Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: Foodies flock for the Festival of Food and Wine this weekend

Hope you’ve brought your appetite, as the Festival of Food and Wine is coming to the Garden City this weekend.

The annual Festival of Food and Wine is back in Toowoomba this weekend and it has got some mouth-watering events lined up.

Get a taste for the southern Queensland country with plenty of tastings, live music, and of course, wine. With three jam-packed days, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the Carnival of Flowers.

Toowoomba Regional Councillor James O’Shea said Toowoomba expects 15,000 visitors for the three-day event based on previous years.

“There’s quite a bit there and something for everybody,” he said.

“The line-up for the music is fantastic it’s great to see some local bands in the mix. And of course, with the legendary John Stevens and the Eurogliders playing too, it will be a great weekend.

“It’s an amazing social event that people always circle on the calendar. And with plenty of demonstrations from local businesses, it’s a fantastic way to showcase local produce.”

Chloe Prentice, Marlee Newsome, Sarah McCulloch, Abbie Wood and Renae Doolan. Festival of Food and Wine, Queens Park, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Saturday September 10, 2022 Picture: Bev Lacey

For the budding master chefs, check out celebrity chef Justine Schofield’s cooking showcases across Saturday and Sunday. Or head over to The Paddock Butchery cooking up a storm across the afternoon in the tasting room. Both Farm to Fork demonstrations will highlight premium seasonal produce from around the Toowoomba region.

The Paddock Butchery retail manager Chris Janetzki and general manager Ryan McBurney said they were keen to show their burning passion for natural cooking with natural produce.

“We are both qualified chefs and we have been cooking in Toowoomba for over a decade, so we are always excited to show off our passion for barbecuing and cooking to the Toowoomba public,” Mr Janetzki said.

“At our demonstrations, we will have a stainless steel, octagon-shaped pit with live coals cooking up a meat extravaganza.

Mr McBurney said their menu would include delicious Bundaberg prawns, chicken wings, ribs, and a juicy, fatty brisket that we consider the ‘Rolls Royce’ of briskets.

Quench your thirst at the tasting room, with Pechey Distilling Co, 4 Brothers Brewing, and Burleigh Brewing all holding demonstrations on how they create their refreshing beverages.

Sydney rock band Hoodoo Gurus, whose 10th album 'Chariot of the Gods' was released in March 2022. Picture: Christopher Ferguson

When you’ve picked your fancy from the delicious eats available, tune in to the live music at the main stage with headlining acts from Sneaky Sound System, Hoodoo Gurus, Jon Stevens, Budjerah, Hamilton Band, and the Dreams Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute Show.

The Festival of Food and Wine kicks off on Friday, September 8 and ends on Sunday, September 10.

Your food-filled adventure awaits you in Upper Queens Park, East Toowoomba.

Tickets for the event are still available on Oztix or the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers website. Ticket holders can upgrade their festival experience by adding a delicious grazing box to their purchase for $75.