The volunteer committee behind the 2026 Narrandera International Food Fair has been working tirelessly to prepare for what is shaping up to be one of Narrandera’s biggest community celebrations of the year.

After successful events in 2023 and 2024 – and a short hiatus in 2025 – the beloved multicultural festival is returning stronger than ever.

This year, the CWA Narrandera Evening Branch has joined forces with the Lions Club of Narrandera to co-host the event, replacing the usual August market day. The Food Fair will take place on Sunday 16 August from 11am to 3pm at Marie Bashir Park.

Organisers say the day will be a vibrant celebration of Narrandera’s cultural connections, expressed through food, dance, music and family-friendly activities.

“We’re excited to bring the community together again,” the committee said.

“There’s something special about sharing food and culture – it creates joy, curiosity and connection,” a spokesperson said.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse range of cuisines, with food stalls representing Australia, Spain, Tibet, Fiji, the Philippines and China.

The Lion’s Club has also invited local market stallholders to take part, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

A wide selection of handmade goods, crafts, homewares and merchandise will be available throughout the day.

Entertainment is a major feature of the Food Fair and this year’s program is packed. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, settle in under the trees and enjoy free performances while sampling flavours from around the world.

The lineup includes music from Remedy, Narrandera East Infants School, One Voice Choir, the Narrandera Ukulele Group, and the Leeton Pipe Band.

Dance performances will feature Narrandera Public School, Solomon Islander Dancers, Just Fling It Highland Dancers, and a lively workshop by the Cootamundra Bollywood Dancers.

Families will find plenty to keep children entertained, including a free jumping castle, face painting by Megs Facepainting, active fun with Narrandera Fusion, and yard games provided by Snichols.

The Home Among the Gum Trees band will present their participative musical act, and the Narrandera Tennis Club will run pickleball allowing fun for all ages.

The event is proudly supported by Multicultural NSW’s Stronger Together Festivals and Events Grants Program, which helps multicultural and multifaith groups deliver celebrations that embrace the state’s cultural diversity.

A leading renewable energy provider, Stromlo Energy, has also come on board as a sponsor. The company is currently developing a wind farm at Devlin’s Bridge, west of Narrandera, which will generate enough renewable energy to power up to 369,000 homes.

Long-time community supporter Community Bank Narrandera and District (Bendigo Bank) has again sponsored the event. They offered grants and educational scholarships which help community and students to thrive.

Organisers also acknowledge Narrandera Shire Council for funding through its Financial Assistance Program, and Manildra Group for donating donut mix and oil – ensuring the much-loved cinnamon donut stall returns for another year.

Regular updates will be posted on the CWA Narrandera Evening Branch and Lion’s Club of Narrandera Facebook pages.