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 Oztix or 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. Tickets available online or at the gates.

The full Sample 2025 Restaurant Menu is now available on samplefoodevents.com

COOKING STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
10.00 – 11.30:
Australian Bay Lobster & Bay Grocer Mystery Box Chef’s Duell featuring Jordan Staniford, Head Chef at Capiche versus Marcello Polifrone, Head Chef at Byron Bay Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant.
11.50 – 12.00:
Golden Fork Awards presented by Alex Mitcheson, Angela Saurine and Amy Colli.
12.00 – 13.00:
Tiffany Jones, Executive Chef at Crystalbrook Forest, will demonstrate her iconic Eleven Layer Chocolate Cake.
13.30-14.30:
Craig Robertson, Executive Chef at Elements Azure Bar & Grill will demonstrate his legendary Duck Dish featuring local ingredients.
15.00-16.00:

Acclaimed food & drinks writer Alex Mitcheson, whose work appears in top publications including Gourmet Traveller, will host a panel discussion with all four Chef’s, Craig Robertson, Tiffany Jones, Jordan Staniford and Marcello Polifrone.

WORKSHOPS
09:30 – 10:30 | 11:00 – 12:00
Foraging Masterclass with Peter Hardwick
10:00 – 11:30
Kids Cooking Class with Jedd Rifai from North Byron Hotel
12:00 – 13:00
Fermenting Masterclass with Katrina Lazareva from Byron Fermentary
10:00 – 11:30 | 12:00 – 13:30 | 14:00 – 15:30
Weaving Workshop with aunti Deb and Tania from Ballina Gmars
12:15 – 13:00
Ceviche and Pisco Masterclass with Franco and Andres from Bonito
13:15 – 13:45
Agave Spirit Masterclass with Julz Rescei from North Byron Liquor Merchants
14:45 – 15:30
Brookie’s Spritz Masterclass with Eddie Brook from Cape Byron Distillery

More Information and Tickets to all Workshops Here.