We are lucky to live in a region that knows how to celebrate. Whether it’s the community markets in Warragul, summer festivals and carnivals, or a cinema night in a local park, our calendar is always full.
But for many families, the excitement is often spoiled by the food dilemma. Ever find yourself arriving with high spirits at an event, only to find 40-minute queues at every food truck and nowhere to sit? Not to mention, by the time you get your meal, you might have missed half the show
If you’re heading out this season, you might need a better food strategy to eat like a local.
Pre-Event Fuel to Avoid Long Queues
The simplest way to avoid festival queues is to not be hungry when you arrive at the gate. Many local events are held a few minutes away from town centres. It’s a lot easier to have a meal in town before you go to the event site.
Photo: Freepik
A quick sit-down pasta at a nearby cafe or grabbing a nutritious meal pack beforehand will do the trick. This way, you support local businesses and save your budget for fun stuff, like rides, merchandise, or artisan crafts.
Low-Mess Options That Work in a Crowd
Festivals are usually packed with people, and finding a table to eat can be challenging. If you’re planning to bring food with you, or if you’re choosing from a long list of vendors, consider where you’ll be eating it.
If there are no tables, it’s easier to have food that is easy to hold with one hand and sturdy enough. For example, foods that don’t require a knife and fork.
Photo: Freepik
While burgers or hot dogs are classic favourites, they can be messy and hard to manage on a picnic rug in the dark. Alternatively, fresh, cold options like wraps, sandwiches, or sushi packs are ideal. They stay together, don’t need to be consumed hot, and won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Timing Meals Around the Main Event
Most people head for the food at the same time: at midday or before the main act starts. Try to eat off-peak, such as 30 minutes before the rush, or wait until the main event has started (the lines usually disappear).
Avoiding the rush feels even more urgent if you have small children. As any parent knows, a child’s appetite can be unpredictable. They can go from full to hungry in seconds. A small emergency snack like fruit or crackers can keep their little tummies filled. Most festivals allow you to take food and drinks onto the site, but it’s always best to check their policies.
Celebrate without the Stress
Local festivals are about celebrating with the community and the atmosphere. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can spend more time enjoying the event and less time waiting in line. Next time you’re heading to local festivals or want to pack a mess-free takeaway after the fun, check out the fresh sushi rolls at Pika Sushi.
