The annual foodie-fest is back with a delicious seven-week program starting this May. From Sardinian long lunches at Willinga Park to behind-the-scenes tasting tours in Woollamia, we’ve rounded up the best tickets on sale now to help you savour the very best of our local backyard, thanks to the Shoalhaven Food Network.
The Autumn Celebration of Food in the Shoalhaven revealed the recipe for their fifth annual program this week, including collaborations that blend hatted chefs, eager apprentices, local ingredients and world-class event design across more than 80 unique events over seven delicious weeks.
From 1 May till 15 June, foodies can indulge in one-off dining and entertainment experiences created especially for Autumn 2026, with more than a few events sporting a distinctly Italian flavour this year.
Di Laver, President of the Shoalhaven Food Network, said the seven-week program is “all about bringing internal and external visitors to the Shoalhaven to show them what an amazing hospitality destination we are as well as all of the beauty.”
Last year’s program served a staggering 10,500 meals or portions of food at 81 events – including 2,500 meals at the Huskisson Street Beats and Eats finale, which is on again this year across the weekend of 12-14 June. Musicians, artists and street performers add to the ambience of many events, which bring together the bakers, caterers, food vans, cafes, breweries, wineries, distilleries, butchers, growers, producers, restaurants, hatted chefs, clubs and accommodation providers across the region.
We have rounded up a selection of the best ticketed events that are now on sale.
Pilu @ Willinga Park
Sunday 31 May, doors open 10am Willinga Park equestrian centre, $220
The ultimate Italian long lunch is possibly the most coveted ticket in the 2026 ACF program. Led by acclaimed hatted chef, Giovanni Pilu, renowned for his Sydney restaurants Pilu at Freshwater and Flaminia and celebrated for his deep Sardinian roots, together with some of Shoalhaven’s finest chefs and up-and-coming apprentices, will serve a specially curated menu celebrating seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian flavours.
Set amidst Willinga Park’s breathtaking gardens, striking art sculptures, and sweeping landscapes, this elegant long lunch blends world-class cuisine, beautiful surroundings and the warm hospitality of the NSW South Coast.
“Chef’s Challenge”with Simon Marnie and chef Stephen Santucci
Saturday 6 June, 4pm Terrara House, $175
Much-loved Aussie personality Simon Marnie is heading to the Shoalhaven — and this time he’s stepping into the kitchen. Teaming up with chef Stephen Santucci from Moonacres Kitchen in Robertson, the duo are putting a fresh spin on the classic Chef’s Challenge.
After spending 72 hours exploring the Shoalhaven and tracking down the region’s finest produce — much of it found within just a few kilometres of the stunning Terrara House — Simon and Stephen set themselves the challenge of creating a menu that perfectly captures the flavours, faces and stories of our own backyard.
Artisans Acre Tasting Tour of Woollamia
Friday 12 June, Woollamia Industrial Estate (starts at Club Jervis Bay, Huskisson Wharf, transport included) 9.30am-4.30pm, $195
This is a unique behind-the-scenes tour and tasting of the businesses in the Woollamia industrial zone just beyond the buzz of Huskisson’s main street, where you will meet eight makers from the nerve centre of innovation, sustainability and flavour in Jervis Bay. Discover the bakers, brewers, beehives and businesses that are beloved by locals.
Includes a long lunch and cocktail hour.
Husky Bakery, Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Jervis Bay Distilling Co, Jervis Bay Mussels, PhycoHealth seaweed food and skin care, Bay & Bush Nature Retreat and apiary, Kraken Sourdough, with support from Club Jervis Bay.
Long Valley Meats Battle of the Burgersat Husky Sports
Sunday 14 June, Husky Sports Bowling Club, 11am-3pm, free entry, buy-as-you-go
This epic battle is hard fought and won at the end of an action-packed day. Slider-sized burgers created by Shoalhaven favourites will vie for the trophy for the third year, brought to you by Long Valley Meats.
Taste as many sliders as you can eat and vote for your favourite, alongside a judging panel of “expert” burger eaters. Bragging rights for 2025 went to Bud’s Tavern.
The day will be filled with live music, market stalls, free mini golf, and of course, the winner’s presentation closes out the festivities around 2.45pm.
The Masquerade Ball– Grand Finale of the Autumn Celebration of Food
Monday 15 June, 6pm Club Jervis Bay Huskisson, $225
Prepare for an evening of elegance, flavour and celebration as Club Jervis Bay, in partnership with the Shoalhaven Food Network, presents the Masquerade Ball — the spectacular grand finale of the Autumn Celebration of Food.
Some of the Shoalhaven’s most talented chefs will showcase the region’s remarkable produce, creativity and culinary excellence. Guests will enjoy a refined dining experience that highlights the flavours and ingredients positioning the Shoalhaven as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging food destinations.
The Masquerade Ball offers a night of sophistication and community spirit, with proceeds supporting a nominated charity. Guests are invited to dress in formal attire and masks.
Real Work Experience for Shoalhaven Youth
Youth work experience is a very special component of the Autumn Celebration of Food, which gives our region’s young people real skills they can carry into their future – whether that’s qualifying as a chef or working in front-of-house jobs while at university or travelling.
The program has grown exponentially since it started five years ago, with only three students.
Now, between 80 and 100 students get to experience hospitality first-hand, including working at many of the ACF events under the care of mentors from among the Shoalhaven Food Network members.
Every year, the program adds new experiences, such as an excursion to celebrated Sydney restaurants to experience service in a metro environment.
Expect More from the Program
See what else is on the program and make sure you are subscribed to the Jervis Bay Weekend newsletter to read our weekly feature stories on the best tickets and free events coming up this autumn.
