14 May 2025: Queensland’s premier food and drink festival has unveiled its full program today, with tickets now available for more than 50 unique events. Running from 25 July to 3 August, the annual celebration brings together chefs, producers, restaurants, and venues across the Sunshine Coast — from beachside settings to hinterland hideaways. From long lunches to farm tours and bustling markets, every event showcases the region’s finest fare, with menus brimming with Sunshine Coast food and drink.
Festival Culinary Director, Chef and TV personality Peter Kuruvita said the focus of this year’s festival was firmly on homegrown talent and local ingredients.
“We’re proud to present a truly diverse culinary experience this year,” Mr Kuruvtia said.
“The program this year features cuisines from South East Asian to Mediterranean, modern Australian to native bush foods – all anchored by local produce like Maleny Buffalo, Woombye Cheese, fresh Noosa greens, and wild-caught Sunshine Coast tuna.
“It’s a celebration of the amazing ingredients grown, raised and caught on the Sunshine Coast.”
Today’s full program release comes after a sneak peek last month, which saw early ticket releases snapped up. New events to the program include a ‘Bees and Brunch’ event will be one of the first opportunities for foodies to experience the brand new Alsahwa Estate, currently yet to open, led by Head Chef Sophie Phipps who is known from her time at Spice Bar in Mooloolaba.
Sunreef are returning to the program with a ‘Sunset Whales, Ales & Prawn Tails’ experience including a cruise through the Mooloolaba waterways with local ale and prawns on the menu.
Indigenous tourism operator Saltwater Eco Tours are hosting an event under the stars at Mooloolaba Spit. Ticket holders will join Elder Aunty Bridgette and Chef Kuruvita for an evening of open fire pits, fresh local seafood and a five course menu brimming with local native ingredients.
Two of the Sunshine Coast’s hottest new restaurants are hosting events including Toro Spanish Bar and Kitchen where local flavours will be combined with Spanish tradition and the lively atmosphere of flamenco dancers. Nearby in Bli Bli, new Italian restaurant Sopra is hosting a five-course shared feast that fuses local ingredients with contemporary Italian cuisine.
The program also features a picnic on the lawn of The Doonan, Seafood Markets at Mooloolaba, a night of local flavours and Jazz music in the country town of Kenilworth and more.
With one event already sold out and tickets selling fast, the public is encouraged to plan their festival experience and secure bookings early.
Ends.
For more information, images and interviews please contact Heather or Jen at The Comms. People:
Jennifer Swaine | 0438952830 | jen@commspeople.au
Heather Mollins | 0412421411 | heather@commspeople.au
