STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — ArtsFest returns to downtown Stuart this weekend with a mix of visual arts, live music, culinary competition, and a new upscale food and wine experience designed to expand how the community engages with the arts.

Created as both a fundraising and community celebration by MartinArts in partnership with Treasure Coast Wine Fest, ArtsFest will feature more than 80 artists, over 25 community partners, and a full slate of entertainment, including the popular “Chopped” culinary competition and the debut of the inaugural Art of Food & Wine experience.

The new Art of Food & Wine adds an elevated element to the festival, offering ticket holders access to the Plaza Lounge, where guests can sip and sample wines, craft beverages, and dishes from top wineries and regional restaurants. The experience officially kicks off with a special Friday evening launch party, setting the tone for the weekend’s expanded culinary focus.

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One of ArtsFest’s longtime crowd favorites, Chopped, returns on Saturday, Feb. 7. Modeled after the popular Food Network series, the competition challenges chefs to create dishes using a mystery basket of ingredients, along with access to a general pantry.

This year’s Chopped competition will be judged by CBS12 News anchor Jim Grimes, who will serve on the judging panel from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Professional chefs will compete in the first round beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a final professional round at 1 p.m., with winners announced around 2:30 p.m.

Following the professional rounds, student culinary artists will take the stage at 3 p.m., competing in teams. ArtsFest organizers say they are excited to once again partner with Chef Dan from the Boys & Girls Clubs, continuing a collaboration that began last year.

Now in its second decade, the Chopped competition has become an annual staple of ArtsFest programming, highlighting the idea that the arts extend beyond painting and sculpture to include culinary creativity.

ArtsFest takes place Saturday and Sunday in Memorial Park in historic downtown Stuart. More information about the festival, including tickets for the Art of Food & Wine experience, is available at ArtsFestStuart.org