27 May 2026
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is thrilled to announce the return of FEASTival, the region’s premier food and artisan celebration, set to tantalise tastebuds, ignite creativity and bring communities together in a spectacular showcase of Queensland Country’s finest produce, craft beverages and culinary talent.
With a powerhouse lineup of celebrity chefs, immersive tasting experiences and handson workshops, FEASTival is shaping up to be the most mouthwatering event on the Queensland calendar, and for a limited time, early bird general admission tickets are available for just $20. But act fast: this offer closes 31 May with prices increasing to $35 following this date.
Headlining FEASTival is celebrated Indigenous chef Nornie Bero, a passionate advocate of First Nations cuisine and storytelling through food. Renowned for her vibrant, soulful cooking, deeply rooted in country, culture and community, Nornie brings a perspective to the plate that is both ancient and distinctly contemporary.
Catch Nornie live across the weekend cooking emu, crocodile and kangaroo:
Saturday: 11.30am, 2.30pm and 5.30pm
Sunday: 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm
Her performance is not to be missed. Expect fire, flavour and a genuine connection to the land that will leave you seeing Queensland produce in an entirely new light.
Joining Nornie on the FEASTival stage is an exceptional ensemble of culinary talent, each bringing their own unique flair to Toowoomba. Best of all, Celebrity Chef sessions are included in your general admission ticket.
Simon Toohey: A boundary-pushing culinary innovator, Simon brings bold ideas and brilliant techniques to every session, showcasing the best of local produce.
Catch Simon live across the weekend:
Saturday: 1.30pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am, 2.30pm and 5.30pm
Dominique Rizzo: A culinary icon celebrated for her mastery of Mediterraneaninfluenced cuisine, Dominique will take audiences on a delicious journey through flavour, culture and craft.
See Dominique live across the weekend:
Saturday & Sunday: 12.30pm and 3.30pm
Also included in general admission, are Sip & Savour sessions, which are a free gateway into the extraordinary world of Queensland Country Tourism region’s local beverage producers.
Choose from:
Wine tastings: From Prosecco to Pinot Noir, explore the depth and diversity of Queensland’s regional varietals.
Sessions run across the weekend from: 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm.
Beer appreciation: Whether you’re a craft beer devotee or just curious about your pale ale versus pilsner, this session has you covered.
Sessions run across the weekend at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm.
Distillery tastings: Follow the journey from farm to bottle through the world of craft spirits, from botanical gins to complex whiskies.
Sessions run across the weekend at 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm.
These Sip & Savour sessions are hosted by local producers and are expected to fill quickly. Advance ticket holders are encouraged to plan ahead.
For those seeking something extra special, FEASTival offers a range of premium ticket upgrades, where you can elevate your experience.
Canopy Club: Settle into this exclusive reserved seating area beneath a canopy of trees with prime views over the Flavour Lab stage. Each ticket ($113 for 2 adults) includes a bottle of wine or 4-pack of craft beer, glassware or stubby cooler and two food vouchers, with meals delivered to your table.
Sessions run across Saturday and Sunday from 12–2pm and 3–5pm.
Mixing Bowl: Interactive culinary sessions packed with tips and tricks from our talented guest hosts. The perfect hands-on foodie upgrade.
Handmade Hub has you leaving with a beautiful, personalised keepsake: the paint and create sessions include:
- Painted Drink Coasters (led by The Sip Studio); and
- Paint A Piece ceramics (led by The Wonky Wheel Pottery Studio).
Toowoomba Region Councillor James O’Shea said “We have taken on feedback from visitors and our community about including more engaging experiences inside the event. With three celebrity chefs in 2026 as well as so many additional hands-on opportunities, we are certainly delivering on this, and at early bird prices of $20 each, your ticket is more than half the price of purchasing at the gate.”
The live music line-up is coming soon, and includes the opportunity for visitors to share a moment in the spotlight as part of the Carnival Choir.
Early bird general admission tickets are just $20 until 31 May, a saving not to be passed up for what is shaping up to be the most extraordinary FEASTival yet.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is one of Australia’s most beloved and iconic festivals, drawing visitors from across the country each year to celebrate the region’s extraordinary natural beauty, colours and community spirit. FEASTival is the premier food and beverage experience at the heart of Carnival.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.
ENDS
Media friends please contact Liquidity Marketing, Lisa Grant on 0421 075 703 or lisa@liquiditymarketing.com.au for all media and interview enquiries relating to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
