Orange FOOD Week 2026: Regional NSW’s Top Food and Wine Festival
From 20 to 29 March 2026, the Orange region comes alive with flavour, celebration, and community spirit during Orange FOOD Week 2026, Australia’s longest-running regional food and wine festival. Over ten unforgettable days in the heart of autumn, this vibrant event showcases the best of Orange’s cool-climate wines, seasonal produce, and passionate producers through a rich program of ticketed and free experiences.
Whether you’re wandering the festoon-lit Night Market, sipping your way through vineyards on the Forage walk, or enjoying a long lunch in the crisp country air, FOOD Week is the ultimate reason to plan a gourmet getaway to Orange. And for those seeking comfort, style, and boutique charm right in the heart of town, de Russie Boutique Hotel is one of Orange’s top accommodation picks during the festival. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the events, cellar doors, and restaurants that define this delicious celebration of regional NSW.
Signature Events to Savour
Night Market – Friday 20 March
Robertson Park transforms into a festive open-air marketplace to launch the festival. Under strings of lights, you’ll find 40–50 stalls serving mouth-watering dishes from local chefs and caterers, paired with regional wines, ciders, and spirits. It’s the perfect way to ease into the festival atmosphere.
Forage – Saturday 21 March
One of the most sought-after events, Forage is a 4.1 km progressive degustation walk through vineyards and farmland. With multiple food and wine tasting stations along the way, it’s a sensory journey combining nature, flavour, and fine wine.
Sampson Street Lunch – Sunday 22 March
Dine alfresco at this communal long lunch featuring seasonal dishes and perfectly matched Orange wines. Set in one of Orange’s most beautiful streetscapes, it’s a celebration of local hospitality and open-air dining.
FOOD Train – Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March
Departing from Sydney, the FOOD Train offers curated tastings, chef-prepared meals, and exclusive access to key FOOD Week events. It’s a convenient and luxurious way for city foodies to experience the country’s best.
Shine the Light on Producers – Weekdays during FOOD Week
These small-group workshops, tastings, and tours highlight local farmers, growers, and artisan producers. Learn about provenance, sustainability, and the passion behind Orange’s local food movement.
Sunday Producers Market & Brunch – Sunday 29 March
Held in the leafy surrounds of Cook Park, this relaxed final-day event features stalls, brunch dishes, and direct access to local farmers and makers. Entry is usually free and it’s perfect for families and food lovers alike.
Plan Your Visit
With around 100 events spread across town, vineyards, farms, and historic villages, it’s wise to book early, especially for ticketed hero events like Forage and the Night Market. A full program of events will be released closer to the date on the official FOOD Week website.
Orange is known as the Food Basket of NSW, with a strong focus on sustainability, community, and cool-climate wine. Many venues cater to families, and the laid-back, country charm makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends and family, there’s something to suit all tastes, from intimate vineyard dinners to hands-on workshops and food trails.
What to Pack for Autumn in Orange
March in Orange brings cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and crisp evenings. Pack layers, comfortable shoes (especially for vineyard events like Forage), and something a little dressy for dinners and long lunches. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle, and leave room in your luggage for local produce and wine to take home.
Where to Stay: Boutique Comfort at De Russie
Make your FOOD Week experience truly memorable with a stay at de Russie Boutique Hotel, one of Orange’s most loved boutique stays. Perfectly positioned in the heart of town, the hotel places you within walking distance of restaurants, wine bars, parks and key festival venues, so there’s no need to worry about transport or parking.
Each suite is thoughtfully designed to combine comfort and elegance, making it ideal for couples, families or small groups looking to relax between events. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of self-contained living with the charm of boutique hotel service.
Why stay at De Russie during FOOD Week 2026?
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Central CBD location. Walk to restaurants, cellar doors and FOOD Week events
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Stylish self-contained suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens
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Spacious layouts with separate lounge and dining areas
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Complimentary continental breakfast daily
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On-site parking and free Wi-Fi
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Warm, personalised service from a local team
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Ideal for romantic escapes, group stays or family weekends
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Elegant yet relaxed interiors designed for comfort
Accommodation books out quickly during the festival, so secure your stay early and enjoy the ease, style and hospitality that makes de Russie Boutique Hotel the perfect home base for Orange FOOD Week 2026.
Photo credit DNSW
