a dedicated Lunch with Helen Goh event and an expanded presence at Baker's Dozen. She's in Melbourne promoting her first solo cookbook, Baking and the Meaning of Life, and collaborating with local bakery Mietta by Rosemary to create exclusive treats.

Baker's Dozen Gets Bigger

Now in its fourth year at Fed Square, Baker's Dozen is expanding with more bakers than ever — including interstate and international guests. New York Filipina baking star Abi Balingit teams up with Bayswater legends Dröm, and Sydney's acclaimed A.P Bakery partners with Oji House. Plus, local royalty Emelia Jackson gets her own stand.

Global Dining Series Presented by Polestar

The 2026 Global Dining Series brings a roll-call of the world's hottest kitchen talent to Melbourne for exclusive, limited-seat dining experiences. These are once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between international chefs and Melbourne's best restaurants.

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3. Signature Events

These are the blockbuster events that define MFWF every year. If you're new to the festival, start here.

World's Longest Lunch — Presented by La Trobe Financial

Date: Friday 21 March 2026, 12:00pm – 3:30pm Location: Kings Domain, Melbourne Capacity: 1,600 guests Price: Premium (all-inclusive ticket — food, wine, beer, coffee)

The jewel in MFWF's crown. Imagine 1,600 people sitting at a single table stretching over 600 metres through the Kings Domain gardens. Now imagine the food.

In 2026, the Lunch is going Greek. The menu is a love letter to Melbourne's thriving Greek community:

• Entrée by Ella Mittas: Meze plate loaded with zucchini fritters with parsley and lemon, dill fava with pickled shallots, tzatziki with roast almonds, sour cherry dolmades, kefalograviera with honey and marjoram, and yoghurt flatbread
• Main by Tzaki's Alex Xinis: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with braised chickpeas (inspired by Athens' famed Diporto taverna) and mustard greens
• Dessert by Kafeneion (Con Christopoulos & Stav Konis): Portokalopita — the classic Greek orange filo cake

All prepared by Curtis Stone Events, with wines by Tahbilk, beer by Holgate Brewhouse, waters from Capi, and coffee by Five Senses Coffee and La Marzocco (who are giving away a coffee machine worth $5,999 on the day).

New for 2026: the Oceania Cruises Lounge in Kings Domain, featuring meze by Vanilla Lounge, Greek-influenced cocktails, and a tasting of fine local ouzo from Otways Distillery — plus a chance to win a luxury 12-night cruise valued at $22,000.

There'll be live music to bring the kefi (that's the Greek spirit of joy, in case you were wondering). This is a bucket-list dining experience.

🔗 Book World's Longest Lunch

CAKE PICNIC — Presented by QUEEN®

Date: Check the program for 2026 date Status: SOLD OUT (waitlist available) Price: Ticketed (bring your own cake to participate)

Born in San Francisco as a humble 15-person cake swap, CAKE PICNIC has exploded into a global phenomenon. The premise is irresistible: everyone brings one spectacular cake, and then everyone gets to eat everyone else's cake. As The New York Times described the California edition: "Smaller groups went up for cakewalks. Each person was given a pastry box and instructed to collect slices at will."

For the Melbourne debut, you'll also get:

• A can of Dilmah iced tea on arrival
• Hot tea options plus Dilmah Elixir tea cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Tea sommelier for cake-and-tea pairing suggestions
• QUEEN® photo ops, vanilla masterclass, decorating tips, and giveaways

Important rules: Every ticket holder must bring a whole cake (minimum 20cm wide, 7.5cm tall). Your entire group must check in together. You must be in line by 11:50am. Cakes must be clearly labelled with name and allergens.

🔗 CAKE PICNIC Details & Waitlist

Lunch with Helen Goh

Date: During festival (check program) Location: Melbourne Price: Ticketed (includes three-course lunch with wines, beer, and refreshments)

An afternoon celebrating the intersection of baking and life with the legendary Helen Goh. Drawing from her new solo cookbook Baking and the Meaning of Life, the three-course lunch features recipes from the book:

The Menu:

• Entrée: Red curry chicken and vegetable pies, prawn sambal buns, very addictive chewy cheese puffs
• Main: Dutch baby with mortadella and rocket, puttanesca galette with lemon ricotta, Ramarro Farm salad leaves
• Dessert: Crème caramel, sticky date pudding with miso butterscotch and coconut ice cream, apple yuzu crumble with pouring cream

Helen will take the stage for a conversation with fellow baker and author Emelia Jackson about her baking, her life, and how they connect. Wines by Tahbilk, beers by Holgate Brewhouse, refreshments by Capi.

🔗 Book Lunch with Helen Goh

Baker's Dozen — Presented by McKenzie's

Date: Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm Location: Fed Square Price: FREE

The grand finale weekend event that brings together Melbourne's finest bakers and cakers — and this year, some very exciting interstate and international guests.

2026 lineup highlights:

• Helen Goh (London/Melbourne) — collaborating with Mietta by Rosemary
• Abi Balingit (New York) — Filipina baking star, collaborating with Dröm
• A.P Bakery (Sydney) — partnering with Oji House
• Emelia Jackson — her own standalone stand
• The Invy Baker (Gippsland) — teaming up with Urbanstead

Returning local heroes: Akimbo, Amann Patisserie, Antara 128, Baker of Things, Butter Days, Calle Bakery, The Flour Melbourne, Hector's Bakery, Kudo, Iris, Lt Cardigan, Lulu and Me, Lumos, Lune, Madeleine De Proust, Masses Bagels, Monforte Viennoiserie, Morning Market, Raya, Sebby's Scrolls, Tarts Anon, and To Be Frank.

Don't miss the Hot Cross Bun Bar (presented by Western Star): Baker Bleu, Bread Club, Loafer, and Wild Life Bakery all bringing their takes on the classic. With "Butter Butlers" — suited, booted condiment concierges dedicated to spreading cultured butter on your buns.

The Festival Stage (presented by McKenzie's) will feature demos, entertainment, and giveaways throughout. Dilmah Tea will be on hand with iced teas, hot teas, and Elixir mocktails.

🔗 Baker's Dozen Details

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4. Best for Foodies: Restaurant Events, Pop-Ups & Degustations

If you live for the thrill of a perfectly plated tasting menu, a wild chef collaboration, or a one-night-only pop-up in an unexpected location, the MFWF Special Events program is your playground.

Special Events Program (170+ Events)

The heart of MFWF is its Special Events — over 170 one-off dining experiences hosted by Melbourne's best restaurants, bars, and food creators. These events confirm the city's reputation for drinking and dining excellence. Past years have included multi-course degustations, chef collaborations, wine dinners, dumpling masterclasses, rooftop cocktail parties, and everything in between.

What to expect: Events range from $50 casual tastings to $300+ multi-course fine dining. Most events sell out fast — top-tier experiences can disappear within hours of going on sale.

Something Saucy: The Pizza Party — Presented by Leggo's

Date: 11:30am – 2:30pm (while stocks last) Location: Carlton (classic corner location) Price: FREE

The cult Something Saucy pop-up returns, and this time it's all about pizza. Marco Salzano and Luca Muscato from cult Carlton carb merchants Super Norma team up with Leonardo's Pizza Palace to serve free pizza topped with Leggo's Pizza Sauce. Plus:

• 800 free Bloody Marys
• Free bottles of Leggo's Pizza Sauce to take home
• Tunes. Big tunes.

No booking needed — just rock up and get into it. While stocks last.

🔗 Something Saucy Details

Tacos and Toum: Tres Amigos

Location: Zareh (Good Food Guide New Restaurant of the Year) Price: Ticketed

The smash-hit series returns for a third year, and it's bigger than ever. Raph Rashid and Tom Sarafian (of Zareh fame) are back exploring the delicious intersection of Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines — this time joined by Ricardo Garcia Flores of El Columpio.

This is wood-fired cooking meets cocktail genius (mixologist Matt Linklater is on drinks), with a mariachi band AND Lebanese drums providing the soundtrack. Expect seafood towers, Al Pastor, and the 'Salma Hayek' cocktail — Mexican Coca Cola, much lemon and salt, stirred with Zareh's khorovats-seasoned shawarma machete.

🔗 Tacos and Toum Details

Global Dining Series — Presented by Polestar

The most exclusive dining experiences in the program. The Global Dining Series brings the world's hottest kitchen talent to Melbourne for limited-seat dinners at some of the city's finest restaurants. Past editions have featured Michelin-starred chefs, cutting-edge fermentation artists, and pastry legends. In 2026, expect a roll-call of international names paired with Melbourne's most exciting restaurants.

Seats are extremely limited. When these go on sale, be ready.

🔗 Global Dining Series

The Up Hour at Upstairs — 1 Hotel Melbourne

Date: Wednesday 25 March, 6:00pm Location: 1 Hotel Melbourne, Docklands

A sophisticated cocktail event at the stylish 1 Hotel Melbourne. Check Eventbrite for tickets and details.

Melbourne Wholesale Market Sunrise Tour

Date: Thursday 26 March, 5:00am Location: Melbourne Market, Epping

For the truly dedicated foodie: a behind-the-scenes sunrise tour of the Melbourne Wholesale Market. See where the city's best restaurants source their produce before the sun comes up.

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5. Best for Wine Lovers

Melbourne is the gateway to some of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, and MFWF puts that proximity to spectacular use.

Wine at the World's Longest Lunch

The Lunch features wines by Tahbilk — one of Victoria's oldest and most respected wineries, with vines dating back to 1860 — poured in Plumm glasses. Beers by Holgate Brewhouse complement the Greek menu, and there's even a tasting of local ouzo from Otways Distillery at the Oceania Cruises Lounge.

Special Events Wine Dinners

Across the 170+ Special Events, you'll find dedicated wine dinners at some of Melbourne's best restaurants. These typically pair multi-course menus with curated wine flights from Victorian and interstate producers. Look for events focusing on:

• Natural and minimal intervention wines — Melbourne's natty wine scene is world-renowned
• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula
• Cool-climate Shiraz from the Grampians and Heathcote
• Victorian sparkling wine — the new frontier

Regional Roadtrip — Presented by Polestar

The Regional Roadtrip program takes the festival beyond the city and into Victoria's wine country. These are curated experiences at cellar doors, vineyards, and regional restaurants — the perfect excuse to combine a festival event with a weekend away in wine country.

Drink Victorian

MFWF has a dedicated Drink Victorian initiative that champions local producers. Throughout the festival, look for events featuring Victorian wine, beer, spirits, and cider. The state produces some of Australia's most exciting drops — from the Pinot of the Yarra Valley to the Riesling of Henty and the Nebbiolo of the King Valley.

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6. Free Events & Experiences

One of the best things about MFWF? You don't need to spend a fortune to have an incredible time. Some of the festival's best moments are completely free.

Baker's Dozen at Fed Square (FREE)

When: Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March, 10am – 3pm Where: Fed Square

The biggest free event of the festival. Over 30 bakers, international guest collaborations, the Hot Cross Bun Bar, Festival Stage performances, and Dilmah Tea tastings. All ages welcome. No booking required.

Something Saucy: The Pizza Party (FREE)

When: 11:30am – 2:30pm (while stocks last) Where: Carlton

Free pizza, free Bloody Marys (800 of them!), free bottles of Leggo's Pizza Sauce. No booking, no ticket. Just show up.

Indonesia Street Food Festival (FREE)

When: Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March, 10am – 4pm Where: Queen Victoria Market

Two days of smoky satay, fiery sambal noodles, and sweet street snacks straight from Jakarta to Bali. Queen Vic Market transforms into a buzzing Indonesian street party with live music, cultural performances, and vibrant trade stalls. Admission is free — food and drink available for purchase.

🔗 Indonesia Street Food Festival

MFWF Activations at Fed Square

The festival hub at Fed Square runs throughout the ten days with free activations, tastings, pop-ups, and performances. Past years have featured interactive cooking demonstrations, product launches, and surprise guest appearances. Check the program closer to the festival for the full schedule.

Free Tastings and Street Food

Throughout the festival, keep your eyes open for:

• Pop-up tastings in Melbourne's laneways
• Free samples at participating restaurants and bars
• Surprise street food giveaways (MFWF loves a good surprise)
• Market activations at Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market

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7. Family-Friendly Events

MFWF isn't just for the adults-with-wine-glasses crowd. Several events welcome families and kids:

Baker's Dozen (All Ages)

Fed Square's free weekend events are open to all ages. Kids will love watching the bakers at work, tasting treats from dozens of stalls, and enjoying the Festival Stage entertainment. There's no alcohol requirement — it's a genuine family day out.

Indonesia Street Food Festival (All Ages)

Free admission, cultural performances, and kid-friendly food options make this a great family outing. The Queen Vic Market setting is already a favourite for families, and the festival adds live entertainment and stalls.

CAKE PICNIC (With Conditions)

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who also holds a ticket. Babies in arms (under one year) don't need a ticket or cake. Note: this event is licensed, so standard RSA rules apply.

Tips for Families

• Baker's Dozen is the standout family event — free, outdoors, and packed with treats
• Fed Square activations often include kid-friendly elements
• Regional Roadtrip events in wine country often welcome families (check individual event details)
• Many daytime Special Events are family-friendly — look for events at family-oriented venues
• The festival runs over school term time, but the final weekend (28–29 March) is ideal for families

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8. Regional Events: Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine & Beyond

MFWF extends well beyond Melbourne's CBD. The Regional Roadtrip, presented by Polestar, takes the festival into Victoria's extraordinary food and wine regions.

Yarra Valley

Just an hour east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is Victoria's premier wine region. During MFWF, expect:

• Long lunches at cellar doors with winemaker-hosted tastings
• Chef collaborations between Melbourne restaurants and Yarra Valley producers
• Farm-to-table experiences showcasing local seasonal produce
• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay masterclasses in the vines

Getting there: 60–90 minutes by car from Melbourne CBD. No direct train service — driving or a tour bus is your best bet.

Mornington Peninsula

The Peninsula is food and wine paradise — a stunning coastal landscape dotted with vineyards, orchards, and some of Victoria's best restaurants. MFWF events here often include:

• Cellar door experiences with food pairings
• Coastal seafood dinners
• Vineyard long lunches overlooking the bay
• Artisan cheese and produce tastings

Getting there: About 75 minutes by car from Melbourne CBD.

Bellarine Peninsula

Across the bay from the Mornington Peninsula, the Bellarine is an emerging food destination with a relaxed coastal vibe. Think:

• Boutique winery events
• Oyster and wine experiences
• Regional long lunches with a beachside setting

Getting there: About 90 minutes from Melbourne via the Princes Freeway, or catch the ferry from Queenscliff.

Gippsland

The Invy Baker from Gippsland is making the trip to Baker's Dozen, teaming up with Urbanstead — a sign of the growing recognition of Gippsland's food scene. Lush, green, and less touristed than the Yarra Valley, Gippsland offers incredible dairy, beef, and artisan produce.

Planning a Regional Day Trip

The best approach for regional events:

1. Book early — Regional events have smaller capacities
2. Consider staying overnight — Combine a festival event with a weekend away
3. Designate a driver — Wine regions + tastings = plan ahead
4. Check the Regional Roadtrip program on the MFWF website for the full list of regional events

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9. How to Book & Tips (Events Sell Out Fast!)

If there's one thing you take away from this guide, let it be this: book early. MFWF's most popular events sell out within hours — sometimes minutes — of going on sale. CAKE PICNIC? Already sold out. World's Longest Lunch? Goes fast every year.

How to Book

1. Visit the official website: melbournefoodandwine.com.au
2. Browse the program: Filter by date, price, category, dietary requirements, accessibility, and location
3. Create an account on the MFWF website before tickets go on sale — you don't want to be filling in forms when tickets are dropping
4. Sign up for the newsletter at melbournefoodandwine.com.au/newsletter-subscribe to get early access and presale notifications
5. Follow MFWF on social media — they announce drops on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

Ticketing Tips

• Credit card fees: Up to 1.65% per transaction, plus a booking fee of up to $4.50 per booking
• All prices include GST and are in Australian Dollars
• Refund policy: Tickets are generally non-refundable for change of mind. Check the full ticketing terms
• Gift vouchers are available and valid for three years — redeemable for select events including the World's Longest Lunch, CAKE PICNIC, Lunch with Helen Goh, and select Global Dining Series events
• Sold out? Join the waitlist. Tickets do become available through cancellations
• Some events are on Eventbrite — particularly partner events. Check Eventbrite Melbourne for additional listings

Pro Tips from Festival Veterans

1. Have a strategy. Look at the full program before tickets go on sale. Make a shortlist. Know your first, second, and third choices.
2. Set reminders. When ticket sale dates are announced, set calendar alerts for the exact minute.
3. Be logged in and ready. Have your MFWF account set up, your payment details saved, and the browser open 10 minutes before sale time.
4. Don't sleep on midweek events. Saturday night dinners sell out fastest. Tuesday and Wednesday events are often just as good — and easier to get.
5. Check back regularly. New events are sometimes added to the program, and cancelled tickets are released.
6. Consider the free events first. Baker's Dozen, Something Saucy, and the Indonesia Street Food Festival are incredible and cost nothing.

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10. Where to Stay

If you're visiting Melbourne specifically for MFWF — or you're a local who wants to make a weekend of it — here's where to base yourself.

CBD (Best for Most Festival Events)

Staying in the CBD puts you within walking distance of Fed Square, Kings Domain, and most of the city's best restaurants. Look at:

• 1 Hotel Melbourne (Docklands) — Hosting MFWF events including The Up Hour
• QT Melbourne — Design-forward hotel in the heart of the CBD, steps from the best restaurants
• The Laneways boutique hotels — Ovolo Laneways, Adelphi Hotel, Lindrum Hotel
• Budget options: Space Hotel (CBD), YHA Melbourne Central, ibis Melbourne

Southbank / South Wharf

Close to the Arts Precinct, the Botanic Gardens, and Kings Domain (home of the World's Longest Lunch). Great options include Crown hotels, Langham Melbourne, and Novotel South Wharf.

Fitzroy / Collingwood

If you're into Melbourne's inner-north food and bar scene, stay in Fitzroy or Collingwood. Many Special Events take place in these suburbs. The Brooklyn Arts Hotel, Tyrian Serviced Apartments, and various Airbnb options are popular.

Regional Stays

If you're doing the Regional Roadtrip:

• Yarra Valley: Healesville Hotel, Yarra Valley Lodge, numerous Airbnb cottages among the vines
• Mornington Peninsula: Jackalope Hotel (luxury), Peppers Moonah Links, holiday rentals in Red Hill or Main Ridge
• Bellarine: Bellarine Estate, Vue Grand Hotel (Queenscliff), coastal holiday homes

Booking Tips

• Book accommodation early. March is a busy time in Melbourne (post-summer, autumn events season, and the lead-up to Easter)
• Consider location relative to your events. If you've booked a regional long lunch, staying nearby saves the drive back
• Public transport is excellent in the CBD — you don't need a car for city events
• Check Visit Melbourne for official accommodation partnerships and festival deals: visitvictoria.com

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11. Budget Guide: How to Enjoy MFWF Without Breaking the Bank

Let's be honest: MFWF can get expensive fast. A World's Longest Lunch ticket, a Global Dining Series dinner, and a couple of Special Events, and you're looking at several hundred dollars. But here's the secret: some of the best festival experiences are free or very affordable.

The Free Festival (Total: $0)

You could attend MFWF for an entire weekend and not spend a cent on tickets:

• Baker's Dozen at Fed Square — Free entry, free tastings from 30+ bakers, free entertainment (Sat–Sun 28–29 March)
• Something Saucy: The Pizza Party — Free pizza, free Bloody Marys, free pizza sauce to take home
• Indonesia Street Food Festival — Free entry at Queen Vic Market (food available for purchase)
• MFWF Activations at Fed Square — Free pop-ups and tastings throughout the festival
• Laneway pop-ups and surprises — Keep your eyes on MFWF social media for unannounced freebies

Realistic budget for the free festival weekend: $0 for entry, $20–50 for food purchases at QVM and Fed Square.

The $100 Festival

Layer a couple of affordable ticketed events onto the free ones:

• Attend the free events above
• Add one or two lower-priced Special Events ($50–80 range) — look for casual tastings, bar events, and walk-in experiences
• Many restaurants offer festival-priced set menus that are better value than their regular à la carte

The $250–500 Splurge

This is the sweet spot for serious food lovers:

• One signature ticketed event (Lunch with Helen Goh, or a Global Dining Series dinner)
• Two to three Special Events across the ten days
• Plus all the free events

The Full MFWF Experience ($500+)

Go all in:

• World's Longest Lunch
• Global Dining Series dinner
• Multiple Special Events
• Regional Roadtrip day trip
• Baker's Dozen finale weekend

Money-Saving Tips

1. Prioritise free events. They're genuinely excellent — not afterthoughts
2. Book midweek. Some events are cheaper on weeknights
3. Share the love. Split a table at a restaurant event with friends
4. Take public transport. Cheaper than driving and parking, especially in the CBD
5. BYO where possible. Some events allow BYO — check the fine print
6. Gift vouchers. Ask for MFWF gift vouchers for birthdays (valid for 3 years!)
7. Set a budget before you browse. The program is extensive and tempting — decide your total spend first

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2026?

Thursday 20 March to Sunday 29 March 2026 — ten days of food, wine, and culinary events across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Where can I buy tickets?

Through the official MFWF website: melbournefoodandwine.com.au. Some partner events are also available on Eventbrite. Create an account in advance to speed up checkout.

Are there free events?

Yes! Several major events are completely free, including Baker's Dozen at Fed Square, Something Saucy: The Pizza Party, the Indonesia Street Food Festival at Queen Victoria Market, and various MFWF Activations at Fed Square.

Is the World's Longest Lunch all-inclusive?

Yes. Your ticket includes a three-course meal, wines by Tahbilk, beer by Holgate Brewhouse, still and sparkling waters from Capi, and coffee from Five Senses Coffee and La Marzocco. You also receive a SPF50+ serum from MECCA COSMETICA.

Can I get a refund if I can't attend?

Tickets are generally non-refundable for change of mind. If the event is cancelled by the organisers, you'll be offered a credit or refund as per the ticketing terms. Email info@foodanddrinkvic.com.au with your booking details to discuss specific cases.

Is MFWF family-friendly?

Yes, several events welcome families. Baker's Dozen and the Indonesia Street Food Festival are all-ages. CAKE PICNIC allows children under 18 with a ticketed adult. Some Special Events are adults-only — check individual event listings.

What are the best events for wine lovers?

Look for the Regional Roadtrip events in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Bellarine for cellar door experiences. Wine dinners feature throughout the Special Events program. The World's Longest Lunch includes wines by Tahbilk.

Is CAKE PICNIC sold out?

Yes, the 2026 Melbourne CAKE PICNIC has sold out. You can join the waitlist on the MFWF website in case tickets become available through cancellations.

What should I wear to the World's Longest Lunch?

Smart casual is the standard. It's an outdoor event in Kings Domain, so dress for Melbourne's autumn weather — layers are your friend. Comfortable shoes recommended (it's a garden setting). Check the weather forecast close to the day.

Can I attend if I have dietary requirements?

Most ticketed events accommodate dietary requirements — check individual event pages and contact the organisers when booking. At CAKE PICNIC, all participants must label their cakes with allergens (the top nine: milk, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, nuts, peanuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, and sesame). At free events like Baker's Dozen, availability of dietary-specific options varies.

How do I get to Kings Domain for the World's Longest Lunch?

Kings Domain is a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street Station. Several tram lines run down St Kilda Road and stop directly outside. Parking is limited — public transport is strongly recommended. Check PTV for your best route.

Are dogs allowed at MFWF events?

The World's Longest Lunch and CAKE PICNIC are pet-free events (service dogs excepted). For free events at Fed Square, check Fed Square's pet policy. Individual Special Events vary — check with the hosting venue.

Is Fed Square cashless?

Yes. All transaction points at the Fed Square festival site are cashless. Bring your credit or debit card (or phone with contactless payment).

When do tickets go on sale?

Ticket release dates vary by event. Sign up for the MFWF newsletter at melbournefoodandwine.com.au/newsletter-subscribe to be notified of on-sale dates and presale opportunities.

How long has MFWF been running?

Since 1993 — making the 2026 edition the festival's 33rd year. It's Australia's biggest and longest-running food and wine festival.

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Final Thoughts

The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival isn't just a series of events — it's a ten-day argument that Melbourne is one of the greatest food cities in the world. And honestly? It wins that argument every year.

Whether you're sitting down to a Greek feast at the World's Longest Lunch, scoring free pizza in a Carlton laneway, tasting Helen Goh's miso butterscotch sticky date pudding, or watching the sun come up on a Yarra Valley vineyard, MFWF 2026 has something for you. The Greek theme this year is a brilliant celebration of a community that has shaped Melbourne's food identity for generations. The arrival of CAKE PICNIC from overseas signals that Melbourne is now a must-stop on the global food festival circuit. And the expanded Baker's Dozen, with its international bakers and Hot Cross Bun Bar, is the free weekend event this city deserves.

Our advice? Start planning now. Sign up for the MFWF newsletter. Create your account. Bookmark the program page. Set your calendar alerts. And most importantly — arrive hungry.

See you at the table. 🍷

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Useful Links:

• 🌐 Official MFWF Website
• 📅 Full Program & Tickets
• 🎟️ World's Longest Lunch
• 🎂 CAKE PICNIC
• 🍞 Baker's Dozen
• 👩‍🍳 Lunch with Helen Goh
• 🍕 Something Saucy: The Pizza Party
• 🌮 Tacos and Toum: Tres Amigos
• 🇮🇩 Indonesia Street Food Festival
• ❓ Festival FAQs
• 🎫 Ticketing Terms & Conditions
• ✉️ Subscribe to Newsletter
• 📧 info@foodanddrinkvic.com.au | ☎️ 03 9823 6100

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Last updated: February 2026. Event details, dates, and availability may change — always check the official MFWF website for the latest information.

Published on amirbrooks.com.au