The Sample Food Festival returns this spring, celebrating its 13th anniversary at the picturesque Bangalow Showgrounds. Showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers, the festival brings together food lovers, chefs, and producers for a full day of tastings ($5–$15), live cooking demos, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment.

Sample Food Festival 2025
Saturday 6 September at Bangalow Showground
Tickets are on sale now at samplefoodevents.com

This year’s program shines a spotlight on sustainability and offers a wide range of interactive workshops and masterclasses, from foraging walks with Peter Hardwick and kids’ cooking with Chef Jedd Rifai, to spirit tastings with Cape Byron Distillery, agave and mezcal sessions, fermentation classes, and a hands-on ceviche and pisco masterclass. Weaving and yarning circles will also be held, supporting local First Nations advocacy.

The festival runs from 8am to 4pm, kids under 16 are free.