Everything you need to know for Wisely Wine and Food Day 2024

The flood of bubbles is thanks to The Bubble Canteen, a captivating and interactive installation which promises to transport young families to a world of wonder and whimsy.

Entry to The Bubble Canteen, and the entire Wisely Wine and Food Day, is free.

And The Bubble Canteen is just one of the new Wisely Wine and Food Day attractions at Queens Park on Saturday, July 20.

Another is the Margs and Amigos VIP area.

MECC Venue and Event Operations Manager Jemma Carey said the VIP area was an exciting way for festivalgoers to avoid the queue, have a great stage view and enjoy a mini-Mexican paradise.

“There’s margaritas, Coronas, roving Mexican mini meals, private bathrooms and shaded seating with main stage views,” Ms Carey said.

“This 18+ area has the best seats in the park, but ticket numbers are limited, so I would encourage everyone to get in as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

Of course, outside of the VIP area is still a foodies’ heaven with more than 20 different food vendors offering everything from woodfired pizzas and ribs to crepes, Indian, burgers and fried chicken.

Ms Carey said the music was the other big drawcard for festivalgoers.

“We’ve got seven top quality bands and performers on the BB Print Main Stage from 10.45am, with our headliner Drapht kicking off at 4.40pm to end the day on a high,” she said.

“Drapht is well known as one of the pioneering heavyweights of Australian hip-hop and has been releasing hits and performing for more than 20 years.

“He’s won two ARIA awards and had multiple platinum and gold singles, including smash hits Jimmy Recard and Rapunzel, and is a regular collaborator with the Hilltop Hoods.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said there were some other exciting acts as well.

“The Hot Potato Band are going to be tremendous – this band is a 10-piece brass collective that are famous for their energetic, somewhat quirky and highly interactive musical performances,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They are based in Sydney, and they have reinvented the traditional brass band as a modern-day dance machine and visual spectacle.”

There will also be multiple bars offering a wide variety of craft beers, wines and ciders; an exciting paint and sip experience (four sessions available) and a live art challenge where artists will create works onsite in response to their surroundings.

In another exciting change for 2024, the entire event will now be fenced, including the Kid’s Hub and the markets stalls, so that means the whole area is licensed.
Crowds can now move freely between the main area, the 20-plus market stalls, the Bubble Canteen and the Sideshow Alley, which is complete with paid amusement rides, jumping castles and games.

For more information, and to buy tickets to Margs and Amigos, visit themecc.com.au/festivals

BB Print Main Stage Schedule

• Josiah Samual – 10.45am
• Mango Junction – 11.40am
• Alex Kosenko – 12.40pm
• Tropical State of Mind – 1.40pm
• Matty Rogers – 2.40pm
• Hot Potato Band – 3.40pm
• Drapht – 4.40pm

Fierce Signage Dance Stage Schedule

• AntiMatter Circuz – 11.35am
• Claddagh School of Irish Dance – 12.30pm
• Leisa Payne School of Dance – 1.30pm
• International Dance Affair – 2.30pm
• Dance Fit with Elena – 3.30pm

Bubble Canteen Schedule

• Session 1 – 11am to 11.50am
• Session 3 – 1pm to 1.50pm
• Session 2 – 3pm to 3.40pm

Experiences

• Margs and Amigos – 11am to 5pm
• ourSCAPE Art Challenge – 11am to 3pm
• Mini Paint and Sip sessions (1 hour) – 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm
• Massaoke Oz - Wine & Food Afterparty – MECC doors open at 6.30pm