The Harvest Festival Showcase Weekend will return to Wānaka in 2026, with two days of workshops, talks and shared meals planned for March 14-15 at Rippon Hall and other venues around the district.

The festival, organised by Wao Aotearoa, celebrates seasonal produce and practical food skills.

The 2026 programme includes hands-on workshops, guided tours and discussions designed to reconnect people with where their food comes from and how it’s grown, gathered and prepared.

“This weekend isn’t just about workshops,” Wao Aotearoa food resilience programme manager Babu Blatt said.

The weekend-long showcase will feature workshops, tours and talks, culminating with a potluck feast at Rippon Hall.

“It’s about strengthening our connection to land, food, and each other and showcasing the growers, makers, educators and practitioners who quietly hold so much wisdom in our region.”

Sessions will include rabbit preparation with local hunter Dan Orbell, herbal tea making and botanical walks with Loran Verpillot, and gluten-free baking with Tanja Schwindt.

Among other sessions are vegetable garden planning with Ali Soper, guided walks and talks with ‘Sam the Trapman’, plus hot and cold smoking techniques and preserving workshops.

On Saturday evening (March 15), the community is invited to gather at Rippon Hall for The Harvest Table - a large potluck feast with live music from Devil’s Nook, followed by a Ceilidh dance.

Loran Verpillot (pictured) is one of the hosts for the many workshops on offer over the weekend.

The Harvest Festival is grounded in the belief that local food resilience starts with shared knowledge and shared tables, Babu said. 

Tickets are available now. Kids under 18 can attend for free; other tickets start at $15.

Find more information on all the events at the Wao Aotearoa website.

PHOTOS: Wao Aotearoa