The annual Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival has become one of the best and biggest annual foodie events, and this year’s rendition has one of the best parties yet. TBWFF has announced plans for “Rock the Range,” an exciting party with limited tickets, featuring celebrity chefs, exclusive cocktails, live cooking competitions, and some of the best food anywhere in Tampa.
As part of the festival’s five days of events, Rock the Range takes place on Thursday, April 9, at 7 pm at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (5223 Orient Rd). Taking place inside Hard Rock LIVE, the party is an exclusive VIP celebration with Chef Robert Irvine, world-renowned chef, restaurateur, and longtime host of Restaurant: Impossible. Tickets to the highly anticipated experience are on sale now, and proceeds will support the Robert Irvine Foundation, benefiting veterans, first responders, and military families through impactful health and wellness programs.
Irvine, who is one of the driving forces behind the annual festival, will be joined for the night by celebrity Chef Beau Mac, “The Cake Girl” Chef Kristina Lavallee, and Hard Rock Executive Chef Matthew Zappoli. If that weren’t enough, the entire night is being hosted by Hendrick’s Gin and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. This is big names, big flavor, and big energy from start to finish.
There are multiple portions of the evening, and you’ll want to be there for every moment. The night kicks off as you sample bites and dishes curated by Executive Chef Matthew Zappoli, paired with unique cocktails, music, and meet-and-greets with the celebrity chefs. He may be intense on Restaurant: Impossible, but we can attest to Chef Irvine being a down-to-earth delight in person.
The reception will be followed by a high-energy, interactive 60-minute edition of Robert Irvine LIVE with live cooking and on-stage challenges, including Chef Mac, inside Hard Rock LIVE. Following the cook-off, don’t miss the after-party and over-the-top dessert experience with The Cake Girl to cap off the unforgettable night.
The best part is that Rock the Range is a feel-good indulgence, with proceeds from the VIP experience supporting the Robert Irvine Foundation, which has a tremendous impact for Tampa Bay Area military veterans and their families.
Rock the Range is set to be the must-experience night in the 2026 Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival lineup. Learn more and get tickets here. Rock the Range takes place on Thursday, April 9, at 7 pm.