Back for its sixth edition, Newcastle Food Month is not your average foodie celebration. Taking over Newcastle with over 70 special events and 70 more plate dates — signature dish and drink pairings for $30 or less — the entire affair is described as Australia's largest and longest regional food festival. If you're yet to visit, make this year the one for getting to know Newy's top-notch hospitality scene and world-class produce. In 2026, Newcastle Food Month is happening from Saturday, March 28–Wednesday, April 30. Though the entire program is worth checking out, there's a trio of signature one-off events to plan your calendar around. The first — Soundbites Food & Wine Festival — is happening on opening day at Newcastle Racecourse, featuring a day-long experience complete with 40 wineries, breweries, producers and chefs alongside roaming performances, grape stomping and more. Then, on Wednesday, April 1, the HCA x First Creek Waiters' Race offers the chance for someone with the fastest feet and the steadiest hands to claim the ultimate hospitality bragging rights. Rounding out this trio, Newcastle Food Month will also feature two sessions of the Customs House x Tinta Belmont Autumnal Garden Party. Held on Saturday, April 11 and Saturday, April 18, expect four hours of Usher Tinkler drops, Tanqueray gins and roaming canapes. Of course, there are dozens more events to explore throughout the month. Think degustation cruises, multicultural fiestas and seafood long lunches served by the waterfront. No matter your tastes, this sprawling regional activation is one of the best ways to celebrate everything Novacastrian cuisine has to offer, whether you're keen to dine, sip or level up your culinary skills with an expert-led masterclass. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox. Images: Dom Cherry.
