Margao; Jan 23: The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 is all set to bring together the best of Goa’s culinary and cultural heritage in a three-day extravaganza. The festival promises a unique experience where authentic cuisine, vibrant performances, and the spirit of Goa come alive under one roof.

The festival will be held at Margao Cricket Club, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Stadium, from 23rd to 25th January, starting at 6:30 pm each evening. It will be inaugurated in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for PWD and Captain of Ports, Shri Digambar Kamat; Hon’ble Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Shri Kedar J. Naik along with Hon’ble MLA, Navelim Constituency, Shri Ulhas Tuenkar.

Senior government officials present on the occasion will include Chief Secretary, Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS; Secretary (Tourism), Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS ; Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, and Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar.

The cultural line-up for the festival includes traditional Goan dance performances by the Kanta Gaude Troupe on the opening day, followed by live performances by Anson, Chelsea & Jeliska Trio, Sonia Shirshat with her Band, and LYNX. The second day will feature performances by Red Square Band, ALTITUDE, Akshay Naik, Gautami Hede Bambolkar, Vibha Algundagi, Vishnu Shirodkar, and Samruddh Chodankar. The concluding day will showcase Talking Drums with Carlos and Team, Hema Sardesai & The Rising, Goan Magic Dance Troupe, and Alcatraaz.

Speaking ahead of the festival, Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said: “Goa’s food culture is a reflection of its people, its history, and its way of life. What makes Goa a culinary capital is the seamless blending of tradition with innovation, where local ingredients, age-old recipes, and contemporary expressions coexist. The Food & Cultural Festival 2026 celebrates this richness while creating meaningful platforms for local talent, traditional practitioners, and cultural custodians to come together.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, stated: “The Food & Cultural Festival 2026 has been curated to offer an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond celebration. By bringing cuisine, music, and traditional art forms together in a community-centric setting, the festival strengthens Goa’s cultural tourism narrative and reinforces the Department’s commitment to showcasing authentic, homegrown experiences.”

Apart from music and dance, The festival also features a wide array of stalls showcasing Goan food, local crafts, traditional delicacies, and handmade products. These stalls provide a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to display their talent while offering visitors an opportunity to experience the authentic flavors and cultural richness of Goa.

It is part of the Department of Tourism’s broader initiative to promote Goa Beyond Beaches, encouraging visitors to explore the state’s heritage sites, spiritual circuits, rural hinterlands, nature experiences, and community-led activities.

The Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2026 promises to be a celebration of Goa’s culture, cuisine, and community spirit, inviting locals and tourists alike to experience the true essence of the state.