New location, same iconic eats: The Forage makes a waterfront debut in Belco

Posted on 29 June, 2026

Canberra’s favourite street food festival is officially back, and it’s bringing a serious winter glow-up to the northside.

Returning this August, The Forage is bursting into a brand-new waterside location along the Emu Bank boardwalk in Belconnen.

After two years of dreaming about activating the lakeside space, founders Belinda Neame and Tim Bean are excited to be finally making it happen.

“Being Belco locals ourselves, we have been wanting to utilise this space for a while now,” Belinda says.

“We thought it would make for such a beautiful backdrop and be great for Belco as a whole, so people can see what it has to offer. The festival will wrap entirely around the beautiful lakefront, utilising the boardwalk to capture waterfront views. There’s also plenty of parking and public transport close by.”

Belinda says the menu and atmosphere will lean heavily into Canberra’s crisp winter weather, while supporting many Belconnen businesses.

Among the highlights? A giant Parmesan pasta wheel from Le Cheeserie, featuring fresh pasta loaded with optional add-ons like crispy bacon, shallots or salty anchovies.

Credit: Collections From Him.

Society Coffee Co will be serving up butter chicken toasties and pulled beef toasties designed for dunking straight into a rich cup of sauce (paired with their sticky date iced latte or a hot chocolate fudge s’more drink, it will be the perfect winter warmer).

Bringing the warmth of Italy, Sapori Lab will feature fresh woodfired pizzas, classic tiramisu, wild mushroom croque and fluffy, sugary bomboloni.

If you’re not drooling already, newcomer Elfii will be cooking up charred, smoky corn ribs alongside rich truffle enoki, while The Meat Wizard will offer four exclusive meat plates, including a smoked brisket plate and pulled pork plate to fuel the mightiest of appetites.

Local distilleries and vineyards will also step up to keep the frost at bay, with Hold Fast Distillery serving a signature Christmas-themed “hot totty” featuring their warm Christmas gin, cloudy cider, and raw honey, while Mount Majura Vineyard will be pouring rich, spiced glasses of their famous hot mulled wine.

Credit: Collections From Him.

“Vendors will be crafting exclusive, winter-inspired creations you genuinely can’t get anywhere else,” Belinda says.

As for the entertainment, Belinda says it will be the biggest line-up yet.

“There will be live music acts, roaming bands weaving through the crowds, fire performers lighting up the night, pop-up dance groups and giant bubbles to keep the kids fully entertained.”

The artistic heart of Belconnen is also joining the party: the Belconnen Arts Centre will run a spectacular projection program, splashing vibrant art directly onto the building facade (local artists are currently being called upon to submit their visual masterpieces to be featured in the grand display).

Neighbours like the brand-new P59 Golf, the Capital Food Market, and businesses along Grazier Lane are all teaming up to ensure the precinct comes alive.

“At the core of what we do is we showcase Canberra and activate areas,” says Belinda.

“The follow-on trade that comes after the event is also so important, as it’s putting these businesses in the spotlight.”

Of course, no winter edition of The Forage would be complete without its centrepiece: the beloved bonfire. Making a triumphant return to anchor the new festival site, the roaring bonfire will provide the perfect gathering spot to escape the chill and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

True to its roots, the festival will keep dining accessible by sticking strictly to $18 capped pricing, ensuring every single food dish remains budget-friendly.

The full event program, vendor map, and schedule will go live early next week.

Bundle up, Canberra – your winter plans just got a whole lot tastier.

Images supplied.