Lismore’s signature food, arts and culture festival, Norco Eat the Street, is making its highly anticipated return to the CBD on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Lismore City Council say, ‘The much-loved community event will transform Keen Street and The Quad into a vibrant, pedestrian-first celebration of local flavour from 12pm to 7pm’.
‘Moving the festival from its previous November timeslot into the cooler August winter calendar comes in response to community feedback, ensuring a more comfortable and family-friendly afternoon out for food lovers’.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg said this year’s festival will build on the massive success of last year’s grand return following its four-year post-disaster hiatus.
‘Last year proved just how deeply missed Eat the Street was, with around 10,000 people coming together to fill our streets with life, and fantastic local food,’ Mayor Krieg said.
‘Now that the festival is firmly back on the calendar, we are focused on growing it further, providing an even bigger platform for our local cafes, restaurants and producers.
‘Events like this play a vital role in continuing to position Lismore as a leading regional events destination. We have the space, we have the incredible local talent, and we have a passionate community that knows how to back major cultural and culinary experiences.’
Norco Chief Executive Officer Michael Hampson said the co-operative was incredibly proud to continue its long-term support as the naming rights partner of this landmark event.
‘As a 100% Australian farmer-owned dairy co-operative with deep roots in the Northern Rivers, supporting our local community and celebrating outstanding regional produce is at the heart of everything we do,’ Mr Hampson said.
‘Eat the Street is a fantastic celebration of Lismore’s vibrant food culture, and we are thrilled to help deliver an event that provides such a massive boost to our local retailers, producers and families.’
Council say this year’s festival footprint will feature an increased number of food stalls and a greater variety of culinary offerings allowing visitors to sample the absolute best the Northern Rivers has to offer.
Open Streets program
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said ‘The Minns Government is funding Eat the Street through the Open Streets program, which is about transforming our streets into vibrant public spaces’.
‘The return of Eat the Street to downtown Lismore last year was a wonderful celebration of local food, creativity and community spirit and I’m excited to see how this year’s event will build on that success.
‘I continue to back local events like this because they give businesses a boost, showcase our creative sector and bring people together in the heart of the community.’
Council say the afternoon program features a mix of staple festival highlights alongside a series of new activations. Following its success as a crowd favourite last year, the Pie Eating Competition and the latte art event are set to make a highly anticipated return and council staff are working on creating Lismore’s first ever Waiters’ Race for the city’s hard working hospo crew.
‘Attendees can also look forward to a number of live music acts including the Cake and Cordial Sessions, a family-friendly songwriter showcase featuring a relaxed lineup of alt-country and rootsy folk music, paired perfectly with sweet treats. Local performers will also get their chance to shine, with a dedicated Busking Competition designed to highlight the incredible grassroots musical talent of our region’.
Norco Eat the Street is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program led by Transport for NSW. The event is delivered in association with Lismore City Council, long-term naming rights partner Norco, and event sponsors ZZZ FM, The Lismore App, and QuickShade Australia.
To stay updated as the full program is confirmed, follow the Eat the Street social media pages or visit the official website at https://www.visitlismore.com.
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