If like us, you lead with your stomach, we recommend popping in the car on Saturday September 3 and following your nose (and belly) down to the Byron Bay Hinterland. Here, you will find a gathering of gastronomic wizards, including farmers, producers, chefs and a range of creative individuals from all corners of the Northern Rivers. Sample Food Festival is Northern New South Wales’ premier food event, and, this year, attendees can reserve a VIP spot on a Wandering Folk picnic rug in the main food precinct to serve as a home base for all of your culinary adventures. There will be $5 and $10 tasting plates on offer throughout the day, showcasing menus from some of the region’s finest restaurants, including Harvest Newrybar, No Bones, Forest Byron Bay and Loft Byron Bay. No meal is complete without sweets, so leave room for some artisan desserts from Natural Ice Cream Australia. You’ll be able to cleanse the palate with a cold one from Stone and Wood Brewery or a tipple from any of the local boutique distilleries and The Cellar wine bar.

Food won’t be the only thing keeping you busy, with a packed line-up of live music, children’s activities, unique workshops, live cook-offs and demonstrations planned for the day. This year’s special guests include Australia’s number one vegan chef Shannon Martinez, best-selling cookbook author Julia Ostro and Northern Rivers’ own Magdalena Roze, who will offer talks and demonstrations. If you’re keen to try some cooking for yourself, check out the Wild Deer Workshop with Nick Pearce and the Foraging Masterclass with Peter Hardwick. Both are in high demand, so nab your tickets now to avoid missing out!

Tickets to Sample Food Festival can be purchased online for $5.90, with children getting free entry. While booking, don’t forget to hire a VIP picnic rug, perfect for you and your mates.