Feed your Soul at Eat, Drink, Play Wellington 2023

Wellingtonians, get ready for an unforgettable mid-Winter event as the highly anticipated Eat, Drink, Play Festival is set to take the Capital by storm next month!

The festival takes place in the first two weeks of July (1-16) incorporating the Matariki public holiday and will showcase some of Aotearoa's most exciting kai, venues, musicians, artists and performers.

The Eat, Drink, Play festival is designed to bring together the best of Wellington's food, drink, entertainment, and accommodation in a celebration of all things Wellington, with the overarching theme of Feed your Soul. This year, the festival's theme embodies the sharing of kai and aroha that is associated with Matariki, marking the start of the Māori New Year.

During the festival, many of Wellington's innovative venues will host a variety of exciting events that will reignite the city's hospitality sector. Think gin appreciation, a Back to the 80's party, Murder at The Cambridge Hotel, or perhaps a little jazz on the menu or the Gala ball. Whatever tickles your fancy, this is your chance to sink your teeth into every hidden gem in the capital city. 

Hospitality New Zealand Co-President Paul Retimanu says, "At its core, Eat, Drink, Play is all about bringing Wellingtonians together to celebrate everything that makes this city special."

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the brand new event: Taste Matariki. This event is designed for and by locals to honour and enjoy Pōneke (Wellington) cuisine with special menus, dishes and drinks designed for the event. You can find a list of participating venues here.

In addition to Taste Matariki, there will be a range of other exciting events taking place throughout the city, such as cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, food tours, and live music performances.

The Eat, Drink, Play festival is an excellent opportunity for both locals and visitors to discover the best of Wellington's food and drink scene and experience the city's vibrant culture and hospitality. This year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet, and is not to be missed!

First Table is proud to be a Preferred Supply Partner of Eat Drink Play this year.