6th Annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival returns January 2025
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) recently announced the lineup for next year’s festival when it returns in January. We have a few months to go before the festivities so that’s enough time for us all to get our travel plans in order. VLFWF offers a variety of events, culinary classes, and dinner series. 2025’s headline celebrities include Fabio Viviani, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Alex Belew, and social media personality Alexa Santos of @alexawhatsfordinner.
“Greater Fort Lauderdale has become a mecca for culinary innovation, and the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is the perfect way to celebrate this renaissance,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “We’re excited to bring together our community to showcase the incredible talent and flavors that make our region unique, all while supporting a great cause.”
Prepare now and stay hydrated because the festival is jam-packed with signature events to choose from:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15: BAR FIGHT! A SPIRITED COMPETITION
Kick off the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival signature events with this competition where mixologists battle it out in a scenic rooftop setting. Guests can enjoy an evening of spirited competition while sampling cocktails from each competitor and voting on their favorite. Don’t miss this chance to help crown the cocktail champion of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Advance ticket pricing begins at $50 and increases to the event day price of $75, pending availability. Bites can be purchased directly from Rooftop @1WLO.
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Rooftop @1WLO at 1 W Las Olas Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Tickets: Purchase HERE.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16: WOK ‘N ROLL
An unforgettable evening at Wok ‘n Roll, where Asian-inspired cuisine takes center stage amidst vibrant live music. This event offers a fusion of flavors that tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or music lover, Wok ‘n Roll offers an experience blending cultural richness with culinary excellence. Advance ticket pricing begins at $75 and increases to the event day price of $135, pending availability.
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Backyard at 100 Southwest 3rd Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tickets: Purchase HERE.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17: BBQ AT THE BEACH PRESENTED BY DEMESMIN & DOVER HOSTED BY CELEBRITY CHEF JASON SMITH
Join Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival for an immersive culinary experience at BBQ at the Beach, presented by Demesmin & Dover and hosted by Food Network star Chef Jason Smith. Newly located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, this event is a mouthwatering celebration of BBQ cuisine and competition against the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy live entertainment, soak up the lively atmosphere, savor flavors that perfectly capture the essence of Fort Lauderdale and witness who will be taking over this year’s BBQ champion. Advance ticket pricing begins at $75 and increases to the event day price of $135, pending availability.
Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park at 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tickets: Purchase HERE.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18: THE GRAND TASTING
The Grand Tasting, the highlight of the festival btw, is where attendees will enjoy over 100 food and beverage tastings, celebrity chef cooking demos, and live music. Advance General Admission (GA) tickets are priced at $75 and increase to the event day price of $150, offering three hours of unlimited tastings, a commemorative tasting glass, and access to cooking demos and wine/cocktail seminars. Advance VIP tickets are priced at $150 and increase to the event day price of $300, offering all of the perks of GA Access with express entrance, an additional hour of tastings, and exclusive access to the Delta VIP Lounge, which features special food and beverage offerings.
Time: GA Access 1 p.m- 4 p.m.; VIP Access Noon – 4 p.m.
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tickets: Purchase HERE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19: PICNIC IN THE PARK PRESENTED BY JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a family-friendly event held at Las Olas Oceanside Park, which offers a relaxed atmosphere where attendees will enjoy a curated lineup of food trucks, hands-on culinary classes for the whole family, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors. This event is designed to be a day of fun and relaxation, celebrating the spirit of community and togetherness.
Time: Noon- 4 p.m.
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tickets: Purchase HERE.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19: BEACHSIDE BRUNCH HOSTED BY NANCY FULLER
Join us for Beachside Brunch hosted by the beloved Food Network Star Chef Nancy Fuller, known for her warm hospitality and farm-to-table expertise. This exquisite culinary experience allows attendees to indulge in delectable brunch fare expertly prepared by some of the top culinary talent in Greater Fort Lauderdale. This event promises to be a relaxed and gourmet affair where every bite is savored with views of the tranquil beach. Advance ticket pricing begins at $65 and gradually increases to the event day price of $95, pending availability, offering an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the best flavors of the coast in an idyllic walk-around setting.
Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tickets: Purchase HERE.
Keep up with more news of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival on their website. Deets on the classes and dining series will come at a later date. Follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram @VLFoodWine.
