Thomastown’s much-loved Ricotta Festival is BACK, and in 2026 we’re proudly celebrating our 6th edition!
Bigger, tastier and more festive than ever, this is a true celebration of Italian food, culture and community, hosted in our HQ in Thomastown.
Join us for a full day of incredible food, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and family fun, all centered around our legendary Ricotta Calda, served fresh and warm straight from the vats.
LIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Watch Melbourne’s culinary favourites bring flavours to life in a series of live cooking demonstrations, featuring:
• Jason Shiong (LaManna)
• Melanie Lionello
• Pia Gava
• Ferdinando Napoli (Trattoria Emilia)
Guided by radio favourite Cameron Smith, these sessions showcase creative and traditional ways to cook with ricotta.
🍝 FOOD & MARKETPLACE
At the heart of it all is our legendary Ricotta Calda, made fresh and served warm at the festival. With over 35 stallholders, you can feast your way through Italy with spaghetti tossed in a 40kg Grana wheel, arancini, Sicilian charcoal BBQ, cannoli, tiramisù and much more.
Be sure to wander through our marketplace, featuring local artisans, handcrafted goods, gourmet produce and specialty products to take home.
🎶 LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & KIDS’ ZONE
Soak up the atmosphere with a Tommy's spritz, or vino from Vino Bambino while enjoying live performances from:
• Siesta Cartel
• Melbourne School of Tarantella
• Solo Antico
The day is hosted by comedian James Liotta, keeping the energy high and the laughs flowing. And don't miss our inaugural Cannoli Eating Competition!
Families are well catered for with a dedicated Kids’ Zone, featuring a petting zoo, play centre, face painting and the crowd-favourite Carlton FC footy van.
TICKETS
🎟️ Early Bird General Admission – $15
(Ends 15 February | Includes entry + Ricotta Calda)
🎟️ General Admission – $20
(On sale from 16 February | Includes entry + Ricotta Calda)
🎟️ VIP Ticket $60 - Express entry, Ricotta Calda, a drink on us + exclusive tote bag filled with goodies.
👶 Kids under 12 – Free entry with a ticketed adult
Tickets will not be sold at the door - a pre-purchased ticket is required for entry.
**Holding a valid ticket from Humanitix is essential for entry**
**PLEASE BE AWARE OF ONLINE SCAMMERS**
Please be cautious of unauthorised ticket resellers on Facebook and Instagram.
The Ricotta Festival tickets are sold exclusively via Humanitix.
Tickets sold by third parties are not associated with That’s Amore Cheese and may not be valid.
📍 GETTING THERE
Location:
That’s Amore Cheese
66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown
Parking:
Available at 84A Heyington Avenue, a 4-minute walk to the event
Street parking also available (subject to availability)
Public Transport:
Thomastown Train Station: Approximately a 15-minute walk
Special thanks to our event partners: LaManna, Bialetti, Puopolo Artisan Salumi, Harcourts Rata & Co., Vino Bambino, Tommy's, San Bernardo, Monte Coffee, and Smeg.
Also check out other Festivals in Preston, Kids events & activities in Preston, Food & Drink events in Preston.
