Taste Great Southern rescheduled to March to join busy Albany 2026 calendar, set to attract thousands

March is set to be a vibrant month in Albany next year, with the date of the Great Southern’s premier food and wine festival shifted to coincide with an influx of tourists expected for a 2026 flagship event.

Taste Great Southern, traditionally held in May, will next year run from March 5-8, a week before the first of the lights illuminating the perimeter of King George Sound will be switched on in Kari Kola’s Lighting the Sound.

The new date is expected to compound on the thousands of visitors set to flock to the region for the bicentenary celebrations and its surrounds during the month and generate millions for the local economy in hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.

The Minister for the Great Southern, Reece Whitby — who attended the 2025 event in his capacity as tourism minister — said the iconic festival was “deeply valued” by the community.

“For over 20 years, Taste Great Southern has created vibrancy and excitement in the region, injected millions into its economy and supported local businesses by highlighting the many world-class wine and food offerings found throughout the Great Southern,” he said.

“With a refined program and a new date set to take place during Albany’s bicentenary, next year’s festival will not be one to miss, making it the perfect reason for visitors to plan a road trip and explore the Great Southern region.”

Across the festival’s four days, visitors can sample the region’s top produce as well as culinary talent and top tipples from its finest venues and businesses in Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Katanning, Mt Barker and Porongurup.

A new addition will be the Taste Market, which will see local wine producers, chefs and sommeliers join together for pop-up stalls and masterclasses in their respective industries.

Returning crowd pleasers will include the Denmark Wine Hop and Tides of Taste at Maitraya Private Retreat.

Regional Minister Stephen Dawson said the Tourism WA-funded event is a win for both local businesses and the regions visitors.

“Taste Great Southern will showcase the region’s culinary talent and celebrated produce along with bringing in thousands of visitors<’ he said.

“With events taking place throughout the Great Southern, a range of communities are set to see a rise in tourism, which will boost local economies.”

The full Taste Great Southern program will be released later this year with expressions of interest for businesses wanting to join the festival now open.