As the colder temperatures and light breeze envelopes Australia, the city of Melbourne celebrates food and wine in all their glory, with the annual Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. This ten-day event promises to introduce its visitors to the best of Victorian fare and delicious wine varieties. More than 300 foodie tastings, gatherings and parties take place throughout the festival's run, drawing in almost 300,000 visitors each year.
Festival Program
During the festival, attendees have a chance to treat their taste buds to numerous dishes and beverages. The Fed Square is one the primary venues for the MFWF and hosts several events each year. From food pop-ups and pizza shows, where you'll witness chefs cooking their best pizza, to sweets and confectioneries at Baker's Dozen, the sights are truly mouthwatering. The festival stage is located at the Fed Square and hosts performances by local artists and DJs. Some of the musicians, who went up on the stage in the past, include Bumpy, DJ Alice, and Hobson Bay Coast Guards. Additionally, festival experts and guests give talks on the stage on various topics related to food.
Take a stroll throughout the city and swing by any other Melbourne Food & Wine Festival events. The Eat Drink Westside program features a portable restaurant pop-ups in Western Melbourne. A plethora of global cuisines are included in the festival's menu, from Italian to Indian, with the main focus being on the Victorian food.
The World's Longest Lunch & Brunch
A regular attraction of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, The World's Longest Lunch has been running for three decades since 1994. World-renowned chefs prepare and serve food for hundreds of people seated behind the 1968-foot (600 m) table. The idea was so beloved by festivalgoers that in 2024, organizers came up with a new edition of the event, the World's Longest Brunch. While the concept stayed the same, it showcased more significant figures in the culinary industry, shining a spotlight on Indian cuisine. The event is annually held in King's Domain.
Schedule & Dates
The festival normally takes place in mid-March or early April. Organizers also hold numerous other festival editions throughout the year, such as the Village Feast in November. The hours vary for each event.
Locations
The main festival stage is located at Fed Square in the heart of Melbourne. The World's Longest Lunch is annually held at King's Domain, a green, spacious area. The rest of the events take place throughout the streets of Victoria's capital at different eateries and establishments.
