Games & Activities

Grab a spoon, a spud, or a pumpkin - it’s game time!

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when gardeners, food lovers, and a few slightly over-competitive locals get together… welcome to the Tasmanian Heirloom Festival’s Games!

Throughout the day we run a series of gloriously silly, good-natured competitions that celebrate the lighter side of growing food. They’re messy, a little chaotic, and guaranteed to attract a crowd!

Expect rolling pumpkins, flying potatoes, balancing tomatoes, and a few brave souls attempting the legendary garlic eating challenge. Yes, it’s exactly as intense as it sounds, plus, it keeps the vampires away.

  • Ages: Kids 11 & under

    A festival classic!

    Young competitors must carefully navigate a short obstacle course while balancing a squishy cherry tomato on a spoon. Drop your tomato and you’ll quickly discover just how slippery these little beauties can be.

    It’s simple. It’s nerve-wracking. And it’s much harder than it looks!

  • Ages: Kids 11 & under / Kids 12-16

    Think shot put… but with potatoes.

    Contestants step up to the line, wind up, and launch a spud as far as humanly possible. Technique varies wildly (some people go for power, others for finesse) but either way there’s always a satisfying thud when a potato lands somewhere unexpected.

    Longest throw wins bragging rights.

  • Ages: Kids 12-16

    Rolling pumpkins through an obstacle course sounds easy… until you actually try it.

    Competitors must guide their pumpkin through the course as quickly as possible without destroying it. Speed is important, but so is pumpkin survival. If your pumpkin ends the race looking like soup, the judges may have questions.

  • Ages: Adults 18+

    This is the piece de resistance of the festival games.

    Contestants face a bowl of raw garlic and one simple challenge: finish it first. No hiding cloves, no half-hearted chewing - just pure determination and a rapidly expanding appreciation for breath mints.

    It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it is spectacular to watch. We guarantee no vampires will be in attendance.

  • Ages: Teams of 3 - one team member must be under 16.

    This is where teamwork really counts!

    Family teams must move buckets of hazelnuts across an obstacle course using smaller containers without spilling a single nut. It sounds straightforward until the race begins and everyone realises just how many trips it takes.

    Fastest team with no spills takes the prize (and the glory).

A Few Things to Know

  • Games run in scheduled sessions throughout the day. Please see the programme for timings.

  • Many activities have limited spots, so arrive early & register at the Information Tent if you’re keen to participate.

  • Every participant receives a small prize!

  • The winners take home a few extra goodies (and lifelong bragging rights)