Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Returns Jan. 18-24, 2027 With Biggest Culinary All-Star Lineup Yet And New Signature Event

Marcus Samuelsson Headlines the Eighth Annual Celebration, Joined by First-Time Festival Guests Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora Alongside Returning Fan Favorites Jason Smith, Nancy Fuller and Eddie Jackson

Additional programming, including cooking classes, intimate dinners and other culinary experiences, will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2026) – The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns Jan. 18-24, 2027, for its eighth annual celebration, marking another milestone in its evolution from a local culinary showcase to one of the nation’s premier food and wine festivals. This year’s festival introduces The Feast: An Evening of Italian Culture & Flavor, welcomes internationally acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson and continues its partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with a portion of every ticket sold benefiting local children and families.

Among this year’s highlights is the debut of The Feast: An Evening of Italian Culture & Flavor hosted by Chef Rino Cerbone. As Italy continues to inspire travelers, tastemakers and food lovers around the world, VLFWF brings that same energy to Fort Lauderdale with their new event celebrating the country’s iconic cuisine, wine and hospitality.

Leading this year’s celebrity lineup is internationally acclaimed chef, restaurateur and television personality Marcus Samuelsson, joined by first-time festival guests Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora, along with returning fan favorites Jason Smith, Nancy Fuller and Eddie Jackson. Together, they’ll headline signature events, lead live demonstrations and collaborate with South Florida chefs throughout the week.

“People have been discovering that Greater Fort Lauderdale has so much more to offer beyond our beaches, and our culinary scene is a big part of that story,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival puts Broward County’s restaurants, chefs and neighborhoods on a national stage while giving visitors another reason to experience our destination. It’s the kind of event that brings people here, gets them exploring and leaves them wanting to come back.”

From Italian-inspired celebrations and beachfront barbecue to family-friendly experiences and the festival’s signature Grand Tasting, VLFWF offers something for every palate. Throughout the week, guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from South Florida’s top restaurants, premium wines and spirits, live entertainment, interactive demonstrations and unforgettable culinary experiences set against the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Additional chef dinners, exclusive culinary experiences and festival programming will be announced this fall.

The festival’s signature Grand Tasting returns Saturday, Jan. 23, to Las Olas Oceanside Park, featuring unlimited food and beverage tastings, live chef demonstrations and appearances by Marcus Samuelsson, Jason Smith, Eddie Jackson and Hannah Flora.

Sunday brings two distinct experiences. Beachside Brunch, hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson, invites guests 21 and older to indulge in chef-driven brunch fare, bubbles and sweeping ocean views, while Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital welcomes families and the community for an afternoon of live entertainment, local vendors, activities for all ages and culinary demonstrations featuring Remy Powell, Sabrina Courtemanche, Dario Stephen and Bobby Hicks.

“Nine years ago, we envisioned a festival that would showcase the incredible culinary talent found right here in Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Kate Reed, co-founder of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. “Today, we’re proud to welcome nationally recognized chefs while continuing to celebrate the restaurants, chefs and hospitality professionals that have helped make this festival what it is. As we continue to grow, our commitment remains the same: creating unforgettable culinary experiences, supporting our local hospitality community and giving back to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.”

VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2027 SIGNATURE EVENT SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21: THE FEAST: AN EVENING OF ITALIAN CULTURE & FLAVOR – Hosted by Rino Cerbone

Benvenuti, mangiamo! Italy is having a moment, and The Feast brings that unmistakable energy to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Hosted by local favorite Rino Cerbone, owner of Heritage, guests will journey through Italy’s diverse culinary regions with dishes prepared by nationally renowned and locally celebrated chefs, showcasing authentic flavors alongside contemporary interpretations of beloved classics. Set beneath the stars at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, this VIP experience features unlimited chef tastings, handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, live entertainment and an unforgettable evening inspired by la dolce vita.

• Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Price: $150; Introductory Pricing $85 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 8
• Tickets: Purchase here

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22: BBQ AT THE BEACH – Hosted by Jason Smith

Fire meets flavor at one of the festival’s most anticipated signature events. Hosted by Food Network star Jason Smith, BBQ at the Beach brings together nationally renowned chefs and pitmasters serving unlimited barbecue, smoked specialties and bold flavors paired with handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and live entertainment. Set along the waterfront at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, it’s an unforgettable evening where Southern hospitality meets South Florida’s coastal vibe.

• Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Price: $150; Introductory Pricing $85 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 8
• Tickets: Purchase here

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23: THE GRAND TASTING – Featuring Marcus Samuelsson, Eddie Jackson, Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora

The festival’s marquee event returns to Las Olas Oceanside Park for an afternoon celebrating the best of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene. Guests will enjoy unlimited tastings from many of South Florida’s top restaurants, premium wines, spirits and cocktails, plus live cooking demonstrations from Marcus Samuelsson, Eddie Jackson, Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora. Interactive culinary experiences, live entertainment and oceanfront views make The Grand Tasting the centerpiece of festival weekend.

General Admission (GA):

• Access: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Enjoy unlimited tastings and water, a commemorative tasting glass, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, art installations and more
• Price: $180 (+ tax and fees); Early Bird Tier 1 $90 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 8

• Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Tickets: Purchase here

VIP Experience:
For those seeking a more enhanced experience, VIP access includes the Delta VIP Lounge, a calm, shaded retreat with exclusive views overlooking the lawn and special food and beverage offerings. VIP perks also include:

• Access: Noon – 4 p.m.
• Express entrance into the venue beginning at 12 noon
• An additional hour of tastings before General Admission ticket holders
• Exclusive food tastings only available in the Delta VIP Lounge
• Exclusive beverage tastings only available in the Delta VIP Lounge
• Tickets: $350 (+ tax and fees); Early Bird Tier 1 $175 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 8
• Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

• Tickets: Purchase here

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24: PICNIC IN THE PARK – Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Picnic in the Park is a complimentary community celebration for all ages. Stroll through local artisan vendors, enjoy live entertainment, watch kid-friendly culinary demonstrations and interactive cooking experiences, and explore the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Kids Zone. A variety of food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase, making it the perfect way to spend the afternoon with family while experiencing the festival’s vibrant community spirit.

• Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
• Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Price: Free to attend
• Tickets: RSVP here

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24: BEACHSIDE BRUNCH – Hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson

Raise a glass to the weekend at Beachside Brunch, one of VLFWF’s most beloved traditions. Hosted by Food Network star Nancy Fuller alongside special guest Eddie Jackson, Beachside Brunch pairs exceptional brunch bites from Greater Fort Lauderdale’s favorite restaurants with bubbles, brunch cocktails, live entertainment and sweeping ocean views. It’s the perfect finale to a week celebrating the people, flavors and hospitality that define South Florida’s vibrant culinary scene.

• Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Location: The Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
• Price: $150; Introductory Pricing  $85 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 8
• Tickets: Purchase here

Dining experiences and additional festival programming will be announced this fall. For more information, visit www.vlfoodwine.com. Follow @VLFoodWine on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube (#VLFWF).

MEDIA CONTACT

RockawayMore
Marel Holler Hinners | Christine Procel-Cohen | Kathleen Lam
Phone: 305-751-9641, ext 114

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ABOUT VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, founded by Kate Reed and Phillip Marro, is an annual celebration of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s rich culinary scene. Set against the backdrop of 24 miles of stunning beaches and vibrant downtown communities, the festival spans seven days in January. This immersive event features an array of experiences, including wine tastings, gourmet dinners, craft beer samplings, and spirits showcases, all designed to highlight the diverse flavors and innovative culinary talents in the region. In addition to the main festival week, various sanctioned events will be held throughout the year, each offering a unique setting that underscores the area’s emerging art districts and cultural vibrancy. The festival not only provides a platform for food and drink enthusiasts to indulge in exceptional cuisine but also supports local charities, reinforcing its commitment to the community. Whether you’re exploring new culinary trends, enjoying a beachfront wine tasting, or attending a dinner in one of the city’s cultural hotspots, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival promises unforgettable experiences that celebrate the essence of Greater Fort Lauderdale. 

For the latest updates and event details, visit www.VLFoodWine.com and follow @VLFoodWine on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube (#VLFWF).

ABOUT VISIT LAUDERDALE 
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.