Upcoming Food Festivals for September
Victoria is globally renowned for its dynamic, innovative, and endlessly diverse food scene. As the crisp winter air finally gives way to the welcoming warmth of spring, September emerges as the perfect month to venture out and indulge your palate. From casual street-side food trucks and bustling outdoor markets to sophisticated gourmet experiences and free-flowing local wines, the state truly comes alive with culinary celebrations.
Whether you are looking to escape to the rugged beauty of regional Victoria for a weekend getaway or prefer to stay within the vibrant, culturally rich heart of Melbourne, there is an event tailored to your cravings. Here is your ultimate, expanded guide to the must-visit food festivals happening this September.
Grampians BBQ Festival
Date: 4-6 September
Location: Halls Gap, Victoria
Cost: $75-$92 single day, $135-$170 general admission
Set against the breathtaking, dramatic sandstone peaks of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, the Grampians BBQ Festival is a carnivore’s dream come true. Perfectly timed for Father’s Day weekend, this event showcases Australia’s top competitive pitmasters as they work their magic over roaring open fires and custom-built smokers.
Expect to follow the intoxicating aroma of hickory and ironbark smoke to stalls serving up melt-in-your-mouth, Texas-style brisket, 12-hour slow-cooked pulled pork, and sticky, caramelized ribs. Beyond the spectacular smoky feasts, the festival leans heavily into a relaxed, regional atmosphere. Attendees can kick back on the grass to the sounds of live blues and roots music while sipping on craft beer from independent local breweries and small-batch spirits from regional distilleries. By drawing on the Grampians’ rugged natural beauty and the time-honoured tradition of authentic barbecue, the festival masterfully celebrates fire, flavour, community, and the absolute best of regional Victoria.
Wine and Vine Festival
Date: 12-13 September
Location: Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford
Cost: From $57 general admission, from $94 VIP
If your ideal spring weekend involves strolling through historic gardens with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand, the Wine and Vine Festival is your ultimate September destination. Held at the picturesque, heritage-listed Abbotsford Convent—just a stone’s throw from the Melbourne CBD—this festival offers a deep dive into Victoria’s world-class viticulture.
The event gathers 30 boutique Victorian wineries, bringing the cellar door experience directly to you. From robust Heathcote Shirazes to elegant Yarra Valley Chardonnays, attendees can explore a massive variety of regional profiles. Your ticket provides exceptional value, including tastings from all 30 participating wineries, a beautifully engraved commemorative wine glass, and a bespoke Wine & Vine tote bag to carry your purchased bottles. For those looking to elevate the day, VIP tickets offer exclusive perks and premium access. With live music providing an acoustic soundtrack throughout the sprawling convent grounds and a curated selection of top-tier Melbourne food trucks offering perfect wine pairings—think gourmet cheese toasties, wood-fired pizzas, and artisan charcuterie—it is an idyllic weekend for wine lovers to sip, discover, and unwind.
Let’s Get Shucked, Grilled and Toasted
Date: 19 September
Location: Henry and the Fox, 525 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Cost: $99
For those seeking a touch of inner-city luxury, this premium, interactive seafood event is a standout on the September calendar. Hosted at the chic, European-inspired Henry and the Fox right in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD, the event is run in exclusive partnership with Sea Kings seafood merchants.
This afternoon is designed for the ultimate seafood enthusiast. The main attraction is the live oyster shucking stations, where experts effortlessly prepare unlimited, freshly caught Australian oysters—allowing you to taste the distinct briny differences between regions. The indulgence doesn’t stop there; the menu also features wildly aromatic, charcoal-grilled tiger prawns, beautifully marinated seafood skewers, and bright, zesty seasonal salads designed to cut through the richness. To toast to the start of spring, the ticket includes free-flowing, crisp King Valley wines and local craft beers, perfectly matched to elevate the delicate flavours of the ocean.
The Vegan Market
Date: 20 September
Location: Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Williamstown
Cost: $3-$8 general admission
Taking over the cavernous, industrial-chic sheds and open-air spaces of the Seaworks Maritime Precinct, The Vegan Market offers a spectacular day out with sweeping views of the ocean and the Melbourne city skyline. This budget-friendly and dog-friendly outdoor food festival proves that plant-based eating is more innovative, decadent, and accessible than ever before.
Wander through a vibrant maze of local vegan food trucks offering everything from heavily loaded plant-based burgers and dairy-free artisan gelato to flaky, cruelty-free French pastries. It is not just about the food; the festival is an educational hub featuring live cooking demonstrations from renowned plant-based chefs, extensive eco-friendly product showcases (including sustainable fashion and cruelty-free skincare), and engaging Q&A sessions with vegan culinary experts. Everything on site is guaranteed 100% plant-based and cruelty-free, making it a stress-free haven for vegans and an eye-opening adventure for curious omnivores.
Pro-Tips for Surviving and Thriving at Food Festivals
To make the most of your culinary adventures this September, keep these essential tips in mind:
- What should I wear?
Opt for stretchy, comfortable clothes that allow for a growing “food baby.” Unless you’re attending a gourmet seated event, you will do a lot of walking on uneven ground and standing in queues, so supportive sneakers are a must. Also, keep Melbourne’s unpredictable spring weather in mind—bring layers!
- What is the best arrival strategy?
Resist the urge to jump into the very first queue you see. Instead, walk the entire festival layout once. Do a “reconnaissance lap” to spot your must-eat vendors, compare wait times, and strategize your meals so you don’t succumb to early food FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
- Should I bring cash or card?
While almost all food trucks and market stalls use digital payment terminals these days, large crowds can occasionally cause mobile networks and festival Wi-Fi to crash. Bringing a backup debit card and a few small cash bills ensures you won’t walk away hungry if the EFTPOS machines go down.
- How do I handle the mess?
Between sticky BBQ sauce and fresh oyster brine, things will get messy. Locate the rubbish bins and hand-washing stations early on. It is also highly recommended to pack a small packet of wet wipes or extra tissues in your bag so you aren’t stuck with sticky fingers all day.
Whether you’re a casual grazer looking for a fun weekend activity or a dedicated foodie hunting down the latest culinary trends, there’s a food festival to suit every taste and budget this spring.
Melbourne Food Festivals is an online directory filled with all the info you need about food festivals, food trucks and food expos. Check Melbourne Food Festivals often so you never miss out!