The Northern Rivers has long been regarded as the epicentre of great food… the produce springs from our rich volcanic soil and producers and chefs stretch their creativity knowing our community will seek it out.
Each September, the annual Sample Food Festival takes over the Bangalow Showgrounds to showcase the very best of the Northern Rivers with the largest culinary gathering of its kind.
Restaurants like Bruno’s Bellingen, Bonito’s Peruvian Eatery, and Crystalbrook Byron’s Forest pour their heart into $5, $10 and $15 sample plates that show off the best of their menus and what local producers have to offer. The bar showcases not only long-time favourite breweries, cellars and distilleries like Brookie’s Gin and Lord Byron Distillery but also the newest take on Northern Rivers flavours with Bunya Nut Rum and cocktails from Birds of Isle.
Amidst the annual feast is a showcase of the rest of the region, Norco Cape Byron Ice Cream flavour competitions, all-day kids programming (cooking classes, craft corners, face painting, wildlife experiences, roaming performers) as well as live music, friendly cooking comps, foraging workshops, and a market filled to the brim with colourful and passionate producers and artists.
Over the last 12 years, Sample Food Festival has become one of our region’s most loved events, giving our community the opportunity to taste something new, meet local producers, shop local and fine-tune their food knowledge at the cooking stage. Gather all of your favourite people, a picnic rug, and a big appetite, and celebrate the flavours and flair of the Northern Rivers at Sample Food Festival 2024!
The 12th Annual Sample Food Festival is at Bangalow Showgrounds on Saturday, 7 September from 8am to 4pm. Tickets are $5 / kids are free, go to samplefoodevents.com for more information.
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