Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - Westside

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - Westside

The theme for the 2026 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (20 - 29 March) is simple and generous: “Here, try this.” Nowhere does that invitation feel more natural than in Melbourne’s west.

From Sunshine and St Albans to Williamstown, Footscray and Moonee Ponds, the west is serving up long lunches, night markets, degustations and neighbourhood food trails drawing serious attention. Some events sold out early - a clear sign food lovers are discovering the flavours of the west.

If you’re looking for Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events in Melbourne’s west, along with great places to eat beyond the festival this month, here’s where to start.

"Here, Try This" - Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in Melbourne's West

Long Lunches, Night Markets and One-Off Collaborations

Feast for Freedom – Footscray (Wednesday 25 March)
Hosted at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, this long-table dining experience celebrates food, community and connection. Expect generous shared plates and an atmosphere that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.
More info & tickets

Art of Dining – Williamstown (Saturday & Sunday 21 - 22 March)
Held at Seaworks, this immersive event pairs creativity with curated dining inside one of the west’s most iconic waterfront spaces.
More info & tickets

Victorian Multicultural Festival – Grazeland, Spotswood (Friday - Sunday 27 - 29 March)
A vibrant celebration showcasing global cuisines, live entertainment and riverside energy — perfect for those who like to try a little bit of everything.
More info & tickets

Luxsmith Karaoke Night Market – Footscray (Friday 27 March)
Street food meets karaoke for a lively, flavour-packed evening. Expect bold bites, big voices and classic westside atmosphere.
More info & tickets

Navi x Rothwell Distillery x Sun Theatre Degustation – Yarraville (Monday 23 March) – SOLD OUT
A one-night-only collaboration between Navi, Rothwell Distillery and Yarraville’s art deco cinema icon.
More info

Westside Wanders: Sunshine & St Albans

The Westside Wanders shine a spotlight on neighbourhood food trails - and these deserve their own moment.

Sunshine Flavours Tour - SOLD OUT
Local favourites Gojo Ethiopian Cafe, Kuuki Cafe and Phin Di showcase Sunshine’s diverse and creative dining scene.

St Albans Street Eats - one ticket left
Explore the energy of Alfrieda Street and beyond, with stops at St Albans Market, lively dining destination Phi Phi 2 and dessert favourite Che Desserts.

Laneway Nite Bites – Moonee Ponds (Wednesday 25 March) – SOLD OUT
Hidden laneways in the heart of Moonee Ponds come alive with food, drinks and good times.
More info

Missed out? Create your own Wander.
You don’t need a ticket to join the experience. Design your own Westside Wander by visiting participating venues at your own pace - start with coffee or brunch, explore the neighbourhood between stops and finish with something sweet.

Beyond the Festival: Food Experiences in Melbourne's West

The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival might be the headline act, but in Melbourne’s west, great food experiences happen year-round. This March, you can enjoy seasonal lunches, orchard picnics, heritage high tea, and one-off events that combine food, culture, and live entertainment.

March Foodie Events

Orchard to Table – A Joseph’s Dining Series – Werribee South (Fridays 6, 13, 20, 27 March)
Begin in the historic Werribee Park Heritage Orchard with a guided grafting experience, then enjoy a seasonal lunch at Joseph’s Dining, celebrating local produce and orchard-inspired cuisine.
More info & tickets

Graft & Graze in the Orchard – Werribee Park Heritage Orchard (Fridays 6, 13, 20, 27 March)
Settle beneath the orchard canopy for a relaxed picnic with seasonal fare, local produce, and orchard-inspired touches.
More info & tickets

Picnic in the Park – Werribee Park (March)
Pre-order a curated picnic, collect it from Lancemore Mansion Hotel, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the beautiful gardens.
More info

Witchmount Estate – Plumpton (Thursday 19 March)
A modern, quirky, feel-good comedy hypnosis show. Gerard V has been wowing crowds for 20+ years with an easy-going, inoffensive humour that keeps the whole room entertained.
More info

Desir Lounge – Caroline Springs (Sunday 22 March)
Celebrate global rhythms and local flavours with Desir Lounge in Caroline Springs. As part of the Victorian Government’s 10,000 Gigs initiative, supported through the Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria enjoy food, culture and live music.
More info

Williamstown Italian Festival 2026 - Williamstown (Sunday 22 March)

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Italian culture and community in the heart of Williamstown. Garden Street transforms into a lively festa, with music, food, and family-friendly fun. Proudly supported by Hobsons Bay City Council, this free event is a fantastic way to enjoy the unique spirit of Williamstown. Free event – all welcome. Save the date!
More info

Always Worth the Trip

The Refectory Parlour’s Heritage High Tea at Werribee Park Mansion

Enjoy a garden-style café experience with delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, house-made jams, and exquisite cakes and pastries. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Bookings essential.
More info & bookings

Buddy’s Bakery – Melton

Home to one of Australia’s best pies, this High Street institution is a must-visit. Grab a sweet treat or two for later.
More info

Because in Melbourne’s west, “Here, try this” isn’t just a festival theme, it’s an open invitation to eat, explore, and enjoy.