Hey, Launceston!

The Little Food Festival is making its way out of Melbourne for the very first time. In between our flagship event at Fed Square every April, the Little Food Festival is hitting the road.

In partnership with the City of Launceston

October 14 & 15, 2026
10am – 4pm each day
Civic Square, Launceston
Supported by AUSLAN interpreters on day one - 14 October

Find out more about our first ever Launceston event at the City of Launceston website.

Our first stop is Launceston – growing the next generation of food lovers, makers and innovators in a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

**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 apples no longer at their freshest.

**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.
**Palawa Kipli:** Aboriginal food knowledge is a living, continuing connection. Use your senses – touch, small and taste – to get curious and confident about native foods, how to use them and care for Country.

**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.

supporting areas

Little Food Library – Relax and recharge at the Little Food Library. A selection of books to spark curiosity about food and nature will be on offer.

Reflection zone – A safe, calm space for reflecting and sharing. Join in on activities to practice your knowledge, and discover how you can be a foodie hero in the days after the festival.

Art and craft – Eating food grown locally and in season means less distance to travel before it reaches your plate. Local, seasonal food can be fresher, tastier and cheaper. Artist Bianca Jagoe shows you how with illustrated plates for summer, autumn, winter and spring. Learn the best time of year for your favourite fruits and vegetables, and contribute to the festival mural!

Event details

Staying fuelled and hydrated

You are welcome to bring your own snacks, and carry bags for taking home any marvellous creations from your day!

There will be lots of opportunities to try delicious fruit and veggies, as well as local food trucks with larger meals for purchase
We aim to keep our waste as low as possible! Please bring your own water bottles – there are plenty of refill stations on site

Getting there

Walking and public transport are great options. Check out Metro Tasmania for more information. Metro buses are currently free!
There are car parks close by the site. Find out more from the City of Launceston
Planning on riding? As some bike parking in Civic Square may be obstructed by our vendors, check out bike parking options in some close-by car parks.

Accessibility

The Little Food Festival and City of Launceston are passionate about providing barrier-free access to this event. Our stage schedule is fully supported by AUSLAN interpreters, and we have quiet spaces to take time out. Find out about accessible parking options close by.