Rock and roll: Australia's first ever zucchini cart race coming to the Warrnambool Community Garden quarry

On Saturday, 14 March, zucchinis won’t just be on the menu, they’ll be on the move.

In what’s believed to be Australia’s first-ever Zucchini Cart Championship, the humble summer vegetable is being reimagined as a speed machine at Warrnambool Community Garden’s annual Harfest, returning Saturday 14 March, 3–7pm.

The idea took root with local creative Andrea Pitkethly, who first saw the slightly absurd but joyful tradition while travelling in Canada.

“It was something everyone could get behind, from kids to grandparents, and it looked completely ridiculous in the best way,” Andrea laughed. “I just knew it would be perfect for Warrnambool, and the garden was the ideal place for it.”

Armed with that inspiration, Warrnambool’s community gardeners have created a purpose-built ramp in the former quarry amphitheatre, ready for zucchinis of all shapes to test their mettle in a contest of speed, durability, and creativity.

Zucchinis must be whole, up to 30cm wide, and decoration is whole heartedly encouraged. Crashes are not just expected, they’re celebrated with a trophy for the most spectacular smash. The garden will have marrows for collection on Wednesday 3 and 10 March for people to craft their winning creation.

“It’s serious business for a not-so-serious competition,” joked garden Convenor Courtney Mathew. “We’re here to have a laugh, celebrate creativity, and turn zucchinis that would otherwise go to waste into rolling works of art.”

Harfest 2026 builds on last year’s success, transforming the quarry into a festival of homegrown fun.

The line up of talent includes Jacob Paton-Lee, a crowd favourite in the Find Your Voice Collective, up-and-coming folk gypsy jazz quartet, The Hootie Tooties, all-women punk-pop outfit, Lisztomania and closing the day are DJ legends The Cheese Brothers, featuring Gus Franklin and Jordan Lockett.

Alongside the zucchini race, visitors can enjoy a ‘Fashions in the Field’ scarecrow competition, cornucopia face painting, interactive painting workshops with young artists including 2026 Warrnambool Young Citizen of the Year Meekah Merriman, and a lively program of roving performers featuring crowd favourite Super Jenny and the ever-dramatic Most Wuthering Heights Day dancers.

Harfest is a ticketed community event, raising funds for the volunteer-run Warrnambool Community Garden, a not-for-profit supporting sustainable food production and connection through gardening. Tickets are $26 for adults, with free entry for under 18s.

For more information, visit wcg3280.org.au, call 0493 057 811, or email grow@wcg3280.org.au.