Pack your apron away and head out instead – the Flavours Bay of Plenty Festival is in full swing, serving up a mouth-watering line-up of events across the region.

Though a couple of Eastern Bay highlights – Saturday’s Big Fat Greek Cypriot Lunch and the Mystery Food Tour – have already sold out, there’s still plenty on the menu to tempt diners.

From oyster and beer pairings tonight, to a smoky harbourside feast on Sunday and all-you-can-eat tacos next week, the festival offers something for every palate.

Looking ahead, a full programme of events continues across the Eastern Bay, as well as Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, showcasing the best of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s food scene.

Don’t forget to cast your vote in the Plates of Plenty competition.

Eastern Bay eateries Cadera, Gibbo’s on the Wharf and Café Awa are going head-to-head with strong competition from across the region.

Festival dishes, created especially for the event, celebrate culinary creativity.

A panel of judges will decide the Judges’ Choice Award, while diners can have their say in the People’s Choice Award.

These limited-time offerings are available until May 3, the perfect excuse to eat your way around the Bay.

To vote, simply dine in, order the featured plate and have your say.

For more information and tickets for events, visit www.flavoursofplentyfestival.com

Shucked & Poured: Ōhiwa Oysters and Mata Beer

A bold beer-and-oyster pairing celebrating local flavours. This guided tasting brings together freshly shucked Tio Ōhiwa oysters with a curated selection of Mata beers.

Guests will discover how different beer styles enhance the briny, full-bodied flavour of Ōhiwa oysters, including a signature “oyster shooter” for the adventurous. A relaxed and intimate evening of seafood and craft brews.

■ Where: Mata Brewery
■ When: 5.30pm-9.30pm, today
■ Tickets: Adults $50, child under-15 $5

Smoke on the Water

A smoky four-course dinner paired with an open-fire cooking demonstration. Held at Fisherman’s Wharf, this event showcases the art of cooking over flame, with talented chefs creating bold, flavour-packed dishes in a relaxed coastal setting. The public can also watch the open-fire demonstrations for free during the day from around 8am.

■ Where: Fisherman’s Wharf
■ When: 5.30pm-10pm, Sunday, April 19
■ Tickets: $165

Smoke, Fire & BBQ

A one-night-only farm feast under the stars with Big Smoke BBQ and The Run 15 Events. Guests will enjoy a BBQ grazing platter, followed by pork, chicken and lamb with seasonal salads, then dessert and s’mores. A small whisky tasting is included, along with BBQ tips and optional hands-on cooking moments around the fire.

■ When: 4pm-8pm, Saturday, April 25
■ Where: The Run 15, Matatā (map onine)
■ Tickets: Early bird $190 (usually $250)

Apprendre Pizza & Croissant

Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of dough in this hands-on workshop combining French pastry and Italian flair.
Guided by pastry expert Roberto and wood-fired pizza enthusiasts Louis and Mark, participants will learn to craft buttery croissants and perfectly hand-stretched pizza.
Expect a fun, relaxed session filled with tips, techniques and plenty of laughs.

■ When: 10.15am-12.15pm, Saturday, May 2
■ Where: L’Atelier
■ Tickets: $100

Long Lunch Italian Style

Slow down and savour a relaxed afternoon of Italian-inspired dining at this flavour-filled long lunch.
Hosted by EPIC Whakatāne, the experience features a selection of bold, seasonal dishes designed for sharing, paired with a guided wine tasting to complement each course. A perfect way to gather friends and enjoy great food, wine and conversation.

■ When: 12.30pm–4pm, Saturday, May 2
■ Where: Top Shelf
■ Tickets: $125

Nose to Tail BBQ Feast

A three-course long-table banquet celebrating beef in all its forms.
Expect everything from ox tongue and beef cheeks to ossobuco and bone marrow, alongside bold BBQ flavours and a surprise dessert.
With live music and a rustic Western vibe, it’s a night to dress up and indulge.
n When: 6pm-9.30pm, Friday, May 1
n Where: The Smokin’ Goose
n Tickets: $90

All You Can Eat Taco Night

A taco feast designed for those who love flavour and aren’t afraid of a
challenge. For two nights only, Cadera will serve unlimited tacos featuring favourites like chicken, pork belly and fish, alongside new festival creations.
Drop in, come hungry and see how many you can handle.
■ Where: Cadera
■ When: 4pm-8pm, Wednesday, April 22 and April 29
■ Tickets: $45