14 - 15 October 2026
On 14 and 15 October, Little Food Festival comes to Launceston!
Get ready for two days packed with tasty discoveries, cooking demonstrations, interactive workshops and so much more. From planting and growing to tasting and creating, there'll be something for every curious young food explorer. And best of all, it's free!
October 14 and 15
10am – 4pm each day
Civic Square, Launceston
FREE
In partnership with the Sandro Demaio Foundation, the City of Launceston is bringing the Melbourne-born Little Food Festival to Civic Square.
Since it began, the festival has welcomed thousands of children and families to explore, make, taste and learn through hands-on experiences.
Now it's Launnie's turn.
We're working alongside local producers, growers, makers and businesses to create a festival that celebrates Northern Tasmania's incredible food culture and gives children plenty of opportunities to get stuck in.
Bunnings: We can grow our own food! Learn what plants need to be happy and healthy – soil, sunlight and water. Plant a seedling into a compostable pot to take home.
The FaRM Project: How do plants reproduce? Understand the journey from seed to food. Learn how to identify, collect, prepare and store seeds for planting in the future.
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture: Become an apple food detective. Explore the insects that help orchards thrive, learn how growers classify apple varieties, and uncover creative ways to use older apples that are past their best.
Hobart Hurricanes & Cricket Tasmania: Meet Captain and Lady Hurricane from Hobart Hurricanes!
City of Launceston: Food comes from farms, but how does it get to your plate? Learn about how food travels, how far different foods need to go, and why choosing local food reduces food miles.
Eat Well Tasmania x IGA Tasmania: Swap your token for fresh produce at the Little Food Market. Choose seasonal and local, while learning how our shopping choices can support people and the planet.
Lenah Game Meats: Learn about the different climate impacts of your favourite protein. Match the jar representing carbon to protein sources, pick the species based on their fur and taste test local wallaby.
Community Gardens Australia: Build your confidence in the kitchen. Pick a recipe, 'harvest' your ingredients and uncover stories as we prepare, cook and taste delicious food from our local Afghan community together.
FermenTasmania: Preserving is a fun easy way to make food last longer. Learn how to create the right conditions for friendly fermenting microbes to thrive, a practical skill for making delicious sauerkraut at home.
School Food Matters x Loaves and Fishes: Taste some of the nutritious and delicious meals being served to students through Tasmania’s Healthy School Lunch Program. Grab a bite, pull up a seat and connect with our food games and activities.
Hawthorn Football Club: A balanced plate helps us fuel our bodies for learning, playing and growing. Learn how to build a meal, gain confidence and skills to make good food choices every day.
UTAS Sustainability: Worms are key to keeping our soil, and plants, healthy. Learn all about the role of these tiny critters as you explore worm farms.
Community Gardens Australia: Healthy plants need healthy soil to grow. Can you tell the difference? Use microscopes to see the micro-organisms that bring soil to life. Discover how healthy soil, plants, food and food scraps are all connected.
The Udderway: How does milk get from the farm to your cup? Visit the keg maze and milk on tap station to find out. Learn how we can reduce waste by reusing and choosing refillable options.
Main Stage Program
Wednesday, 14 October
He’s back! Our beloved resident produce expert, Thanh Truong is coming to the Little Food Festival Launceston as MC for day one.
Thanh (or Fruit Nerd Thanh as you may know him) is a fourth generation fruiterer, author of the best-selling Don’t Buy Fruit or Veg Without Me, host of Field to Feast on SBS and so much more. He’s also a long-time supporter of the Little Food Festival, and we can’t wait for him to share his produce tips and tricks at Civic Square.
AUSLAN interpreters
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00am | Welcome to Country with Pakana Elder, Delia Summers |
| 10:15am | Official opening with special guests |
| 10:25am | Costa Video |
| 11:15am | Tasmania's Year of Yum! - with Sarah from Eat Well Tas |
| 11:45am | Blossom the worker Bee with Edwina Blush |
| 12:15pm | Soil Makes You Awesome with Sarah from Community Gardens Australia |
| 1:50pm | What fuels a Hurricane? - with the Hobart Hurricanes |
| 2:20pm | Tasmania's Year of Yum! - with Sarah from Eat Well Tas |
| 2:50pm | Cook and the King book reading with Hawthorn Football Club |
| 3:10pm | Little Food Detectives with thanks to Monash University Art, Design & Architecture students |
| 3:30pm | Fruity Yogis with Erin McCabe |
Thursday, 15 October
We’re so excited to welcome Tassie local, Hannah Maloney, to the Little Food Festival stage!
You’ll know her from Gardening Australia. Hannah is a permaculture educator and author who’s all about growing your own food and living the good life, right here in Tasmania.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00am | Welcome to Country with Pakana Elder Delia Summers |
| 10:10am | Costa Video |
| 10:30am | Yoga in the Veggie Garden with Mindfully Mon |
| 11:10am | Tasmania's Fabulous Seaweeds, free food from the beach with Rees Campbell |
| 11:40am | Soil Makes You Awesome with Sarah from Community Gardens Australia |
| 12:15pm | Katy's Garden reading with Hannah Moloney |
| 12:40pm | What fuels a Hurricane? -with the Hobart Hurricanes |
| 2:00pm | Funky foods with DJ Gee NT |
| 2:40pm | Costa dials in! |
| 3:00pm | Cook and the King Book reading with Hawthorn Football Club |
| 3:30pm | The Garden of Calm with Mindfully Mon |
Testimonials
I’m absolutely thrilled that the Little Food Festival is coming to Launceston for the first time! I love the festival because it makes food education FUN! Kids can get their hands dirty, discover where their food comes from, meet the people behind it and, most importantly, taste and experience new things! Food, farming, families and a whole lot of fun, cya there!
The Little Food Festival and City of Launceston are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible event for everyone.
Civic Square is accessible for people of all ages and abilities, with step-free access and level pathways suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids and prams.
We acknowledge Tasmanian Aboriginal People as traditional custodians of this land, we pay respect to Elders past and present, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hope for generations to come. We recognise and value Aboriginal histories, knowledge and lived experiences and commit to being culturally inclusive and respectful in our working relationships with Aboriginal People.
Launceston Visitor Information Centre
Town Hall, 18-28 St John Street,
Launceston TAS 7250.