Here, try this - Australia’s biggest and best festival of food and drink is back from 20 to 29 March.

Melbourne Food & Wine Festival FAQs

Last updated 21 November 2025

We look forward to welcoming you to the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2026.

World’s Longest Lunch –  Information  

TRANSPORT

Kings Domain is a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street station. Several tram lines also run down St Kilda Road and stop directly outside the event site; check PTV for your best options.

Parking around the event site is limited. Several carparks are within walking distance; check with parking providers directly for fees.

OUTDOOR EVENTS/WEATHER

Outdoor events are subject to adverse weather conditions. Ticket buyers accept the risk that weather may affect the event and acknowledge that tickets will not be refunded or exchanged for a gift voucher, except to the extent otherwise required by law.

If we’re alerted in advance that the event may be affected by adverse weather conditions, we reserve the right, per our terms and conditions, to move the event indoors or move the event date within two days of the intended original event date.

PURCHASING ON THE DAY

The World’s Longest Lunch is an all-inclusive ticket with all food and beverage on the day included.

OPERATIONAL HOURS

The World’s Longest Lunch will run from 12 noon to 3.30pm.

SEATING OPTIONS

These are fully ticketed events, and no tickets will be available on the day. At Lunch, all seating is pre-allocated and table/seat numbers will be listed on your ticket; please ensure you bring a copy of your ticket with you on the day.

LICENSING INFORMATION

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The purchase or consumption of alcohol is restricted to over-18s. Identification may be checked.

PETS

The World’s Longest Lunch is a pet-free event.

Melbourne CAKE PICNIC –  Information

 

Does everyone need a ticket and a cake to enter the CAKE PICNIC area and participate in the event? 

Yes. One ticket and one whole cake per person are required to enter the CAKE PICNIC area and to participate in the event. 

Can I buy more than one ticket at a time?

Yes, you can purchase up to four tickets in one transaction. Please note that everyone you are buying a ticket for also needs to bring a whole cake. If you’re a party of four, for example, you’ll need to bring four cakes between you.

What happens if tickets are sold out?

If tickets sell out, we’ll add a waitlist link in the case of more tickets becoming available.

What is the latest I can arrive at the event? 

The event runs from 11am until 2pm. You must be in the line by 11.50am for cake registration. After 11.50am, we’ll no longer be able to accept anyone in the queue. You won’t be able to participate in the event if you’re not at the site in time.

I’m buying tickets for myself and my family/friends. Can they check in separately from me?

The entire group must check in together for entry. 

What are the cake requirements? 

All cakes need to be a minimum of 20cm wide and 7.5cm tall. Don’t bring cakes in aluminium or tin pans. All cakes served on the cake tables must be on cake boards for display and decorated beautifully. This is an event is for people excited to bring their absolute best cake to the picnic. We want delicious, beautiful cakes! You can also support a local baker and bring a store-bought cake.

What is the agenda and schedule?

All ticket holders will receive detailed instructions, maps, and guidance several weeks before the event to help prepare for CAKE PICNIC.  

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

All CAKE PICNIC ticket sales are final, non-refundable, and non-transferable.

Is there an age restriction to participate in the event?  

The event is licenced, and any ticket holder under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who also holds an event ticket.  

Can kids and dogs come to the event? 

Babies in arms (under one year) do not need a ticket or a whole cake to attend with a ticket holder.  Everyone else will need a ticket and cake to participate. Only service dogs will be allowed on site. 

What happens if it rains?

CAKE PICNIC is an outdoor event; the team will be monitoring the forecast and will make a decision about the event 48 hours before. If rain is forecast, the event start time may be pushed back. If the weather is severe or dangerous, the event may move to an indoor location. 

If I have a special dietary requirement will there be cakes for me?

It will depend on what attendees bring along on the day. All participants must clearly label their cake with the cake name and any major allergens, so you can check which cakes meet your requirements. The top nine allergens that must be listed are milk, eggs, wheat (gluten), soy, nuts, peanuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, and sesame.  

Do I need to bring ID? 

Yes, please bring a Victorian accepted form of ID to show at registration.  

MFWF at Fed Square –  Information  

TRANSPORT

For details on transport and parking please refer to the Fed Square website: Getting Here – Fed Square, Melbourne Australia.

PURCHASING ON THE DAY 

All transaction points within the Festival site will be cashless. Please bring your credit or debit card to buy food, drinks and merch.

OPERATIONAL HOURS 

Hours vary across the festival; please check the specific event pages for a detailed listing.

SEATING OPTIONS 

There is no reserved or allocated seating at Fed Square events. Free seating options will be available throughout the event site.

LICENSING INFO 

Free weekend events at the Fed Square are open to all ages.

MFWF supports the responsible service of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Identification will be checked at the bars and licensed venues.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please refer to the following information for information regarding accessibility at Fed Square https://fedsquare.com/accessibility

General information

 

How do refunds work? 

Please refer to our terms and conditions for the full refund guidelines.

Who should I contact if I want a refund or if I need to change my card details? 

Please email all your booking details to info@foodanddrinkvic.com.au to request a refund, along with the reason for requesting the refund. Your request will be assessed by the MFWF team in line with our ticketing terms and conditions.

How long are MFWF gift vouchers valid? 

In line with the ACCC requirements, MFWF gift vouchers are valid for three years from the date of purchase for a select range of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival events, including the World’s Longest Lunch, CAKE PICNIC, Lunch with Helen Goh and a select number of Global Dining Series. Applies only to events that are labelled gift-card redeemable. View our ticketing policy.