Newcastle Food Month April 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 12 December 2025
Newcastle Food Month reveals extended 2026 dates and
Early Release Program launch with new Ambassador Reece Hignell
Newcastle Food Month (NFM) is back for its incredible sixth year and has officially dropped its 2026 Early Release Program - and for the first time ever, it’s arrived before Christmas, giving food lovers the perfect excuse to plan their April adventures early… or gift someone something seriously delicious.
What’s more, Newcastle Food Month 2026 will officially swing open earlier than ever, launching with an exciting new event on Saturday 28 March and running right through to 30 April. This extended program gives food lovers a generous 34 days spanning the Easter long weekend, Anzac Day weekend and the April school holidays to taste their way around a city that’s firmly hot on everyone’s lips right now.
In a celebration of all things local and flavour-led, NFM also proudly announces the appointment of Reece Hignell acclaimed MasterChef alumnus, Newcastle foodie icon, and beloved baker Cakeboi, as its newest Ambassador. Reece joins long-standing NFM Ambassador and much-loved media personality, Jessica Farchione, forming a powerhouse duo set to champion the city’s thriving culinary scene.
“Newcastle is home, and its food scene has never been more exciting,” says Reece. “I can’t wait to showcase what our local chefs, producers and venues are creating - it’s going to be a huge April.”
With visitation to Newcastle at an all-time high, NFM invites everyone to come stay, eat, sip and celebrate across the region this April. Whether you’re booking a long lunch, or a festival weekend away, the 2026 program promises more flavour, more creativity, and more reasons than ever to make Newcastle your autumn destination.
NEW SIGNATURE EVENTS WITH FESTIVE FEELS
This year’s Early Release Program unveils great new Signature Events set to define the 2026 program:
Soundbites - Saturday 28 March, Newcastle Racecourse
A vibrant new Food & Wine Festival kicking off the NFM celebrations early jump-starting out of the barriers with:
- Newcastle’s top chefs teaming up with celebrity chef Miguel Maestre
- Signature dishes created exclusively for Soundbites
- A lineup of Hunter Valley wineries pouring across the day
- Live music and festival vibes from start to finish
It’s Newcastle on a plate (and in a glass).
Autumnal Garden Party – Saturday 11 & 18 April, Customs House
Set within the iconic heritage surrounds of Customs House, this dreamy, seasonal celebration is so good… it’s on twice. Expect elevated bites from its sister venue Tinta, flowing drinks, crisp autumn air and an atmosphere fit for the most beautiful long lunch of the year.
FEATURE EVENTS & PLATE DATES ARE BACK
Alongside the Signature Events, a curated selection of Feature Events return - intimate, inventive, chef-driven offerings that sell out year after year. Expect hands-on masterclass formats, pop ups, dego’s, festivals, food trails, soirees and wine events galore. There's still heaps of entries flowing in but the early release program hints at whats to come!
And yes, Plate Dates presented by First Creek Wines are back. Newcastle’s favourite $30 meal-and-drink moment returns for 2026 and, for the first time, arrives before Christmas, complete with gift cards ready to go - a tidy little stocking stuffer that unlocks something very delicious come April.
TICKETS NOW LIVE – EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM
A limited number of 2026 Signature Events, Feature Events and Plate Dates are now available to book. These are the seats that disappear while you’re still saying “save me one” - so don’t wait.
Explore and book via the Early Release page:
https://newcastlefoodmonth.com.au/early-release-2026/
A delicious reminder…’Tis the season… to book something delicious.
Christmas is approaching at a speed best described as brisk. So go on - lock in your April plans, load up on gift cards, and gift the people you love something they’ll actually remember.
With the Early Release Program now live, Newcastle Food Month 2026 is helping you play Santa - minus the stress. Feature Event tickets are ready to go, and Plate Dates - everyone’s favourite $30 meal-and-drink moment - perfectly packaged as stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts. Simple. Generous. Delicious. No wrapping. No panic. Just click, book, and wait for the smiles when they realise, they’ve been gifted a slice of Newcastle’s most delicious month. Go on. Make it delicious. They’ll thank you in April.
Buy your tickets and gift cards now: https://newcastlefoodmonth.com.au/early-release-2026/
For further information or to arrange an interview or express your interest in attending a media famil in the lead up to or a visit during Newcastle Food Month contact Kylie White – White Ink Wine + Life Publicity at [email protected] or on 0401 408 080 or contact Louise Maher, Event Organiser [email protected]
Newcastle Food Month would like to acknowledge the support of sponsors and partners, many returning year after year. Events of this scale cannot be created without their generous support. We would especially like to acknowledge the City of Newcastle’s ongoing support via the Special Business Rate (SBR) Funding.
About us:
For further information or to arrange an interview or express your interest in attending a media famil in the lead up to or a visit during Newcastle Food Month contact Kylie White – White Ink Wine + Life Publicity at [email protected] or on 0401 408 080 or contact Louise Maher, Event Organiser [email protected]
Contact details:
Kylie White
White Ink
Wine + Life Publicity
0401 408 080
