Newcastle Food Month 2026 Set to Showcase City's Evolving Culinary Scene
The annual Newcastle Food Month, scheduled for April 2026, is shaping up to be the most ambitious and flavour-packed edition in its six-year history. Organisers Louise and Gus Maher have revealed an expanded program that celebrates Newcastle's dynamic food culture through innovative dining experiences and strategic collaborations.
A Festival of Unmatched Scale and Diversity
What sets Newcastle Food Month apart from other regional food festivals is its remarkable duration and comprehensive programming. While comparable events like Noosa Food and Wine Festival or Taste Port Douglas typically run for just three days, Newcastle's celebration spans an entire month each April. The festival's growth trajectory has been impressive, with organisers reporting sustainable year-on-year expansion across all metrics.
The statistics demonstrate consistent growth: Plate Date venues increased from 54 in 2024 to 70 in 2025, representing an 11% jump. Feature Events have grown even more dramatically, from just 30 in 2021 to 70 in 2025 - a remarkable 230% increase over five years. This expansion reflects both community enthusiasm and strategic planning that continues to attract new participants and visitors.
New Signature Events and Precinct-Based Experiences
The 2026 program introduces several exciting new elements that promise to elevate the festival experience. Two headline Signature Events will capture attention:
- SoundBites Food & Wine Festival on March 28 at Newcastle Racecourse, featuring exclusive dishes from Newcastle's top chefs alongside celebrity chef Miguel Maestre, Hunter Valley wineries, and live music performances.
- Customs House x TINTA Belmont Autumnal Garden Party on April 11 and 18, offering sophisticated outdoor dining experiences.
Strategic collaborations with NSW Government 24 Hour Economy projects have enabled the development of innovative precinct-based dining concepts. The Midtown area will feature Late Night Plate Dates with after-dark dining and courtesy bus transfers, while Newcastle East comes alive with curated Food Tours and new food trail maps highlighting culinary gems. The Throsby precinct will showcase seafood-themed Plate Dates across five villages: Carrington, Islington, Maryville, Tighes Hill, and Wickham.
Strengthened Partnerships and Commercial Support
Commercial partnerships remain crucial to the festival's sustainability, and 2026 marks a significant evolution in how these relationships function. For the first time, all nine major partners will not only provide financial support but also host their own food experiences within the program.
Key partnerships include:
- Charlestown Square joins as presenting partner
- Returning major partners Newcastle Airport, Crystalbrook Kingsley, and First Creek Wines
- New additions Hunter Culinary Association and Pukara Estate
These partnerships translate into tangible experiences for visitors. First Creek Wines will host collaborations with Sukimama, a pop-up cellar door at Ms Mary, and a Got Your Back Sista Trivia Night fundraiser at Foghorn Brewery. Crystalbrook Kingsley, as official hotel partner, offers a revamped Foodie Sleepover package and feature events with Newcastle Food Month ambassador Reece Hignell.
The Hunter Culinary Association brings regional development expertise, introducing leading Hunter Valley restaurants EXP, Muse, and Margan to Newcastle through collaborations at Roundhouse. Pukara Estate will host intimate olive oil tasting experiences at its Newcastle East store.
Supporting Partners Add Fresh Energy
Supporting partners contribute innovative elements to the 2026 program. Earp Distilling Co. presents Shuck Fest with Dawson's Oysters and East End Ice Creamery, while Foghorn Brewery returns with one-off Food & Music at The Pub events in collaboration with Newcastle Music Festival.
A Newcastle Airport spokesperson emphasised the festival's broader significance: "As a gateway to great food, we connect foodies across the globe, from Melbourne and Brisbane, to Bali, Singapore and beyond. We love welcoming travellers ready to explore everything that Newcastle has to offer, so we're proud to celebrate the very best of our local food culture and community."
The City of Newcastle's Special Business Rate program continues to provide foundational support, enabling the festival's ongoing expansion and innovation. Final program details will be revealed in early February, with organisers promising a month-long celebration that truly represents Newcastle on a plate.
