New event for The Curated Plate: Kenilworth Ember & Harvest Weekend

Introducing the Kenilworth Ember & Harvest Weekend – bringing together three signature events celebrating fire-cooked food, local produce and country hospitality in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The farming community of Kenilworth will take centre stage in this year’s The Curated Plate program, hosting a new three-day Ember & Harvest Weekend celebrating food, fire and the flavours of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

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Running from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, the Kenilworth Ember & Harvest Weekend will bring together three signature events celebrating fire-cooked food, local produce and country hospitality in the Mary Valley.

The weekend program includes Smokin’ Boot Scoot, Wildfire & Wine, and Gather & Graze, encouraging locals and visitors to spend the weekend exploring Kenilworth while experiencing a series of food and music events across the town. With caravanning, camping and cabins accommodation available at the Kenilworth Showgrounds and in town at Kenilworth Country Cabins, travellers are encouraged to park up for the weekend to be within walking distance for all three events.

The Curated Plate is a 10-day celebration of food and drink from 24 July – 2 August 2026. Each event experience will showcase our region’s local produce, producers and chefs, and our unique natural assets from the sea to the hinterland.

Kenilworth, farming and friendliness

Sunshine Coast Division 10 Councillor David Law said the new Kenilworth weekend was a natural fit for The Curated Plate.

“Kenilworth has a strong farming heritage and community, and this new Ember & Harvest Weekend is a great way to celebrate both,” Cr Law said.

“By bringing together local producers, community groups and visitors across three days, this event highlights the value of our hinterland towns and the important role they play in the Sunshine Coast’s food story.

“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to encourage people to stay, explore our hinterland and experience the hospitality Kenilworth is known for.”

Culinary Director of The Curated Plate, Chef Peter Kuruvita, said the new weekend concept showcased the charm of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

“Kenilworth is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy food the way it’s meant to be experienced – outdoors, around a fire and with good company,” said Kuruvita.

“By bringing these events together across the weekend, visitors can spend time exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland while enjoying some very special food experiences.”

The weekend begins on Friday 24 July with Smokin’ Boot Scoot, a lively hoedown co-hosted by the Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce and Kenilworth Arts Council at the community hall. Led by Chef Russell of First Class Functions, the event will set the tone for the weekend with live country music, dancing and classic country hospitality.

On Saturday 25 July, the spotlight shifts to Wildfire & Wine at the Kenilworth Showgrounds, where guests will gather under the stars for a campfire dining experience hosted by MasterChef Jamie Fleming who is also creating a one-off milk washed cocktail in collaboration with Kenilworth Dairies. Tuck Shop Catering Company will be creating a culinary menu using local produce cooked over the Fire Pit.

Guests will be seated around a roaring wildfire pit, bringing their own camping chairs for an authentic outdoor setting, while Fleming prepares a three-course campfire feast paired with wines. Local country musicians will provide entertainment as guests enjoy the fire-cooked menu.

The weekend concludes on Sunday 26 July with Gather & Graze – Sip & Paint Edition, hosted by Kenilworth Dairies, where guests can enjoy a relaxed brunch featuring Kenilworth Dairies Cheeses and local condiments and meats while enjoying a guided Sip & Paint experience.

Local produce + warm hospitality

Danielle from Kenilworth Dairies said the weekend reflects the strong community spirit of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to Kenilworth for the Ember & Harvest Weekend,” Danielle said.

“This is a wonderful collaboration between local businesses, community groups and The Curated Plate, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase what makes the hinterland so special.

“From the hoedown to the campfire feast and our Sunday Gather & Graze experience, the weekend is about bringing people together to enjoy great food, local produce and the warm hospitality our town is known for.”

Tickets for the Ember & Harvest Weekend will be released as part of The Curated Plate’s early ticket release in April.

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The Curated Plate is delivered in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast, and Tourism and Events Queensland, alongside industry and community collaborators.