UPDATE: The highly anticipated Cake Picnic is set to make its southern hemisphere debut at the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, with 1,600 tickets now available! This festival runs from March 20 to 29, 2026, and promises to be a spectacular culinary celebration.
Festival creative director Pat Nourse emphasizes the excitement, stating, “It’s gonna be big, it’s gonna be fun.” The Cake Picnic, originally a small cake swap in San Francisco, has exploded into a viral sensation, drawing thousands in the US and London. The unique concept? “No cake, no entry.” Attendees are encouraged to bake and bring their creations to share, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
In addition to the Cake Picnic, the festival will feature an epic Greek feast, showcasing the vibrant revival of Melbourne’s Greek food scene. Notable chefs from acclaimed restaurants Kafeneion and Tzaki, as well as author Ella Mittas, will collaborate to create unforgettable dishes at the flagship World’s Longest Lunch in Kings Domain.
Adding to the excitement, renowned pastry chef Helen Goh will host a special three-course lunch and contribute to the popular Baker’s Dozen bake sale, which returns for its fourth year. The festival will also highlight Indigenous cuisine, featuring Mindy Woods, a proud Bundjalung woman and recent recipient of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Champions of Change Award, and Daniel Motlop, a Larrakia man, who will showcase his Indigenous food business.
With an estimated 65,000 attendees, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival promises to be a landmark event. Exciting free offerings include the Festival of Korean Fried Chicken and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party, each serving 1,000 items to festival-goers, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Tickets for the festival’s pre-sale are available now, with the general sale starting on November 27, 2025, at 10 AM. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this culinary extravaganza!
For more updates, visit melbournefoodandwine.com.au. This is your moment to indulge in the flavors of Melbourne and beyond!
