The Noosa Food & Wine Festival will return this year, with organisers unveiling new program details and highlighting strong involvement from Sunshine Coast chefs and venues.
The four-day event, running from June 11 to 14, will feature three core elements – Signature Events, the Restaurant Series and the American Express Festival Village – staged across beaches, riverfront locations and hinterland settings.
Almost 20 dining destinations across Noosa have been confirmed for the 2026 Restaurant Series, with several local operators collaborating with visiting chefs for curated dining experiences and one-off events.
Sunshine Coast venues taking part include Sabrosa Dim Sum House, Park & Cove, Sum Yung Guys, Humble on Duke, The Wood Shed and new Noosa venue Cibaria Noosa, alongside interstate partners.
Festival director John Guise said the program aimed to reflect the strength of the region’s dining scene.
“Noosa’s dining scene is thriving and the return of the Noosa Food & Wine name this year celebrates our region’s legacy and culinary story,” he said.
“Our 2026 program is a dynamic mix of homegrown talent, world-class venues and the unmistakable energy of Noosa Food & Wine Festival.”
Tourism Noosa chief executive Sharon Raguse said the Restaurant Series had been designed to showcase the breadth of the local hospitality sector, from beachfront restaurants to hinterland experiences and exclusive destinations.
“The Restaurant Series is a curated celebration of Noosa’s extraordinary dining landscape – from iconic beachfront and riverfront institutions to the energy of the Junction, our newest hinterland hotel and the exclusivity of luxury Makepeace Island,” she said.
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Several Sunshine Coast chefs will also appear at the Festival Village culinary stages, including local personalities Matt Golinski and Alastair McLeod, alongside national and international names. The program will include live demonstrations, workshops and interactive sessions focused on local produce.
Signature Events across the weekend will also feature Sunshine Coast connections. The Official Opening Party on Noosa Main Beach will include contributions from local operators such as Lucio’s Marina, while the Makepeace Island Experience will see chef Ben Williamson collaborate with island chef Zeb Gilbert on an exclusive menu for a limited group of guests.
Other events with local involvement include the closing Sundowner Beach Party, where Sunshine Coast-founded brand Light Years will present a menu of share-style canapes.
Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the festival was expected to deliver a significant economic benefit.
“The Noosa Food & Wine Festival is an event that lures food lovers and holidaymakers alike to one of Queensland’s most picturesque coastal destinations,” he said.
The event is forecast to generate about $5.25 million for the Queensland economy and aligns with the state government’s long-term tourism strategy.
Festival Village tickets are already on sale, while Restaurant Program tickets will be released on March 13, with a 24-hour presale for subscribers the day before. Signature Event tickets were released earlier, with several already sold out.
