What’s Happening?
FEASTival is returning to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with a bigger focus on food, drinks and hands-on experiences.
The event will bring together Queensland Country produce, craft beverages, celebrity chef sessions and creative workshops. It forms part of the Carnival program, which continues to draw visitors from across Australia.
This year’s FEASTival lineup includes Indigenous chef Nornie Bero, Simon Toohey and Dominique Rizzo. Their live cooking sessions are included in general admission, giving visitors access to chef-led sessions across the weekend.
Why It Matters
FEASTival gives Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers another strong drawcard for locals and visitors.
The program puts Queensland Country produce, wine, beer, spirits and local makers in front of a wider crowd. It also gives visitors more ways to enjoy Carnival beyond the floral displays.
For the region’s food, drink and tourism businesses, it creates a direct link with people already travelling to Toowoomba for one of Australia’s best-known festivals.
Toowoomba Region Councillor James O’Shea said the 2026 program had been shaped by feedback from the community and visitors.
“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.”
By The Numbers
- Three celebrity chefs will appear across the weekend, with Nornie Bero, Simon Toohey and Dominique Rizzo included in the general admission program.
- Adult tickets are now $35 from 1 June to 17 September, after the $20 early bird offer closed on 31 May.
- Children under 12 can enter free, while youth tickets for visitors aged 12 to 17 are priced at $10.
Local Impact
FEASTival will support Toowoomba’s visitor economy by giving people more reasons to stay, spend and take part in Carnival events.
Local producers will also have a chance to share their products through Sip & Savour sessions. These include wine tastings, beer appreciation and distillery tastings hosted by regional producers.
For families, the pricing keeps the event accessible, with free entry for children under 12 and youth tickets set at $10.
Zoom In
FEASTival’s weekend schedule includes celebrity chef sessions, tastings and premium upgrades. Advance ticket holders are encouraged to plan ahead, as Sip & Savour sessions are expected to fill quickly.
Celebrity Chef Sessions
- Nornie Bero
- Saturday: 11.30 am, 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm
- Sunday: 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm
- Sessions will feature emu, crocodile and kangaroo, with a focus on First Nations cuisine, Country, culture and community.
- Simon Toohey
- Saturday: 1.30 pm, 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm
- Sunday: 11.30 am, 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm
- Sessions will showcase local produce, bold ideas and practical cooking techniques.
- Dominique Rizzo
- Saturday: 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm
- Sunday: 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm
- Sessions will focus on Mediterranean-influenced cooking, flavour and craft.
Sip & Savour Sessions
- Wine tastings
- Saturday and Sunday: 11.30 am, 1 pm, 2.30 pm and 4 pm
- Visitors can try regional varietals, from Prosecco to Pinot Noir.
- Beer appreciation
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm and 4.30 pm
- Sessions will suit craft beer fans and visitors keen to learn more about beer styles.
- Distillery tastings
- Saturday and Sunday: 12.30 pm, 2 pm, 3.30 pm and 5 pm
- These sessions will cover craft spirits, from botanical gins to complex whiskies.
Premium Ticket Upgrades
- Canopy Club
- Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 2 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm
- Tickets are $113 for two adults.
- Each ticket includes a bottle of wine or a four-pack of craft beer.
- It also includes glassware or a stubby cooler, plus two food vouchers.
- Meals will be delivered to the table.
- Guests will have reserved seating beneath a canopy of trees, with views over the Flavour Lab stage.
- Mixing Bowl
- Interactive cooking sessions with guest hosts.
- Sessions will include cooking tips and hands-on food experiences.
- Handmade Hub
- Painted Drink Coasters, led by The Sip Studio.
- Paint A Piece ceramics, led by The Wonky Wheel Pottery Studio.
- Visitors can leave with a personalised keepsake.
Zoom Out
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers remains one of Australia’s most loved regional festivals.
Its mix of gardens, colour, food, entertainment and community events continues to bring people into the region each year.
FEASTival sits at the heart of that broader program as the Carnival’s food and beverage experience. This year’s added chef sessions, tastings and workshops show a stronger push toward interactive events.
The Carnival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
What To Look For Next?
The live music lineup is still to be announced.
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in the Carnival Choir, giving them a moment in the spotlight as part of the wider program.
As more entertainment details are released, FEASTival is set to add even more activity to the 2026 Carnival calendar.
Ticket Information
Tickets are available through the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website.
Buy tickets here: https://tcof.com.au/events/feastival/
From 1 June to 17 September:
- Adult: $35
- Concession: $30
- Youth, 12 to 17 years: $10
- Child under 12: Free