Next to the glittering waterways is the perfect spot to linger during the Noosa Food & Wine Festival. The Festival Village is located in the Noosa Lions Park and will be brimming with live music, cooking demonstrations, master classes and amazing food and drink offerings.

Here’s our must-do guide.

The River Lounge

New in 2019 is The Festival Village’s newest space, The River Lounge. Set along the water’s edge, The River Lounge offers a series of exciting sessions. Some of Australia’s best chefs and producers are coming together in once-off collaborations – think Paul Carmichael with Four Pillars, and the Sum Yung Guys with Stone & Wood. Expect hand-curated cocktails, delicious nibbles and a lot of fun.

The Drinks Lab

Another new offering this year is The Drinks Lab, where some of Australia’s best mixologists, wine connoisseurs and spirit gurus will be creating boozy master classes where you’ll learn their secrets and tricks of the trade. Fancy knowing more about artisan gin? Taste your way through the current Four Pillars range as co-founder Stu Gregor talks you through the world of making (and drinking) gin. Want to brush up on your knowledge of authentic sake? Make sure you grab a spot at the Introduction to Sake session.

Learn from your favourites

On Saturday and Sunday the main stage will feature cooking demonstrations from some of Australia’s favourite chefs and foodies, such as delicious. senior editor Matt Preston, Matt Moran, Alessandro Pavoni and dessert queen Kirsten Tibballs. We can’t wait to see what kind of tasty, easy treats Matt Preston has in store.

Hops to it

Although it’s called the Craft Beer & Cider Corner, you know as well as we do that nobody puts beer in the corner. Especially when some of Noosa’s best craft brewers –Land & Sea, Heads of Noosa and Boiling Pot. Brouhaha and Diablo Ginger Beer – will be pouring their unique brews.

Fancy a wander?

Noosa’s best restaurants are in full flight across the weekend so make sure you nab a seat at Bombetta, El Capitano, View by Matt Golinski, Acruri at RACV Noosa Resort, Village Bicycle, Zachary’s or Fiona’s Fancies.

The Noosa Food & Wine Festival runs from 16-20 May, and The Festival Village is open Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May from 10am – 8pm. For the full program and to purchase event tickets visit noosafoodandwine.com.au.