Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival - April 7-11, 2026
Celebrate the flavors of the Gulf Coast at Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival (TBWFF) — a multi-day culinary celebration showcasing the best restaurants, wines, cocktails, and chefs across the Tampa Bay region. This springtime event transforms Tampa and St. Petersburg into a food lover’s paradise.
2026 Dates & Location
Dates: Tuesday, April 7 – Saturday, April 11, 2026
Venues: Events span multiple venues across Tampa Bay, including the waterfront urban park in downtown Tampa and various restaurants and locations throughout the region.
Tickets & Admission
Rather than a single “all-in-one” ticket, TBWFF offers a variety of independently ticketed events — giving you the flexibility to create a custom experience based on what you want to enjoy.
Typical ticketed events include chef dinners, tasting sessions, competitions, and a large-scale Grand Tasting.
What to Expect at the Festival
You can look forward to a week rich in flavor, creativity, and celebration of Tampa Bay’s vibrant food and beverage scene. Here are the festival’s highlights:
- 🍽️ Chef-Driven Dinners & Restaurant Showcases — Local restaurants and chefs across Tampa Bay open their kitchens for curated dinners and special events that highlight regional cuisine and hospitality.
- 🥂 Industry-Wide Drink & Wine Experiences — National wine and spirits partners join local favorites to provide curated tastings, specialty cocktails, and beverage pairings.
- 🎉 Grand Tasting Day — The centerpiece event: an all-inclusive tasting experience featuring food from 40+ restaurants, cocktails and wines, live music, and interactive brand/ sponsor activations — all set along Tampa’s waterfront.
- 🤝 Community & Charity Focus — Proceeds benefit the Community Initiatives Foundation’s “EAT SMART” program, which supports youth health, nutrition, and wellness initiatives throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Headliners / Featured Talent
- Participating top chefs and restaurants from across Tampa Bay.
- National and regional wine & spirits brands serving tastings and curated drink experiences.
(Full chef and venue lineup — along with detailed event-by-event schedule — are updated on the official site prior to the festival.)
How to Dress
There’s no formal dress code — attendees often go for “smart-casual to chic” attire. Think stylish yet relaxed outfits fit for waterfront dinners, patio tastings, or an outdoor grand tasting by the river. Comfortable shoes are a plus if you plan to hop between venues.
How to Get There
- Driving / Car: Most festival events are centered in the greater Tampa metro area, often around downtown or waterfront venues — accessible via I-275, I-4, and main thoroughfares.
- Local Transport: Once in the city, rideshare, local transit, or walking (where possible) are convenient ways to move between event venues.
- Proximity: Many events are clustered near central Tampa and other nearby neighborhoods to simplify travel during the festival.
Where to Stay
Because the festival covers multiple venues across Tampa Bay, staying somewhere central — such as downtown Tampa or near the waterfront — gives easy access to events without long commutes. Booking early is smart, as demand rises around festival week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this festival family-friendly?
Some events may be more adult-oriented (food, wine, spirits), but the festival’s structure allows you to choose what you attend. Check individual event descriptions when purchasing tickets.
Do I need a festival pass?
No — there is no single “pass.” Each event is ticketed individually. This gives flexibility to tailor your experience.
What does the festival support?
The festival supports the EAT SMART initiative by the Community Initiatives Foundation — focused on youth health, nutrition, and community wellness.
Final Tips
- 📅 Plan ahead — popular dinners and the Grand Tasting tend to sell out fast.
- 🍷 Go with friends — share a variety of dishes and drinks so you can try more without over-indulging.
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes — some events may involve walking between restaurants or venues.
- 🚕 Book transport early or plan rideshare — parking downtown Tampa can be tricky during big events.
- ❤️ Support the cause — by attending you’re helping benefit youth wellness and healthy-eating outreach in the community.
More Events Like This
If you enjoy Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, you might also like:
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Miami Beach)
- Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (Palm Beach area)
- Everglades Seafood Festival (Southwest Florida)
