The Margaret River region is making a bold bid for global culinary recognition, with organisers of the Pair’d Margaret River Region festival unveiling a 2026 program that they claim could only happen in Western Australia.
Fresh from international acclaim at the Eventex Awards — where it was the only Australian festival to receive the honour — Pair’d has announced a four-day lineup from November 19 to 22, blending Michelin-starred chefs, world-renowned musicians, rare museum wines, and immersive dining experiences.
Festival Director on the Art of the Blend
Set among the south west’s beaches, forests, vineyards, and caves, festival director Hannah Pike said the event has evolved beyond a traditional food and wine festival.
“The 2026 program is about the art of the blend,” Ms Pike said. “From museum pours and fire feasts to musicians in caves and sunset sessions by the ocean, we’ve curated experiences that simply couldn’t happen anywhere else in the world.”
International Culinary and Music Stars
The festival will bring international culinary talent to WA, including Singapore’s acclaimed fire-cooking specialist Dave Pynt, Michelin-starred London chef Matt Abé, Canadian chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, and legendary American barbecue master Rodney Scott.
Music will also play a starring role, with Austrian electronic pioneers Kruder & Dorfmeister making their only Australian appearance in more than a decade during a sunset performance in front of Meelup Beach. The beach will again host the Pair’d Beach Club, featuring a relaxed beach bar, three-course dining, live music, and dancing on the sand.
Unique Wine and Cultural Events
Among 40 wine-inspired events will be a celebration of native ingredients, with diners gathered beneath the peppermint trees of Tanah Marah Forest, and a concert in Ngilgi Cave, which transforms into a performance venue for Noongar artist Bumpy and bushfood-inspired wine tasting.
A tiny number of serious wine collectors — limited to just 24 people — will access Leeuwin Estate museum wines never before poured for the public.
High Demand and Government Support
Some of the most popular events at Pair’d last year sold out within minutes. This year, tickets go on sale July 1.
Western Australian Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said Pair’d had grown into one of the state’s flagship events. “Pair’d showcases the very best of Western Australia’s world-class wine, food, and music, drawing visitors to the South West to experience our iconic landscapes and venues,” he said. “This event plays a key role in driving visitation to the Margaret River region.”
