Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival 2026 Brings a Week of Culinary Energy to Greater Fort Lauderdale
The Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival returns in January 2026 with a whole week dedicated to flavor, creativity, and community across Greater Fort Lauderdale. Now in its seventh year, the festival has grown into one of Florida’s most anticipated food and drink gatherings, drawing nationally recognized chefs, celebrated local talent, and visitors eager to experience the destination through its culinary scene.
Running January 19 through January 25, the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival combines waterfront signature events, chef-driven collaboration dinners, immersive classes, and tastings that reflect the diversity and momentum of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s food culture.
A Festival Designed to Spotlight Local Talent and National Stars
According to co-founders Kate Reed and Phillip Marro, the festival’s evolution has been fueled by a deliberate blend of local and national voices.
“Since we started working with celebrity talent in 2022, we noticed an immediate impact from the media, guests, and even the local chefs and restaurants in town,” said Reed and Marro. “Each year, we’ve leaned into that momentum a little more, and in return it’s helped elevate the overall spotlight on the festival, which naturally shines an even brighter light on our local hospitality scene here in Greater Fort Lauderdale.”
That balance is reflected throughout the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival lineup. Headliner Richard Blais is joined by Eddie Jackson, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Clarice Lam, and other nationally known culinary figures, alongside Michelin-recognized restaurants and James Beard–nominated chefs from South Florida.
“We’ve always made it a priority to highlight local talent as the cornerstone of our events,” Reed and Marro added. “By pairing these chefs and mixologists with nationally recognized names, we’re able to draw even more attention to everything Greater Fort Lauderdale has to offer.”
Signature Events With a Waterfront Backdrop
Iconic Settings, High-Energy Experiences
One of the defining elements of the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival is its setting. Many of the week’s biggest moments unfold along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, giving guests a sense of place that goes beyond the plate.
“We’re lucky to host our Signature Events against the beautiful backdrop of the Intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean,” said Reed and Marro. “It’s a major draw for attendees, giving them the chance to experience Greater Fort Lauderdale’s incredible weather and one-of-a-kind scenery.”
Events like Wok ’n Roll and BBQ at the Beach take place at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, while The Grand Tasting anchors Saturday at Las Olas Oceanside Park, featuring more than 100 tastings, live music, and chef demonstrations. The week concludes with Beachside Brunch and Picnic in the Park, offering both elevated and family-friendly ways to close out Festival Week.
The Dining Series Showcases Culinary Collaboration
One-Night-Only Experiences Across the Region
The Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival Dining Series is designed to highlight collaboration and creativity through intimate, one-night-only dinners hosted throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale has an extremely diverse and constantly evolving culinary landscape,” Reed and Marro explained. “With these collaborations, we hope to introduce the public to some of the amazing offerings available here, while giving these talented chefs a chance to collaborate, get creative, and showcase what makes our food scene so special.”
Throughout the week, guests can dine at venues such as Heritage, Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, MAASS, Evelyn’s, and Union Kitchen + Bar, where visiting chefs team up with local standouts to create menus that blend technique, culture, and regional flavor.
Classes, Seminars, and Hands-On Learning
Something for Every Type of Food Lover
Accessibility and variety are central to the festival’s programming philosophy.
“One of our goals has always been to highlight the diverse offerings of Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Reed and Marro. “We want people to feel comfortable taking part in Festival Week, whether that means an intimate pairing dinner or one of our large Signature events.”
That approach is reflected in a packed schedule of cooking classes, beverage seminars, and interactive tastings. Guests can learn pasta-making techniques, explore bourbon-forward cooking, dive into sparkling wines, or experiment with tiki cocktails at venues like Sistrunk Marketplace, Cocktail Uncultured, and Union Kitchen + Bar.
By offering a wide range of seminars, classes, dinners, and experiences, the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival ensures there is something for serious food enthusiasts as well as casual attendees looking to try something new.
A Festival With a Purpose
Supporting the Greater Fort Lauderdale Community
Beyond food and drink, the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival continues its commitment to giving back. A portion of the proceeds from Festival Week supports Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, reinforcing the event’s connection to the local community.
“It’s very important for us to give back to the community that supports us and the hospitality industry,” Reed and Marro said. “Through our partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we hope to bring more attention to their mission while raising funds to help them accomplish their goals.”
How to Experience Festival Week
With more than 30 events on the schedule, planning ahead is key.
“There are more than 30 events to choose from during Festival Week,” Reed and Marro noted. “To really experience the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, we recommend mixing and matching a variety of activities throughout the week.”
Their advice includes starting with a class or seminar, booking a long-anticipated restaurant dinner, gathering friends for high-energy Signature events, and finishing with Beachside Brunch.
The festival’s reach extends well beyond South Florida, drawing visitors from around the country and beyond.
“By marketing the festival nationally, internationally, and locally, we’re able to give people a reason to visit Greater Fort Lauderdale and experience everything the area has to offer,” said Reed and Marro. “With the event spanning multiple days, travelers have the chance to explore the destination while enjoying Festival Week.”
Tickets for the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival are on sale now, with options ranging from individual events to VIP experiences. For full details and the complete schedule, visit the official Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival website.
Not visiting in time for the event? Check out more South Florida restaurant news and info here!
