Key West Food & Wine Festival - Jan. 28 - Feb. 1, 2026
Experience the ultimate culinary celebration in the Florida Keys at the annual Key West Food & Wine Festival. Named one of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice winners multiple times, this festival is a multi-day indulgence that combines world-class wines with exquisite food, set against the backdrop of historic Key West. The 17th annual event will specifically celebrate the wine and food from the Pacific Coast of the Americas.
2026 Dates & Location
Dates: Wednesday, January 28 – Sunday, February 1, 2026
Location: Various restaurants, resorts, and venues across Key West, FL (venues span the island)
Tickets & Admission
This isn’t a single-ticket festival — instead, the festival runs 20+ separate events, each with its own ticket.
Tickets cover a range of experiences, from tastings and dinners to chef/winemaker collaborations, depending on the event.
- Tickets On Sale: September 30, 2025.
- VIP Tickets: Special VIP experience tickets will also become available on September 30, 2025.
- Admission Requirement: All attendees must be 21 years of age to enter any festival event.
- Refund Policy: All sales are final. There are no refunds, no exchanges, and no replacements for tickets. Event insurance is available for purchase during the ticket process through Protecht.
What to Expect at Key West Food & Wine Festival
When you attend, expect an immersive mix of flavors, ambiance, and island-style relaxation. Key features of the festival include:
- 🍷 Pacific-Coast Wine & Food Pairings — For 2026, the festival spotlights wines and dishes inspired by the West Coast of North and Central America. Whether you’re sampling a vintage from British Columbia or Baja California, the journey covers a diverse wine region along with cuisine to match.
- 🍽️ Chef & Winemaker Collaboration Events — Expect curated dinners and gatherings where chefs and winemakers team up to craft inventive menus that reflect the festival’s theme.
- 🍷 Waterfront Tastings & Island Venues — Many of the events take advantage of Key West’s island atmosphere and waterfront or resort-style settings for a relaxed yet refined dining experience.
- 🌴 A Variety of Culinary Events — From elegant dinners to casual tastings and themed parties, there’s something for different tastes and budgets across the festival’s many events.
Headliners / Featured Talent
- Participating chefs & winemakers from West Coast wine regions and Key West venues.
- A curated selection of wines from Pacific-Coast appellations (western North & Central America), giving a broad tasting experience that spans from British Columbia down to Baja California.
(Full event-by-event schedule and lineup are released by the festival — check the official site for the latest.)
Costumes & Festival Spirit
No fancy costumes needed — just island vibes. Think breezy resort wear, sandals or comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and light layers. It’s relaxed, casual, and perfect for a warm Key West evening.
How to Get There
- Through US-1 (Overseas Highway): Drive to Key West via the iconic Overseas Highway.
- Island Transportation: Once on the island, venues are spread out — rideshare, walking, or local transport is ideal. Given the number of venues across town, plan to be mobile.
Where to Stay
Because the festival is spread across the island, it’s best to stay somewhere central or near venues. Key West’s boutique hotels, guesthouses, and resort-style lodging are ideal. Many visitors book early, since demand rises during festival week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the festival all-ages?
Not really — because wine and alcohol are central, participants must be of legal drinking age for ticketed events.
Are all events individually ticketed?
Yes. The festival is a collection of independent events. You pick and choose what you want to attend rather than buying a single pass.
Final Tips
- Plan ahead and book early — popular dinners and tastings often sell out.
- Dress for warm weather and casual elegance — comfy shoes plus a light layer for evenings.
- Pace yourself — with many events over several days, you’ll want to pick a few favorites and enjoy them slowly.
- Allow time to explore Key West’s charm — the island setting is part of the festival magic.
More Events Like This
If you love the Key West Food & Wine Festival, you might also enjoy:
- Everglades Seafood Festival — for seafood, community vibe, and local flavor
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival — for a big-city food & wine experience
- Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival — for another elegant West-coast meets Florida culinary event
Official Links
🎟️ Key West Food & Wine Festival Official Website
📍 Key West, FL — use “Key West, FL 33040” when mapping
