Garlic lovers, mark your calendars. Victoria’s biggest celebration of Australian garlic is returning to South Gippsland for its second year, at the Korumburra Showgrounds on Saturday 28 February 2026.
This year, visitors can expect twice as many garlic growers, with close to two tonnes of fresh, locally grown Australian garlic and garlic products available to buy, taste and take home.
The Festival Kitchen: Garlic on the Menu
Garlic takes centre stage in the Festival Kitchen, where some of the region’s best chefs and cooks will bring their favourite garlic dishes to life through lively, interactive cooking demonstrations.
Returning favourites include Atsu Tanaka‑Morrison (Tsuko Japan, Korumburra), Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clark (Messmates Dining, Warragul), and Alejandro Saravia (Farmers Daughter, Melbourne). New to the line‑up this year are Italian maestro Francesco Laera (Trulli, Meeniyan) and Gippsland favourite Trevor Perkins (Hogget Kitchen, Warragul).
For the first time, the Kitchen will be hosted by much‑loved Victorian author and food and drinks writer Richard Cornish, guiding audiences through the demonstrations and conversations.
Meet the Growers
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to meet and buy directly from some of Australia’s leading garlic producers. Confirmed Victorian growers include Balmattum Garlic, Pure Garlic, Gerdavale Garlic and Franklin River Garlic, joined by Garlic Kingdom from Countegany, NSW, with more growers to be announced closer to the event.
More Than Just Garlic
Around 100 stallholders will fill the Showgrounds, offering food, drinks, garlic products and artisan goods. The popular Garlic University, led by the Australian Garlic Industry Association, also returns with expert-led sessions on small‑scale and commercial growing, including presentations by respected garlic authority Penny Woodward, with more speakers to be announced.
Throughout the day, live music will keep the atmosphere buzzing on the Festival Stage, featuring Gippsland performers including Seth Stone & The Forge and The Voice 2021 runner‑up Mick Harrington.
Families are well catered for too, with a packed schedule of kids’ entertainment including The Mik Maks, a special appearance from Bluey, face painting, colouring‑in and more.
Plan Your Visit
The South Gippsland Garlic Festival is the perfect excuse for a late‑summer road trip – combining great food, local produce, live music and family‑friendly fun in the heart of South Gippsland.
Tickets are on sale now via https://southgippslandgarlicfestival.au