Taste Tamworth is back in 2026, with a stacked program right across the region ready to delight foodies, including three new flagship events hosted by Tamworth Regional Council.
The 10-day food festival will kick off on Friday 10 April, with a cocktail evening in the Laneway Bar Tamworth to launch the festivities. The unique space, located next to Tamworth Town Hall will be transformed into a neon alley, with nostalgic hits provided by Groove DJs. With a range of signature cocktails available for just $15, as well as other beverages, it’s the perfect event to attend for a special date night, with a group of friends or after work drinks. Entry is free.
The theme for this year’s Festival is “Experience Country Goodness”, emphasising Tamworth as the Capital of Country and inviting visitors to experience the region’s hospitality and local produce.
The first weekend of the Festival will see the introduction of Picnic in ANZAC Park, a new, free event, hosted by Tamworth Regional Council. The event invites festival goers and locals to purchase ready made picnic hampers from local businesses and relax among the greenery, with live music by local artist Fraser Simpson. The event will take place on Saturday 11 April from 11am-2pm, creating the perfect lunch time activity for all ages. Hampers can be ordered through The Healthy Lunchbox and Brewed Connections. More information is available at www.tamworthregion.com.au/event/picnic-in-anzac-park/.
Sweet Street will return on Sunday 12 April, from 2-5pm in Fitzroy Plaza, with delightful treats and activities to satisfy sugar cravings.
Meanwhile, Tamworth’s annual Taste in the Park is expanding, with a special nighttime edition, Taste in the Park | Under the Stars, set to take place on Saturday 18 April at 5pm in Bicentennial Park. The evening event provides another opportunity for festival-goers to explore the Region’s offerings, with a range of food and beverage tastings and meals on offer.
Manager Festival & Events, Joel Ulbricht says Council is excited to establish new events as part of Taste this year.
“We’re thrilled to be incorporating new events into the Taste Tamworth calendar, including expanding Taste in the Park to the evening before and launching Picnic in ANZAC Park.
“Both events are low-cost and truly accessible to everyone in our community and we can’t wait to see people of all ages come together to enjoy them.” Mr Ulbricht says.
Also in the program, are two stellar shows for comedy buffs and theatre-lovers alike. Merrick Watts – An Idiot’s Guide to Wine is the perfect show for those who love wine and a good belly laugh. Merrick Watts is a comedian and a qualified wine expert who judges at some of the most prestigious wine shows around the country. Throughout the evening, audience members taste six Australian wines, while engaging in the tasting wisdom of Watts. The show will be presented at Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday 11 April at 7:30pm.
While, A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen will be performed at the Capitol Theatre on Saturday 18 April at 3pm. This enchanting theatre show is part concert, part storytelling, and part home-cooked meal.
Manager Entertainment Venues, Roz Pappalardo says: “We are delighted to showcase two deliciously entertaining, food-focused events as part of the Taste Tamworth Festival. If you haven’t made it back to the theatre since the Tamworth Country Music Festival, consider this your invitation.”
Once again, a range of local businesses from right across Tamworth Region have come on board to host their own unique events during the Taste Festival.
Events already locked in include:
- 10 April | 10am | Herbal Remedies Workshop | Oakenville Farm | $65
- 10 April | 5pm | Laneway Bar | next to Town Hall | Free entry
- 11 April | 7am | Le Pruneau Organic Markets | Le Pruneau | Free entry
- 11 April | 11am | Picnic in ANZAC Park | ANZAC Park | Free entry
- 11 April | 11:30am | The Goldfields Long Lunch | The Peel Inn | $80
- 11 April | 1pm | Italian Bottomless Brunch at the Tudor | The Tudor | $65
- 11 April | 3pm | Harmony and High Tea | The Conservatorium of Music | $60
- 11 April | 6pm | From the Coast to the Plate | South Tamworth Bowling Club | $85
- 11 April | 7:30pm | Merrick Watts – An Idiot’s Guide to Wine | Town Hall | $65
- 12 April | 9am | Community Planting Day | Tamworth Community Garden | Free
- 12 April | 11am | Sunday Lunch at the Drunken Trout Café | Nundle | see menu
- 12 April | 10am | Organic Sourdough Making Workshop | Oakenville Farm | $95
- 12 April | 2pm | Sweet Street | Fitzroy Plaza | Free
- 15 April | 10am & 12pm | Eco-Dye Workshop | Tamworth Regional Gallery | $25
- 15 April | 11am | 3D Slice of Cake – Design, Paint & Decorate | Tiny Studio | $65
- 16 April | 11am | Giant Ice Cream Rainbow Decorating Extravaganza | Tiny Studio | $60
- 16 April | 6pm | Cooking with La Creuset | The Magic Pudding | $30
- 17 April | 6:45pm | Dining in the Dark | Ibis Styles | $70
- 18 April | 7am | Le Pruneau Organic Markets | Le Pruneau | Free entry
- 18 April | 10am| Cheese Making Demonstration | Tamworth Brewing Supplies | Free
- 18 April | 10am | $20 Meal Challenge | UNE Tamworth | $20
- 18 April | 3pm | A Place In The Sultan’s Kitchen | Capitol Theatre | from $32
- 18 April | 6pm | Taste in the Park | Under the Stars | Bicentennial Park | $2 entry
- 19 April | 8am | Peel Street Markets | Peel Street | Free
- 19 April | 10am | Taste in the Park | Bicentennial Park | $2 entry
- 19 April | 11am | Sunday Lunch at the Drunken Trout Café | Nundle | see menu
This year the Taste Tamworth Festival falls during the New South Wales School holidays, providing families with a range of fun workshops, activities and new experiences to keep them entertained.
With a number of free and low-cost events on offer, it’s an easy, relaxed way for everyone to get out, try something different, and enjoy the holiday buzz.
To view the whole program or to book tickets, head to tastetamworth.com.au