Indulge your taste buds and soak in South Florida sunshine at the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival — a week-long celebration honoring the vibrant culinary and hospitality scene of Greater Fort Lauderdale. From gourmet dinners to beachside brunches, VLFWF invites locals and visitors alike to explore food, drinks, and community spirit across Broward County.

2026 Dates & Location

Dates: January 19–25, 2026
Venues: Multiple restaurants, parks, and event sites throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale — with many flagship events centered around Las Olas and beach-adjacent locations.

Tickets & Admission

The festival is made up of 20+ individual ticketed events, giving you flexibility to pick the experiences that appeal to you — from tastings and dinners to brunches, classes, and more.

Prices vary by event: smaller experiences like classes or seminars may cost less, while major events like the Grand Tasting feature early-bird vs. at-the-door pricing.

There are also some free / family-friendly events during the festival (see below).

What to Expect at VLFWF

Over the course of the week, expect a mix of indulgence, discovery, and community — from upscale dinners to laid-back family days. Highlights include:

• 🍽️ Chef-Driven Dining Series & Culinary Events — Intimate dinners and unique culinary collaborations showcasing local and visiting chefs.
• 🍷 Global Food & Beverage Tastings — Sample a wide variety of foods and drinks, with events ranging from casual tastings to curated pairings.
• 🎉 Beach- and Park-Based Signature Events — Waterfront brunches, barbecue nights, and open-air tastings set against Fort Lauderdale’s coastal backdrop.
• 🎯 Hands-On Classes, Seminars & Mixology Sessions — Learn from pros in cooking classes, cocktail crafting, and more — perfect for curious foodies.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Day — Picnic in the Park — A relaxed, all-ages event featuring food trucks, cooking demos for kids, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and fun activities.

Festival proceeds support a good cause: a portion benefits Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Headliners / Featured Talent

Some of 2026’s confirmed celebrity chef names and culinary personalities include:

• Richard Blais
• Eddie Jackson
• Nancy Fuller
• Jason Smith
• Clarice Lam
• “Captain Ron” (culinary personality)

These chefs and more will be featured across signature events, dining series, tastings, and special experiences throughout the festival week.

Costumes & Festival Spirit

Whether you're dressed for a chic rooftop cocktail party or a breezy beachfront brunch, the vibe is relaxed, vibrant, and stylish. Think open-air casual: sandals or loafers, summer dresses or linen shirts, sunglasses, and a cheerful appetite.

How to Get There

• Driving: Greater Fort Lauderdale is easily accessible via I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike. Many festival venues cluster around Las Olas and beachfront areas.
• Airport: Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the primary gateway — convenient for out-of-town guests attending the festival.
• Local Transport: Once you’re in Lauderdale, rideshare, local transit, or walking are practical ways to hop between venues — many events are close to each other.

Where to Stay

Because venues are spread throughout Broward County (especially around Fort Lauderdale and beach areas), it’s best to stay near downtown or along the coast. Festival partners often recommend booking early as demand increases around festival week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this festival family-friendly?
Yes — while many events focus on food and drinks, the festival includes family-oriented offerings like “Picnic in the Park,” with kid-friendly demos, entertainment, and more.

Do I need to buy a full-week pass?
No — all events are individually ticketed. You can pick and choose the ones that interest you.

Does the festival support a charity?
Yes. A portion of proceeds benefit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital — a meaningful way to enjoy great food while giving back.

Final Tips

• Book your tickets early — popular events (dinners, Grand Tasting, brunches) often sell out quickly.
• Dress for variety — daytime beach or brunch events, evening dinners, and outdoor tastings may call for different attire.
• Plan your travel and stay ahead — consider staying near central Fort Lauderdale or the coast for easy venue access.
• Sample smart — with so many tastings and events, pace yourself and savor each bite slowly.
• Mix indulgence with purpose — enjoy the festival knowing your participation helps support local children’s healthcare.

More Events Like This

If you enjoy the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, you might also like:

• South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Miami Beach)
• Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (Palm Beach)
• Everglades Seafood Festival (Southwest Florida)

Official Links

🎟️ Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Website
📍 Fort Lauderdale, FL · Use “Las Olas Blvd / Greater Fort Lauderdale” when mapping for central venues.