Alright, so you wanna know how I got into checking out food and drink festivals here in Aus? It wasn’t some grand plan. Honestly, I just kept hearing about them. Mates would mention going to one, or I’d see something pop up online about a local food fair. Looked like a decent way to spend a weekend, plus, you know, food and drinks – hard to go wrong there.
Finding What’s On
So, how did I actually find them? No magic formula here. I started just by keeping my ears open and eyes peeled. Sometimes you see posters stuck up around town, or little ads in the local paper. I did do a bit of searching online too, just typing in stuff like “food festival Sydney” or “what food events are on near me”. You stumble across council websites or tourism pages sometimes, they usually list this kind of stuff. It wasn’t like I was booking things six months in advance, more like finding out something was happening next week and deciding to go.
Going to My First Few
The first couple I went to, I kinda just showed up. Drove down, spent ages finding parking – big mistake. Learned pretty quick to check public transport options, way less hassle. Some of the really big festivals, like the major city ones, you definitely need to grab tickets online beforehand. They can sell out quick. But lots of the smaller, local community ones? You can often just pay a few bucks at the entrance.
Once you’re inside, it’s usually buzzing. Loads of people, music, and the smells are incredible. My strategy? Always do a full lap first. Don’t just jump at the first stall you see. Walk around the whole place, see what’s actually there. Get the lay of the land. Sometimes you spot something amazing tucked away in a corner.
Tasting and Trying Stuff
Okay, the main event: the food and drink. Here’s how I tackle it:
- Small portions are your friend. Lots of stalls do tasting plates or smaller sizes. Perfect. Means you can try more things without getting stuffed after two stops.
- Be a bit adventurous. Yeah, you can get a burger, but look for the weird stuff! I remember trying some amazing emu sausages at one festival, never would’ve bought those in a shop. Fresh seafood is usually a winner too if you’re near the coast. Oysters shucked right in front of you? Yes please.
- Talk to the vendors. Ask ’em what’s popular, what they’re proud of. They’re usually dead keen to chat about their produce or cooking. Got some great tips and tried things I wouldn’t have otherwise just by having a quick yarn.
- Don’t forget the drinks. Local craft beers, regional wines, maybe some funky small-batch spirits. Again, try something new. Ask for a little taste if they offer it.
Stuff I Learned Along the Way
After hitting up a few of these, you start figuring things out. Like:
Pacing is crucial. Don’t try to eat everything in the first hour. Take your time, wander around, sit down for a bit. And drink water! Especially if it’s hot or you’re sampling booze. Staying hydrated is key.
Comfort is king. You’ll be on your feet for ages, walking on grass or uneven ground. Wear comfy shoes. Seriously. Your feet will thank you later. Check the weather forecast too – standing in the pouring rain because you didn’t bring a jacket sucks.
Cash and Card. Most places take card now, but having a bit of cash on hand is always smart. Sometimes the little stalls might be cash only, or the card machines might be dodgy if reception is bad.
Timing matters. If you hate crowds, go early, right when it opens. If you like the buzz, go later afternoon. But be warned, sometimes the most popular stalls sell out of stuff by the end of the day.
Was it Worth It?
Yeah, absolutely. It’s a great way to discover local producers, eat some genuinely delicious food you might not find elsewhere, try some interesting drinks, and just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a pretty relaxed way to spend an afternoon. If you see one advertised near you, I reckon give it a go.
