James St Food + Wine Trail Brings Back Brisbane’s Tastiest Street Party This July
take to the streets
By Victoria Lewis | 25th June 2026It’s nearly that time again. What always turns into an all-out food-fuelled street party, a nod to the sponanaitey that Brisbane does so well, James St Food + Wine Trail has released its full program, and it’s a tasty affair if ever we’ve seen one.
Taking over the iconic strip once again on Sunday, 26 July, the free-to-attend event is dishing up exclusive bites and sips from 26 of your favourite James Street venues for a one-day-only celebration of all things edible.
Here are all the deets on what will go down on the day.
On the menu
A buzzing, open-air foodie playground, James St Food + Wine Trail is one Sunday sesh you’ll want to pack both your stamina and your appetite. From Sushi Room’s tuna sashimi to Biànca’s Mortadella focaccia and Messina’s decadent S’more Please, it seems every cuisine is on the menu.
Joining flavourful menu items from ESSA, Jocelyn’s Provisions, The Green, and, of course, Hellenika, the drinks will also let you sip pretty in the sunshine. With bar offerings from The Nixon Room, Penelope, St Albans, and plenty more, it will quench your thirst and then some.
Fancy tucking into the full lineup? Read through the whole market menu here.
Tasty tunes
A now hallmark of the James St Food + Wine Trail is the pumping street party that generally ensues in the afternoon. To get the party started, James Street Food + Wine Trail has assembled a pumping posse of live acts and DJs to spin the decks across three stages.
Throughout the day, tune into live performances from Blade Hooper and Grace Jones on the Live Stage, alongside DJ sets from Adam Hunter, Thomas Prime on the Vibe Stage, and smooth tunes from jazz artists Joseph Machen and Jono Fraser in the Jazz Corner. No matter your vibe, you’ll hear it at James Street Food + Wine Trail.
A side of special events
Upping the ante this year, the event will not only consist of market stalls, but also a series of side quests and ticketed special events. Among the free-to-attend events on this list is the Gourmet Traveller Chef Stage featuring live demonstrations from some of the culinary forces behind your favourite venues, including Co-Owner and Culinary Director of Anyday Ben Williamson, Owner and Executive Chef of ESSA Phil Marchant, Head Chef of Hellenika Bryan Kelly and Master fishmonger Mitsu Sakurai with Head Chef of Sushi Room Shimpei Raikuni.
Cru Cellar’s Shaw + Smith wine tasting is also cost-free, inviting guests to meet the maker and appreciate their quality pour on a whole new level.
For those who wish to experience the trail away from the crowds and queues, Harvey’s is hosting a five-course alfresco degustation and wine pairing priced at $150pp. Limited tickets for this coveted long lunch are available here. Then, for those who want the best of both worlds, Gourmet Traveller’s Express Lunches are coming in hot with set menus from Mosconi, ESSA, or Hellenika, which let you skip the line and enjoy some fine food in peace. Warning – reservations will fill fast.
But what is a good meal without something to eat it off? This year, Mud Australia is hosting a two-hour glassware workshop with Lawn Bowls founder and glassware artist Finn O’Sullivan. With all materials included and coming to $120 a head, tickets will soon be available here.
Finally, keep the kids busy with the Kids Cake Haus, a nostalgic cupcake decorating session, brought to life by The Australian Women’s Weekly and Jocelyn’s Provisions. At $20pp each ticket comes with a copy of the oh-so iconic The Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Book.
James Street Food + Wine is set to be back and truly bigger than ever, and one thing is for sure: we are getting a bit peckish. Who doesn’t love a Sunday session?
What: James St Food + Wine Trail When: Sunday 26 July, 10am-4pm Where: James St, Fortitude Valley
