Food

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival returns January 2026

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns for its seventh annual celebration of culinary excellence in the Greater Fort Lauderdale. The upcoming festival brings together Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard–nominated chefs, and nationally acclaimed talent for a week of exceptional dining, local flavors, and food-and-drink-focused fun. Next year’s is a blend of high-energy tastings, celebrity chef cooking demos, intimate collaborative dinners, and interactive food and spirit classes.

Expect to see an impressive roster of national celebrity talent led by headliner Richard Blais: Eddie Jackson, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Clarice Lam, Ron Dimpflmaier, Remy Powell, and Dario Stephen. Celebrity chefs will be joined by the region’s top chefs, up-and-coming talents, and popular restaurants for a true showcase of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s food and beverage community. 

“Year after year, Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival continues to grow, drawing more fans and chefs from around the world,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “This seventh annual celebration is our biggest yet, highlighting the incredible talent, flavors, and creativity that make the destination a premier culinary hub. Accompanied by national celebrity talent, the festival continues to showcase what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale unique.” 

Festivalgoers can enjoy a robust lineup of culinary and beverage classes led by award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Highlights include Cooking with Bourbon, where celebrity chefs Nancy Fuller and Jason Smith combine bourbon-infused flavor with hands-on  learning, and Breaking Bao with James Beard Award–nominated Chef Clarice Lam and Chef Diego Ng, inspired by Lam’s acclaimed cookbook. Explore Flavors of Peru and The Art of Pasta with Chef Jorge Montes, learn cake-decorating techniques with Chef Lee Mazor, and indulge your sweet tooth at the family-friendly Ice Cream and Ohana class. Beverage lovers can sip and discover through seminars like Libations Exotica: The Cult of Tiki, Natty by Nature, The Sparkling Wine Experience, and Whisk(e)y: The Spirit of Life, each offering an interactive way to learn, taste, and toast. 

The festival’s signature events are a reflection of the culinary spirit of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Festivities kick off Thursday with Wok ’n Roll, hosted by Chef Clarice Lam, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. BBQ at the Beach returns the next evening with Chef Jason Smith and special guest Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier for a night of barbecue and friendly pitmaster competition. The Grand Tasting, Saturday’s festival main attraction, features more than 100 tastings, a cooking demonstration by Richard Blais, and appearances by Eddie Jackson and Dimpflmaier. The festival comes to an end Sunday with Beachside Brunch, hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson, and the family-friendly Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. 

VLFWF continues the tradition of giving back by donating a portion of event proceeds to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

“We’re proud to help set the table for experiences that celebrate local talent and make a lasting impact,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for Southeast Florida. “This festival isn’t just about bold flavors and creative collaborations, it’s about coming together as a community to support a cause that truly matters. That shared purpose adds meaning to every bite.” 

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival is January 19-25. Tickets are now on sale now and the full schedule can be found on the festival’s website at VLFoodWine.com. For updates and to stay connected, follow Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube using the hashtag #VLFWF.