Newcastle’s hospitality heroes will sprint, balance and battle it out on the streets as the inaugural Great Newcastle Waiters’ Race kicks off Newcastle Food Month this April.
Inspired by the century-old tradition of the Course des Cafés, the high-energy spectacle will see waiters, chefs, baristas and winemakers from across the Hunter take on a fast-paced CBD circuit.
Competitors will race through the Station Newcastle and Market Street Lawn precinct, balancing trays loaded with First Creek Wines, Foghorn brews, Earp cocktails and a plate from Signal Box which will test precision, speed and composure under pressure.
Jointly presented by First Creek Wines and the Hunter Culinary Association, the event is designed to celebrate and elevate the region’s hospitality talent. With both organisations already strong partners of Newcastle Food Month, the race marks a bold new signature moment for the sixth edition of the festival.
Competitors can be nominated from today, with both individuals and teams encouraged to represent their venues. Awards will recognise not only the fastest racers but those who demonstrate outstanding technique, professionalism and service pride.
The coveted Hunter Culinary Cup will be awarded to the top team, with additional honours across individual categories.
After the race wraps at 6pm, the celebrations will roll on with a community gathering and First Creek pop-up wine bar at Signal Box, an opportunity for locals to mingle with chefs, waitstaff and winemakers fresh from the track.
Designed as a free, crowd-friendly street activation, organisers expect the Waiters’ Race to become a defining annual moment of Newcastle Food Month.
The Great Newcastle Waiters’ Race takes place at The Station and Market Street Lawn on 1 April 2026 at 5pm. Spectators can watch for free, while tickets to the Signal Box afterparty are available now. Hospitality venues can register competitors until 23 March at hunterculinary.com.au/events.
