Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2026: Complete Guide
Complete guide to Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2026. Discover signature events, booking tips, regional experiences, and how to make the most of Victoria's culinary celebration.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2026: Complete Guide
Your guide to Melbourne's premier culinary celebration—from the World's Longest Lunch to hidden pop-ups and everything delicious in between.
Word Count Target: 3,200+
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2026 |
| Dates | March 2026 (typically 10-day program) |
| Location | Melbourne CBD, regional Victoria, various venues |
| Events | 200+ across the festival |
| Key Event | Indonesia Street Food Festival (28-29 March, Queen Victoria Market) |
| Tickets | Primary releases via the festival site; broader event ticketing often runs through Ticketek and Ticketmaster |
| Official Website | melbournefoodandwine.com.au |
Introduction
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF) is Victoria's flagship culinary celebration, a multi-day feast that transforms the city and surrounding regions into a playground for food lovers. From intimate chef's table dinners to massive street food celebrations, the festival showcases the best of Victoria's produce, talent, and hospitality.
Now in its fourth decade, MFWF has grown from a restaurant promotion into a global culinary event that pulls in top chefs, winemakers, and hungry locals. The festival sprawls across laneways, markets, and regional towns—so you can go big or keep it casual.
Whether you're a serious gourmand chasing degustation menus or a casual foodie looking to graze through markets, this guide will help you navigate the festival and maximise your culinary adventure. For the wider March calendar, see the Melbourne Events Calendar 2026 and the Free Things to Do in Melbourne Autumn 2026.
Festival Structure
Hub Events
Large-scale public events that anchor the festival:
- Street Food Festivals: Massive outdoor celebrations
- Market Takeovers: Queen Victoria Market and others transformed
- Pop-Up Experiences: Temporary restaurants and bars
Restaurant Events
Special menus and experiences at Melbourne's best restaurants:
- Set Menus: Festival-exclusive multi-course offerings
- Chef Collaborations: Guest chefs partnering with local establishments
- Wine Dinners: Food matched with featured wineries
Regional Experiences
The festival extends beyond Melbourne:
- Yarra Valley: Winery lunches and vineyard experiences
- Mornington Peninsula: Coastal dining and cellar doors
- Daylesford/Macedon: Country produce showcases
- Gippsland: Farm-gate experiences
Masterclasses and Workshops
Educational experiences for home cooks and professionals:
- Cooking Classes: Learn from celebrated chefs
- Wine Tastings: Guided by sommeliers
- Produce Workshops: Cheese, chocolate, coffee, and more
- Knife Skills and Techniques: Practical kitchen training
Signature Events
World's Longest Lunch
The festival's most iconic event brings together hundreds of diners for a synchronized lunch across Victoria. Guests at partner venues from Melbourne to regional locations enjoy the same menu at the same time.
What to Expect:
- Multi-course lunch designed by celebrated chefs
- Matched wines from Victorian producers
- Shared experience with diners across the state
- Typically held on the festival's opening Friday
Tickets: High demand—often sells out within hours of release. Prices typically $150-250.
Indonesia Street Food Festival 2026
Dates: 28-29 March 2026 Location: Queen Victoria Market
One of the festival's headline events, this massive street food celebration transforms Queen Victoria Market into an Indonesian food paradise.
What to Expect:
- Authentic street food vendors
- Live entertainment and cultural performances
- Cooking demonstrations
- Traditional and modern Indonesian dishes
Tickets: Typically free entry, pay-as-you-eat.
River Graze
A food trail along the Yarra River precinct with multiple pop-up food and drink stations:
- Walk-and-eat format
- No reservations required
- Sample multiple cuisines
- Live music accompaniment
Late-Night Events
For the night owls:
- After-Dark Dining: Special late-night menus
- Bar Pop-ups: Cocktail collaborations
- Supper Clubs: Intimate post-midnight experiences
How to Book
Booking Timeline
Program Launch: Typically late January/early February Tickets on Sale: Usually 2-3 weeks before festival start Peak Demand: World's Longest Lunch, headline chef events Last-Minute: Some events have availability closer to dates
Booking Platforms
Official Website: melbournefoodandwine.com.au
- Central booking for all hub events
- Restaurant bookings link to venues
- Masterclass registrations
Direct Restaurant Bookings:
- Some restaurants handle bookings directly
- Check individual venue websites
Tips for Securing Popular Events
- Set a reminder for ticket release dates
- Create an account before tickets go live
- Know what you want and book fast
- Have backup options in case first choices sell out
- Check for second sittings or added dates
- Follow social media for flash sales and additions
Budget Guide
Free and Low-Cost
Budget: Under $50
- Street Food Festivals: Free entry, pay for food ($5-20 per dish)
- Market Events: Walk and graze
- Bar Pop-ups: Pay for drinks only
- Some Masterclasses: Wine tastings from $30
Mid-Range
Budget: $50-150
- Restaurant Set Menus: Festival-exclusive options
- Cooking Classes: Half-day workshops
- Regional Day Trips: Wine tastings with small plates
- Bar Crawls and Trails: Self-guided with samples
Premium
Budget: $150-400
- World's Longest Lunch: Flagship experience
- Chef's Table Dinners: Intimate multi-course
- Winemaker Dinners: Deep-dive tastings with paired food
- Full-Day Workshops: Intensive technique training
Luxury
Budget: $400+
- International Chef Collaborations: Once-in-a-lifetime menus
- Private Dining Experiences: Bespoke events
- Multi-Day Regional Packages: Immersive escapes
Regional Experiences
Yarra Valley
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour east Known For: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, cool-climate wines
Festival Highlights:
- Vineyard lunches with estate wines
- Cellar door tastings
- Farm-gate produce experiences
- Chef pop-ups at wineries
Don't Miss:
- De Bortoli Yarra Valley
- Giant Steps
- Yarra Yering
Mornington Peninsula
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour south Known For: Pinot Noir, seafood, artisan producers
Festival Highlights:
- Coastal dining with ocean views
- Oyster and sparkling wine experiences
- Olive oil and cheese trails
- Sunset dinners overlooking the bay
Don't Miss:
- Ten Minutes by Tractor
- Pt. Leo Estate
- Red Hill farmers' markets
Daylesford and Macedon Ranges
Distance from Melbourne: 1-1.5 hours northwest Known For: Spa country, organic produce, cool climate
Festival Highlights:
- Organic farm tours
- Mineral springs and wellness dining
- Small-batch producer visits
- Country pub takeovers
Don't Miss:
- Lake House Daylesford
- Lavandula farm
- Hanging Rock Winery
Gippsland
Distance from Melbourne: 1.5-3 hours east Known For: Beef, dairy, cool climate wines
Festival Highlights:
- Farm-to-table experiences
- Artisan cheese producers
- Coastal produce showcases
Best Restaurants for Festival Dining
Fine Dining
Attica (Ripponlea) World-renowned, native Australian focus. Festival events sell instantly.
Vue de Monde (CBD) Landmark Melbourne dining. Festival menus showcase Australian luxury.
Dinner by Heston (Crown) Theatrical dining experience. Festival specials add extra creativity.
Contemporary Australian
Embla (CBD) Natural wines, seasonal plates. Perfect for casual festival dining.
Cumulus Inc (CBD) All-day dining institution. Festival brunch or lunch.
Supernormal (CBD) Asian-influenced Melbourne classic. Festival cocktail pairings.
International Cuisines
Tipo 00 (CBD) Handmade pasta excellence. Festival pasta masterclasses.
Chin Chin (CBD) Thai-inspired, always buzzing. Festival set menus.
Maha (CBD) Middle Eastern fine dining. Festival collaboration dinners.
Regional Dining
Brae (Birregurra) Two-hat regional destination. Festival producer dinners.
The Royal Mail Hotel (Dunkeld) Grampians views, garden produce. Festival weekend packages.
Lake House (Daylesford) Spa country icon. Festival wellness dining experiences.
Street Food and Markets
Queen Victoria Market Events
The QVM frequently hosts festival activations:
- Night Markets: Extended during festival
- Street Food Takeovers: Themed weekends
- Producer Showcases: Meet the farmers
Tips:
- Arrive hungry, leave slowly
- Bring cash (some vendors are card-only, some cash-only)
- Peak times are crowded—go early or late
South Melbourne Market
A local favourite with festival specials:
- Specialty producers with tastings
- Dim sum and dumplings
- Gourmet deli offerings
Prahran Market
Melbourne's premium produce market:
- Cheese and charcuterie
- Seafood specialists
- Artisan bread and pastries
Tips for Festival Success
Planning
- Read the full program before booking
- Prioritise your must-dos and book those first
- Spread events across the festival—don't overload
- Book transport for regional events in advance
- Make restaurant reservations for post-event dinners
During Events
- Arrive on time—especially for seated events
- Pace yourself—multi-course events are marathons
- Ask questions—chefs and sommeliers love engaged guests
- Take notes—you'll want to remember wines and dishes
- Network—food lovers connect over shared meals
Dietary Requirements
- Notify in advance when booking
- Most events can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
- Fine dining venues are generally flexible
- Street food has options but cross-contamination possible
Wine Focus
Victoria's Wine Regions in the Spotlight
Yarra Valley: Cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, sparkling
Mornington Peninsula: Elegant Pinot, Chardonnay, increasing Pinot Gris
Macedon Ranges: Sparkling wine country, cool-climate reds
Heathcote: Shiraz with distinctive regional character
Rutherglen: Fortified wines, Muscat, Durif
Wine Events
- Vertical Tastings: Compare vintages from a single producer
- Regional Showdowns: Side-by-side tastings from different areas
- Winemaker Dinners: Producers present with matched food
- Natural Wine Focus: Growing presence in the program
Accessibility
MFWF is committed to inclusive experiences:
- Many restaurant events are wheelchair accessible
- Check individual venue accessibility before booking
- Contact organisers with specific requirements
- Some outdoor events on uneven surfaces
Getting Help: Contact the festival team via the website for accessibility inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do tickets go on sale?
Typically late January or early February. Sign up for the newsletter for notification.
Do I need to book in advance?
For ticketed events, yes. Some free street food events are walk-up.
Are kids welcome?
Depends on the event. Many are adults-only. Family-friendly events are clearly marked.
What if I have dietary requirements?
Notify when booking. Most venues accommodate with advance notice.
Is transport included for regional events?
Sometimes. Check individual event inclusions—some offer buses from Melbourne.
What's the dress code?
Varies by venue. Fine dining: smart casual to dressy. Street food: casual.
Your Festival Checklist
Before the Festival
- Sign up for newsletter (early booking access)
- Set reminders for ticket releases
- Review full program when released
- Create shortlist of must-do events
- Book transport for regional events
- Make dinner reservations around events
During the Festival
- Pace yourself—it's a marathon, not a sprint
- Stay hydrated (especially at outdoor events)
- Take photos of dishes and labels
- Ask for producer details to shop later
- Leave reviews and feedback
After the Festival
- Stock up on discovered products
- Make reservations at new favourite restaurants
- Plan a regional return trip
- Mark calendar for next year
Final Thoughts
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is more than a series of dinners and tastings—it's a celebration of everything that makes Victoria's food culture extraordinary. From the world-class produce of our regions to the creativity of our chefs and the passion of our winemakers, the festival puts it all on display.
Whether you're splurging on a once-in-a-lifetime degustation or simply wandering through a street food market with a dumpling in hand, the festival invites you to slow down, taste thoughtfully, and appreciate the people behind your plate.
Melbourne takes its food seriously—but the festival reminds us to also have fun with it.
Bon appétit.
Related Content
Related Guides
Last updated: January 2026. Event details subject to change. Always verify on the official Melbourne Food and Wine Festival website.
Enjoyed this guide?
Get more actionable AI insights, automation templates, and practical guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.