A Bon Vivant's Guide to the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival 2024

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If you've been looking for an excuse for a coastal getaway up north, look no further than the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival. There aren't many events that bring leading chefs, acclaimed restaurants, live music and beach parties together, but this event offers all that and more in one of the country's most picturesque regions.

The epicurean event returns to the Sunshine State next year from Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2, 2024.

From multi-course lunches at Noosa's buzziest hotspots to celebrity chef masterclasses and sunset drinks on the beach, read on for the various mouthwatering ways to experience the four-day event.

LONG LUNCHES

Kick off the culinary festivities at one of the festival's long lunches. For the first time, ALBA by Kuruvita and Brisbane's Short Grain will be hosting guests for a three-course lunch, presented by Minuty. Along Arcadia Street, five local eateries will join forces for an al fresco dining experience, presented by Cloudy Bay. 

Pull up a chair at one of Noosa's hottest restaurants for a Thai and Sri Lankan-inspired menu. From 12pm on Friday, May 31, enjoy canapés and three courses from celebrated chefs Peter Kuruvita and Martin Boetz on ALBA's private lawn. You'll be greeted with a glass of Château Minuty rosé upon arrival. Each course will then be paired with a Cloudy Bay wine and other bevs from drink partners.

Another option is the long lunch at Arcadia Street from 12:30pm on Friday, May 31, where seats will be set up throughout the street. Tickets are allocated per venue, so you'll have to pick between popular restaurants Herbert, Muse, PUCCA, Theo's Social Club and COYA. Early birds will be treated to a cocktail by Paradise Arcade before feasting on a three-course, family-style meal paired with Cloudy Bay wines at your venue of choice.

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

The heart of the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is the two-day Festival Village. Go from morning markets and culinary showcases to lunch at a pop-up restaurant and a tipple with live music on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2.

Meander between cooking and cocktail masterclasses before grabbing a wine, beer or cocktail from world-class purveyors as you explore the Producers Pavillion.

On the main stage, there'll be cooking demos and competitions during the day by notable Aussie chefs, followed by tunes from DJs and bands into the night. 

Recharge with a bite from one of the pop-up restaurants and stalls, or unwind in style at the VIP Lounge. VIP ticket-holders can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and catering by Lanai Noosa in lounge seating on a private lawn. They'll also get front-row seating by the main stage and priority entry.

BEACH EVENTS

The festival will take over Noosa Main Beach with back-to-back twilight events and a Sunday brunch from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.

Launch into the weekend with the official opening party on Friday evening. Arrive to a Chandon garden spritz cocktail before sampling canapés and watching live performances from local artists.

On Saturday, there'll be masterclasses, tastings and more sundown sessions, followed by a brunch on Sunday morning and a beach bash at sunset to close out the weekend. 

RESTAURANTS

It wouldn't be a spotlight on Noosa's food scene without the involvement of beloved local restaurants — so get excited for a brand-new restaurant program next year.

Refined classics Locale, ALBA, Season and Miss Moneypenny's will join fresh favourites Seabourne Distillery, Mariella Mexicantina, Bandita Mexican, Herbert and Theo's Social Club for special menus and exclusive events.

Keep your eyes peeled for the full lineup dropping in February, including a floating dining experience on the luxe Catalina Noosa and even an island takeover.

Tickets are strictly limited and sold separately per event, so make sure to get in quick. Purchase tickets and find out more at the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival website.