VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2026 is almost here! Jan 19-25
Tickets still available for the year’s biggest Food Fest!
By Kenny Spahn
Attention fellow Foodies – the VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL (VLFWF) is almost here! Now in its seventh year, the acclaimed festival has rapidly become Broward County’s biggest and best culinary celebration, and has been recognized as “one of Florida’s premier epicurean events.” The VLFWF features a full week of epicurean experiences that invite food and drink lovers to learn, experience, and savor the diverse and innovative flavors that make the region unique. And the 2026 Festival promises to be better than ever, bringing together Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard–nominated chefs, and nationally acclaimed celebrity talent for seven days of exceptional dining, enticing local flavors, and food-and-drink-focused fun. The VLFWF blends high-energy tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, intimate collaborative dinners, and interactive food and spirit classes, capturing the excitement and innovation that define Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene. This year’s event features national Celebrity Chefs and Food Network stars including Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Clarice Lam, Ron Dimpflmaier, Remy Powell, Dario Stephen, and others.“Year after year, Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival continues to grow, drawing more fans and chefs from around the world,” proclaims 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.”
Here’s a quick synopsis of the week’s festivities:
THE GRAND TASTING (Sat, Jan 24): The week of events culminates with the Festival’s signature event, the Grand Tasting. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to savor unlimited samplings from over 100 food and beverage providers, with the majestic oceanfront backdrop and Ft. Lauderdale’s Oceanside Park in a vibrant, festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Fort Lauderdale. The day also features cooking demonstrations from Celebrity Chefs Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier’ along with live music, DJs, Wine & Cocktail seminars, dancing, interactive booths, and more. The Grand Tasting features over 50 of the area’s best restaurants, including: 26 Degree Brewing Company, Auro (from Napa Valley!), Bahia Mar, Caluso, Boatyard, Daniel’s Steakhoue, Evelyn’s, Even Keel Fish Shack, Four Seasons, Himbrini, Kaya, Lovelee Bake Shop, Militello’s, Nature Heals Wellness, North Italia, Nubé Rooftop, Oceanside, the Omni Ft. Lauderdale, PiruCream, My Favorite Spot, Oaxaka, Olive & Sea, O Lounge, Papa’s Raw Bar, Parlor Doughnuts, Pizzeria Magaddino, Rooftop @1WLA, S3 – Sun Surf Sand, Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery, Stage, Steelpan, Sweet Aloha Ice Cream, Temple Street Eatery, The Rabbit Hole, The Restaurant People, TRP Taste, Two Happy Buddhas, Union Kitchen & Bar, Wan’s Chinese, YOLO, Yukai Japanese Smokehouse, and many more!
VLFWF Grilllin’ it up beachside!
Saturday’s beachside extravaganza also includes unlimited samplings of fine wines, signature cocktails, craft beers, and spirits, along with live entertainment, cooking demos, interactive activities, and more.
Sampling wine the Spanish way!
It all happens at the Las Olas Oceanside Park (3000 E. Las Olas Blvd.) in downtown Fort Lauderdale, from 1:00 (12:00 for VIP ticketholders) to 4:00.
Enjoy the VIP Experience! The Grand Tasting takes place from 1:00 – 4:00 for General Admission, but VIP Ticket holders get a one-hour early admission (12:00 noon), along with exclusive access and food & beverage tastings in the Delta VIP Lounge.
The Grand Tasting is the signature event, but the Visit Lauderdale features a full week of culinary festivities, including: notable events include:
NOTE: Check the VLFWF website for more information and ticket status, as many of these events sell out in advance!
VLFWF SIGNATURE EVENTS:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 WOK ‘N ROLL – Hosted by Clarice Lam
Asian-inspired cuisine takes center stage alongside vibrant live music at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade
Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 BBQ AT THE BEACH – Presented by Demesmin & Dover, Hosted by Jason Smith
Enjoy a Friday night immersed in the flavors of BBQ at the Beach, presented by Demesmin & Dover and hosted by Food Network star Chef Jason Smith with special guest Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier, the 2025 BBQ champion
Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 – THE GRAND TASTING – Featuring Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Ron Dimpflmaier
SEE ABOVE
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
PICNIC IN THE PARK – A family-friendly affair at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Guests are welcome to walk around at no cost and enjoy the lively atmosphere, with food trucks offering items for purchase, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors.
Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
BEACHSIDE BRUNCH – Food Network starf Nancy Fuller, along with special guest Eddie Jackson hosts this delectable brunch fare crafted by some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s top culinary talent while enjoying a relaxed, gourmet atmosphere with serene views of the beach.
Location: The Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
VLFWF DINING SERIES:
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
OPENING NIGHT AT HERITAGE – Kick off the culinary festivities with an unforgettable opening night at Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, Heritage with Chef Rino Cerbone, featuring a lineup of exquisite dishes and curated experiences.
Location: Heritage, Fort Lauderdale, FL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
UKIAH x MACCHIALINA – Collaborative dinner featuring bold flavors and creative pairings. Chef Michael Lewis of Ukiah and Chef Michael Pirolo of Michelin recommended Macchialina join forces for a unique menu blending Japanese and Italian influences.
Location: Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL
MAASS x ASADOR BASTIAN – A refined evening of elevated dining with top chefs. Chef Ryan Ratino and Chef David Brito of MAASS along with Chef Doug Psaltis of Asador Bastian (ranked the #13 Steakhouse in the world!) present an elevated French-contemporary Latino collaboration.
Location: MAASS, Fort Lauderdale, FL
26 DEGREE BREWING FOUNDER’S DINNER – A casual, flavorful beer-paired dinner at the local favorite. Chef Fergus Conneely curates a menu designed to pair perfectly with craft beers from 26 Degree Brewing.
26 Degree Brewing Company, Pompano Beach,
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
EVELYN’S x AURO – A collaborative dinner blending coastal influences with modern technique. Chef Brandon Salomon of Michelin recommended Evelyn’s and Chef Rogelio Garcia of Michelin starred Auro create a seasonal menu highlighting seafood and inventive small plates.
Location: Evelyn’s, Fort Lauderdale, FL
WAN’S x KAYA x TEMPLE STREET EATERY – An inventive collaboration celebrating the flavors of Asia. Chefs Kuk, Lalicon, Lam and Ng are teaming up to create a menu designed to take guests on a tour of Asia, highlighting traditional Asian flavors with contemporary techniques.
Location: Wan’s, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
UNION KITCHEN + BAR x APT9F – It’s a Wilton Manors affair as two of the city’s most beloved restaurants team up for a cause. Union Kitchen + Bar and Apt9F combine their culinary expertise for a refined evening with bites and sips featuring bold flavors.
Location: Union Kitchen + Bar, Wilton Manors, FL
EVEN KEEL x STAGE x DJM RESTAURANTS – Coastal-inspired dinner highlighting fresh, local ingredients. Chefs David MacLennan and Brad Phillips, along with Chef Dean James Max of DJM Restaurants and Chef Pushkar Marathe of Michelin recommended Stage Kitchen & Bar create, a menu centered on sustainable seafood and locally sourced produce.
Location: Even Keel Fish Shack, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
CALUSSO x MAMANI – An elegant collaboration spotlighting inventive fine dining. Chef Jonathan Kaiser and Chef Christophe De Lellis on an evening of dishes with Italian inspiration and French technique, paired with cocktails by Bar Colette.
Location: Calusso, Fort Lauderdale, FL
DANIEL’S, A FLORIDA STEAKHOUSE x DARIOUSH WINE – Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey with Darioush wines and Chef Daniel Ganem – an unforgettable experience awaits! This dinner will feature multiple courses created by Chef Daniel, perfectly paired with Darioush wines.
Location: Daniel’s, A Florida Steakhouse, Fort Lauderdale, FL
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25
STEELPAN x THE RABBIT HOLE (Vegan Dinner) – A plant-based culinary experience featuring bold Caribbean flavors. Chefs Craig Brown and Owen Henrey of Steelpan and Chef Samuel Woods of The Rabbit Hole create an inventive vegan menu emphasizing tropical flavors and sustainable ingredients.
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Steelpan, Fort Lauderdale, FL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
PAIRING PIZZA AND BEER – Discover how to pair two of life’s favorites: pizza and beer. Taste five artisan pizza slices by Chef Tom Magaddino, perfectly paired with delicious brews from Gulf Stream Brewery, and learn how to best enjoy this classic combination.
Location: Gulf Stream Brewery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
THE ART OF PASTA – Join Chef Jorge Montes for a hands-on class exploring the art of fresh pasta making, from shaping orecchiette to filling ravioli. The class opens with a cocktail and arancini and includes a shared feast to finish.
Location: Sistrunk Marketplace, Fort Lauderdale, FL
WHISK(E)Y: THE SPIRIT OF LIFE – Discover the diverse world of whisk(e)y in this guided tasting and cocktail class, sampling four styles and making two classics, the Whiskey Sour and the Boulevardier.
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cocktail Uncultured, Oakland Park, FL 33334
THE SPARKLING WINE EXPERIENCE – Experience a sparkling journey around the world, each paired with hors d’oeuvres by Chef Christie Tenaud. Discover the evolution of sparkling wine, including the refined elegance of Champagne, the bold expression of Sparkling Shiraz, and the delicate artistry of Japanese Awa Sake.
Location: Union Kitchen & Bar, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
ICE CREAM AND OHANA – This family-friendly class explores the basics of ice cream making and the meaning of ohana in Hawaiian culture as you craft your own flavor to take home by the pint or quart.
Location: Sweet Aloha Ice Cream, Fort Lauderdale, FL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
FLOW & FEAST – Flow through yoga and a calming sound bath, savor plant-based bites, sip organic wines by Frey Vineyards, and explore the art installations at MAD Arts Museum in this wellness experience blending movement, mindfulness, and creativity.
Location: MAD Arts Museum, Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLAVORS OF PERU – Explore the vibrant cuisine of Peru with Chef Jorge Montes as he guides you through the preparation of traditional Peruvian dishes. The hands-on class opens with a Pisco Sour and culminates in a shared meal.
Location: Sistrunk Marketplace, Fort Lauderdale, FL
MASTER OF THE MIX – Enjoy an immersive spirits experience featuring a cocktail hour, distillery tour, blending session, and hands-on cocktail class perfect for curious minds and cocktail lovers alike.
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Chainbridge Distillery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22
ALLERGEN-FREE PAIRINGS – Discover how world-class wine and allergen-free dining come together in this tasting featuring four curated wines and four expertly paired bites.
Location: The Vintage on Harrison, Fort Lauderdale, FL
CAKE DECORATING – Learn professional cake-decorating tips and piping techniques while creating your own coastal-themed cake to take home and enjoy, complete with light bites from Milk Money Bar & Kitchen.
Location: Milk Money Bar & Kitchen, Fort Lauderdale, FL
COOKING WITH BOURBON – A hands-on cooking class celebrating all things bourbon, from a Smoked Fig Old Fashioned to bourbon-infused dishes like bacon-wrapped dates, shrimp skewers, and petite filet mignon, ending with a shared meal.
Location: Sistrunk Marketplace, Fort Lauderdale, FL
LIBATIONS EXOTICA: THE CULT OF TIKI – Shake up your night with a tiki cocktail adventure! Learn the history of tiki culture while mixing classics like the Mai Tai, Fog Cutter, and Zombie. Tropical attire encouraged!
Location: Cocktail Uncultured Fort Lauderdale, FL
NATTY BY NATURE – Explore the ever-growing world of natural wine and its low-intervention approach in a fun, approachable seminar featuring tips for pairing and curated bites.
Location: Sidewalk Bottleshop, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Price: $65
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
BREAKING BAO –Join James Beard Award–nominated Chef Clarice Lam and Chef Diego Ng for a hands-on class inspired by Lam’s cookbook Breaking Bao, where you’ll learn to craft a variety of flavorful bao.
Location: Temple Street Eatery, Fort Lauderdale, FL
So mark your calendars, and save the Dates (and room in your belly!) – and See you at the BIG one!
The Seventh Annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival takes place January 19-25, 2026, at various locations throughout Ft. Lauderdale.
The signature Grand Tasting is Saturday, Jan. 25 along the Las Olas Oceanside Park (3000 E. Las Olas Blvd.) in downtown Fort Lauderdale, from 1:00 (or 12:00 for VIP) – 4:00. A full week of other events
For more information including a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit:https://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.
ABOUT VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, founded by Kate Reed and Phillip Marro, is an annual celebration of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s rich culinary scene. Set against the backdrop of 24 miles of stunning beaches and vibrant downtown communities, the festival spans seven days in January. This immersive event features an array of experiences, including wine tastings, gourmet dinners, craft beer samplings, spirits showcases, and dozens of sanctions events, all designed to highlight the diverse flavors and innovative culinary talents in the region. It also supports local charities, including Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
For the latest updates and event details, visit www.VLFoodWine.com, and follow @VLFoodWine on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube (#VLFWF).
ABOUT The Author and RESTAURANT PLACEMENT GROUP:
Kenny Spahn is a renowned food critic, culinary columnist, and restaurant consultant, and has been writing about the south Florida culinary scene for the past 25 years. He serves as President of Restaurant Placement Group restaurant recruiters, the exclusive recruiting, placement, and consulting service for the restaurant and hospitality industry. For more information, please visit: https://www.restaurantplacement.com/
TAGS: Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, Visit Lauderdale, VLFWF, Fort Lauderdale, Events, Food & Wine Festivals, Festivals, Restaurants, Celebrity Chefs, Restaurant Placement Group, www.RestaurantPlacement.com, Culinary, Wine Tastings,
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