MEALS, MARKETS and MORE - Delicious days ahead!

From July 24 to August 2 The Curated Plate, one of Queensland’s leading food and drink festivals, will serve up its wide-ranging program, featuring more than 50 events stretching from the Sunshine Coast hinterland to coastline.

Festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita said, “We’ve already seen incredibly strong demand from people wanting to secure tickets early, particularly for some of our more intimate dining experiences and returning festival favourites.

 “This year’s program really captures the Sunshine Coast’s evolving food story. It celebrates local producers and ingredients, but also the incredible cultural influences and creativity shaping the region’s dining scene right now.”

The 2026 festival program includes long lunches, chef collaborations, farm tours, live cooking demonstrations, producer experiences, family-friendly events and immersive cultural dining experiences designed to showcase the best of the Sunshine Coast’s food, farming and hospitality sectors.

Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said, “The Curated Plate is a perfect way for the Sunshine Coast to share our story. Sensational food, magical encounters, fun and laughter - this year’s program is an open invitation for locals and visitors to experience the wonderful culinary adventures that make our region so special.”

Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said, “Queensland is the events capital of Australia and experiences like The Curated Plate are driving visitors to stay and play across our regions.”

The festival opening event is Island Fire, at Alsahwa Estate on Friday July 24, bringing together Sri Lankan cuisine, live performance and shared dining to mark the start of the Sunshine Coast’s annual food and drink festival.

Kuruvita, who is Culinary Director of The Curated Plate, will collaborate with Alsahwa Estate Head Chef Mal Meiers, reuniting the pair in the kitchen after working together previously. The event will also launch Alsahwa Estate’s Feast Chef Series.

Held in the estate’s gardens from 11.30am to 4pm, Island Fire will welcome 150 guests to an afternoon that blends food, fire and culture.

Also on Friday July 24, head to the Glass House Mountains for foodie and ‘Scone King’, Martin Duncan and Yanalla Farms Karen Martin hosting Sconversations.  

A delightful gathering that brings together interesting people from our region to share meaningful conversations over freshly baked scones, sublime Joyous Jams, and Tropical Pines pineapple jam, with lashings of fresh cream. It’s simple, indulgent, and just right for a long, easy afternoon. Sip your way through freshly brewed tea and Montville Coffee, perfectly paired to complement every bite.

Hinterland-focused events include our cover stars Ben Johnston and Jessica Huddart  - owners of Mapleton Pub and Falls Farm, hosting Good Soil: Farm. Table. Beast, where the gates are opened to The Falls Farm on July 26, offering a limited series of guided tours that take you behind the scenes of where it all begins.

Led by their head farmers, these intimate one-hour tours will walk you through the workings of a regenerative farm in Mapleton at its winter peak, from soil health and growing practices to the incredible diversity of produce coming out of the ground right now.

You’ll see firsthand how the ingredients featured across the festival are grown, harvested and cared for, and gain a deeper understanding of the connection between farm, kitchen and plate. Each guest will also receive a small take-home gift; a little piece of the farm to continue the story. (There’s also a Next Gen dinner at the Mapleton Pub on July 28.)

And on August 1, Spicers Tamarind in Maleny celebrates with the Sunshine Coast Asian

Food Festival. Wander their 18-acre property and enjoy a vibrant food and drink trail of bold Asian-inspired dishes, curated beverages, and a laid-back, picnic-style atmosphere perfect for all ages. It’s an incredible day out to enjoy great food, live music, and the scenic beauty of the hinterland. 

There are plenty more delicious days on the calender, from Yandina, to Kenilworth to Peachester, and down to the coast, so find out more and book tickets via thecuratedplate.com.au.