An unforgettable evening of paddock-to-plate dining beneath the lychee trees will shine a spotlight on Central Queensland’s thriving food and agricultural industry, with the inaugural GROWN CQ event set to take place on Friday, 20 November 2026.
Hosted at Lush Lychees (30km north-west of Rockhampton), GROWN CQ – A Celebration of Central Queensland Food & Agriculture will bring together 200 guests for a unique long-table dining experience celebrating the people, produce and stories that make the region’s agricultural industry so special.
Coinciding with National Agriculture Day, the event will showcase the diversity and quality of Central Queensland’s locally grown produce, while recognising the farmers, growers and producers who contribute to the region’s economy and community.
Lush Lychees’ Krystal Caton said the inaugural event was about bringing people closer to the origins of their food and celebrating the agricultural community.
“GROWN CQ is about so much more than sharing a beautiful meal,” Krystal said.
“It’s about celebrating the incredible people who grow and produce our food, telling their stories and creating a stronger connection between our farms and our community.”
“We’re incredibly proud of what Central Queensland produces, and we wanted to create something special that brings it all together.”
“There’s something really meaningful about sitting down to a meal amongst the trees, surrounded by the people who make our region’s agricultural industry what it is.”
“Our hope is that GROWN CQ becomes an annual celebration that continues to grow, showcasing our producers, supporting local businesses and inspiring people to think differently about where their food comes from.”
Set amongst the picturesque lychee orchard, guests will enjoy a three-course gourmet dining experience by Riviera Yeppoon, showcasing the very best of Central Queensland’s food bowl.
The evening will also feature locally crafted cocktails and drinks by Reef Distillers, along with inspiring guest speakers and live music, creating a memorable celebration of everything the region grows, produces and makes.
The event also complements Capricorn Enterprise’s Taste Capricorn Coast initiative, which celebrates the growing food and agritourism offering across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, connecting visitors and locals with authentic culinary experiences and the producers behind them.
Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said GROWN CQ was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the region’s agricultural strengths while further developing its reputation as a food and agritourism destination.
“Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast are surrounded by some of Queensland’s most productive agricultural landscapes, and events like GROWN CQ provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only the quality and diversity of our regional produce, but the passionate people and businesses behind it,” Mary said.
“Through our Taste Capricorn Coast initiative, we’ve been working to strengthen connections between agriculture, tourism and hospitality, encouraging visitors and locals to discover the incredible food experiences available across Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast and surrounding communities.”
“GROWN CQ is a fantastic example of how these industries can come together to create something truly memorable, while supporting local producers and showcasing the very best of Central Queensland.”
Under the theme Good Food. Real People. A Brighter Tomorrow, GROWN CQ promises an evening of connection, celebration and appreciation for the agricultural industry that helps sustain the region.
Tickets are now on sale, with organisers encouraging locals, industry representatives and food lovers to secure their place at the inaugural event.
Sponsorship opportunities also remain available for businesses looking to support the celebration and align themselves with Central Queensland’s food and agricultural industries.
Event details
Event: GROWN CQ – A Celebration of Central Queensland Food & Agriculture
Date: Friday, 20 November 2026
Venue: Lush Lychees, South Yaamba
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/grown-cq
