Brisbane loves festivals and food, so combine the two and you've got the best of everything. At Brisbane's biggest food festivals you'll have the atmosphere of the crowd, live music and entertainment, (hopefully) a sunny day, and mountains of good food and drinks to keep you happy. Decadent, delicious, delightful...
Caxton Street Seafood Festival - May
Not being located next to any large bodies of water, doesn't stop Caxton Street in Paddington from throwing one of Brisbane's biggest seafood festivals. For one enormous day, the normally busy street is closed to vehicle traffic and instead becomes a throbbing mass of people imbibing prawns, oysters and yes, lots of beer to the sounds of fresh live music on two stages. The focus is on having a good time and thousands throw themselves into it. Ticketed entry, with a portion donated to charity.
Paniyiri - mid-May
Celebrating all things Greek, Brisbane loves this festival for the opportunity to eat lots of delicious Greek food. Fried haloumi, marinated baby octopus, and those heavenly honey puffs are what Paniyiri is known for. Well yes, Paniyiri is also a cultural festival with events about Greek culture, history and the achievements of the local community but it wouldn't be Paniyiri without the genuine greek food, wine and beer. Yassou! Small gate entry price.
Italian Week - May
It's hard to imagine our modern food landscape without Italian food. Was there ever a time when pasta, risotto, gelato and espresso were not part of our regular diet? But Italian Week is the time to throw yourself into the passionate embrace of the emotive Italian culture. Eat wonderful, rustic food and enjoy the food traditions of a people who are part of our modern multicultural melting pot. Various venues across Brisbane.
Noosa Food and Wine Festival - May
This festival is three days of music, wine, celebrity chefs and cooking demonstrations. With Noosa as the perfect backdrop, enjoy an outdoor concert and events to make foodies drool. Make it a weekend away for gastronomic goodies. About 90 minutes north of Brisbane, in venues across Noosa. Some events are ticketed and must be pre-booked.
Seafood and Soul - May
At Wilson's Boathouse, Manly, overlook the marina and sample hot and cold seafood meals, cheese platters and wine. 2008 saw Kasey Chambers perform for the lucky audience so who knows what to expect for 2009? Lovers of oysters will appreciate the oyster masterclass and fun shucking (careful how you say that!) contest. Ticketed entry.
Big Cheese Bite - June
Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey...If you love curds of soft cheese or the sharp crumbly tang of aged cheese, then the Big Cheese Bite is your kind of food festival. Run in conjunction with the Brisbane Cheese Awards, the Big Cheese Bite just gets bigger and better. Bursting out from the original small Rosalie location, the Big Cheese Bite now takes over Norm Buchan Park in Paddington. Your ticketed entry gives you access to lots of lovely cheese tastings and plenty of family fun and more food.
Ambiwerra - 3 August 2008
With a history of 16 years, Ambiwerra is one food festival that's grown over time. With leading music acts and stalls of Brisbane's best restaurants and wineries, you'll have a memorable day. Choose from food from around the world and enjoy eating amongst the colour and music of the annual Corinda festival. There is ticketed entry and you can spend your ‘ambi-dollars' on food and drink. There's a stack of rides for kids (with unlimited fun if you buy a ride wristband). The fun lasts from 10.30 am - 5pm.
Manly Harbour Festival - 5 to 7 September 2008
With Friday 5 September declared as National Fish and Chip day, what better time to head to Manly for their signature dish? The festival includes a Fish and Chip Fiesta, squid sizzle, busking competition and markets all weekend. This is a family friendly festival, with free entry.
Redcliffe Seafood Festival - 11th & 12th October 2008
Head to the Scarborough Boat Harbour to smell the salty air and be amongst the boats that haul in the feast from the sea. The Redcliffe Seafood Festival was enjoyed by 25,000 people in 2007 and in 2008 the popular mud crab races are back, along with loads of other entertainment for everyone. There's a small gate entry price, with entertainment for all members of the family.
Other festivals in Brisbane
They may not be food-focused, but there's a wealth of fun and excitement to be had at other Brisbane festivals. From family-friendly celebrations like Buddha Birthday Festival and Riverfestival to all-encompassing events like the biennial Brisbane Festival, there’s something for everyone in our guide to South East Queensland’s biggest and best festivals.
The entertainment doesn't stop there - Brisbane’s cultural calendar is studded with film festivals that present the best local and foreign cinematic offerings, from award-winning feature films and inspiring documentaries to an eclectic mix of short films and animation. Check out what’s happening in our month-by-month guide to Brisbane’s film festivals.
