Hotel Canobolas at Orange FOOD Week 2026

Overview

Back when Orange FOOD Week began, the region's culinary scene consisted of little more than a couple of burgeoning vineyards. Now, as the event enters its 35th year, Australia's longest-running regional food festival has an extraordinary array of local chefs, cooks, farmers and restaurateurs to highlight. In 2026, eight of these gastronomic events will be held at Hotel Canobolas, one of Orange's most storied venues.

Presented on Friday, March 27, a major highlight of this ten-day festival is Locally Grown with Chef Joel Bickford. Following a sold-out edition in 2025, Bickford will link up with fellow Point Group collaborator, Food & Beverage Director Alex Kirkwood, to serve a four-course feast showcasing seasonal veggies, ethically raised meats and signature ingredients sourced from farms throughout the Orange region.

Plus, Fire & Wine will make its festival debut, offering diners an open-air celebration of local produce from within the Canobolas Courtyard. Starting at 3pm on Sunday, March 22, chefs Joel Bickford and Danny Corbet will serve up a curated wood-fired menu inspired by the region's growers. Meanwhile, Orange's top wines will be poured throughout the afternoon, specifically chosen to complement the smoky cuisine.

As for the rest of the festival, Hotel Canobolas will be jam-packed with community happenings. For instance, Raw Fizz on Thursday, March 26, provides a chance to drink and mingle with local winemakers, while the annual Night Markets return on Friday, March 28, complete with a delicious charcoal barbecue. Of course, the wider program for Orange FOOD Week is similarly stacked, with close to 100 more activations to explore in and around town.