James Street Food and Wine Trail Returns to Fortitude Valley

Get ready for a mouthwatering experience as the James Street Food and Wine Trail makes its highly anticipated return to Fortitude Valley.



From Saturday, 27 July, to Sunday, 28 July, 2024, this culinary extravaganza is sure to delight food and wine enthusiasts. Brisbane’s lively precinct is set to undergo a remarkable transformation, becoming a hub of culinary delights that showcase the very best of local cuisine and beverages.

Year after year, the event captivates Fortitude Valley, attracting a multitude of people with its distinctive combination of culinary delights and captivating performances. On a designated day, the stretch of road from Arthur Street to McLachlan Street will be transformed into a vibrant outdoor dining area, temporarily closed off to traffic. The upcoming event is set to be more dynamic and engaging, despite being shorter than previous years.

The upcoming Market Day in 2024 will boast an impressive 39 stalls, surpassing all previous records in its 12-year history. This unprecedented number of stalls will serve as a testament to the vibrant and varied culinary landscape that Brisbane has to offer.

With an expected turnout of over 25,000 people, Market Day is set to become one of the most significant gatherings in recent history. The 7500-square-metre space will be filled as attendees flock to the event.

Hellenika is a star attraction for those with a penchant for Greek cuisine. Food enthusiasts will be drawn to the irresistible dishes at sAme sAme, while ESSA’s venue creates a unique atmosphere. The lively ambience at Cru Bar and the indulgent treats from Gelato Messina is sure to please a wide range of tastes. The event aims to showcase the reasons why James Street has become a popular spot for food enthusiasts in Brisbane.

The weekend will begin with a lavish four-course champagne lunch at ESSA, followed by lively celebrations at the newly renovated Cru Bar, and a delectable Middle Eastern-inspired dinner at ēmmē. The Calile’s Lobby Bar is set to host an aperitivo hour, further enhancing the weekend’s appeal. This weekend, Jocelyn’s Provisions will be showcasing a selection of delectable sweet treats, while Gelato Messina will tantalise taste buds with their exclusive, limited-edition desserts.

Market Day: The Main Attraction

Spanning an impressive 300 metres, this vibrant event will turn the street into a captivating alfresco dining area. Attendees can look forward to not only indulging in delicious food but also enjoying live music and captivating performances. At this upcoming event, attendees will have the chance to discover some exciting new additions to the local scene. 

Among them are ēmmē, Agnes Bakery, James & Antler, and Sushi Room. Notably, Sushi Room will be showcasing their skills with a live tuna carving demonstration. Attendees are advised to come with an empty stomach and a strong appetite, as they will be treated to a wide variety of mouthwatering culinary delights.



Fortitude Valley is set to transform into a vibrant epicentre of culinary excellence with the unveiling of the James Street Food and Wine Trail. Attendees can expect an extraordinary affair this year, as Brisbane’s finest culinary delights merge seamlessly with the vibrant energy of the city. No matter if you’re a resident or a tourist, this is a weekend that should not be overlooked.

Published Date 01-July-2024

Indulge in a Gastronomic Paradise As the James Street Food and Wine Trail Returns in 2023!

The annual James Street Food and Wine Trail is back, so be prepared to go on a gastronomic journey this July that will take you through exotic tastings, limited-edition events, and a festive Market Day!


Read: Multimillion-Dollar Dining Concept Set to Bring New Life to Chinatown in Fortitude Valley


Trail Days

The first three days of the 4-day event are known as Trail Days, where participants can expect to attend tastings, ticketed in-venue events, and limited editions culinary treats. 

From Thursday, 27 July to Saturday, 29 July 2023, “trail-seekers” will have the opportunity to explore a range of dishes from establishments in the inner city.

Food and Wine Trail
Photo credit: Gerard’s Bar/Facebook

Gerard’s Bar will kick off the festivities by hosting a Lebanese pizza party, where guests can experience the fusion of Lebanese flavours with the beloved pizza tradition.

Harveys Bar + Bistro will also join in, presenting the simple, refined food that has Chef and owner PJ McMillan’s unpretentious, seasonal cuisine so popular among the James St set.

For those with a sweet tooth, Jocelyn’s Provisions will present a delightful selection of their sweet and savoury winter offerings.

Food and Wine Trail
Photo credit: Jocelyn’s Provisions/Facebook

The Green, known for its Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, is preparing a special Friday-night dinner, allowing guests to savour a delectable meal in a vibrant and social setting. 

Meanwhile, Cantinho will be bringing the flavours of Greece to the event, serving up tantalising souvlaki to conclude the workweek on a high note.

Fans of Italian and French fusion will be happy to know that Mosconi will also participate, with hopefully some of the crowd favourites such as Cheese served with pear, quince, fennel and raisin crostini or delicious pasta selections on offer.

Market Day

The pot of gold at the end of this colourful culinary trail is Market Day. On Sunday, 30 July, the entire stretch of James Street, from McLachlan to Arthur Street, will be transformed into a sprawling culinary market.

Photo credit: James Street/Facebook

Market Day will be a feast for the senses.

The street will transform into one immense dining room, where visitors can sample restaurant-quality food and drinks provided by the leading venues of James Street.

Five live music stages will keep the street buzzing with melodious tunes throughout the day. 

Photo credit: James Street/Facebook

There will be special activities for children so families can enjoy the festivities together.

Tables will be set up for communal dining, and dance parties will add an extra element of excitement to the festivities.

With more than 20,000 attendees in 2022, the James Street Food and Wine Trail has solidified its place as a must-attend event for food lovers. The 2023 edition promises an even more exceptional experience, with participating venues offering unique menus and experiences.


Read: The GPO Hotel to Unveil Its Stunning Transformation


Visit James St’s website for more information about the 2023 Food and Wine Trail.

Published 3-July-2023