The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns for its seventh annual celebration, January 19 – 25, 2026, in partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The festival unites Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard-nominated talent, and national culinary stars for a weeklong epicurean experience unlike any other. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier food and beverage festivals, VLFWF transforms Greater Fort Lauderdale into a vibrant culinary destination, featuring signature events, exclusive dining experiences, and immersive, hands-on activities. From high-energy tastings and celebrity chef demonstrations to relaxed oceanside indulgence, this festival offers a diverse range of experiences, celebrating the region’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and local food and beverage innovators while drawing food lovers from across the country.
The 2026 lineup features national celebrity talent including Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Clarice Lam, Ron Dimpflmaier, Remy Powell, and Dario Stephen. Together, these culinary luminaries promise unforgettable cooking demonstrations, experiential events, and an abundance of exceptional flavors for attendees to savor.
Richard Blais, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and television personality, will headline the festival with a must-see cooking demonstration at The Grand Tasting. Eddie Jackson, celebrated Food Network star and former NFL player, will also take the stage for a demo at The Grand Tasting and join Nancy Fuller at Beachside Brunch for a special bite collaboration. Ron Dimpflmaier will showcase his culinary skills both in a Grand Tasting demo and at BBQ at the Beach. Nancy Fuller, beloved Food Network personality, will host Beachside Brunch, while Jason Smith, known for his vibrant Southern flavors and TV charm, will host BBQ at the Beach. Clarice Lam will bring her pastry expertise and signature style to hosting Wok ‘n Roll. Rising culinary talent Remy Powell will present a special cooking demo at Picnic in the Park, and Dario Stephen will also take the stage for a kid-friendly cooking demonstration.
“Year after year, Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival continues to grow, drawing more fans and chefs from around the world,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “This seventh annual celebration is our biggest yet, highlighting the incredible talent, flavors, and creativity that make the destination a premier culinary hub. Accompanied by national celebrity talent, the festival continues to showcase what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale unique.”
Spend your Saturday oceanside at the festival’s centerpiece, The Grand Tasting, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Las Olas Oceanside Park, one of Fort Lauderdale’s must-attend events of the year. This experiential celebration offers something for everyone, from relaxing with the ocean breeze to dancing, mingling, and enjoying the lively energy of the crowd. Savor over 100 delicious food and beverage tastings, and watch celebrity chef demonstrations featuring Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier in a comfortable viewing tent. General Admission grants access from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., including unlimited tastings, a commemorative glass, and cooking demos. VIP ticket holders enjoy early entry at noon, an extra hour of tastings, express venue access, and exclusive food and beverage offerings in the shaded Delta VIP Lounge retreat overlooking the lawn, the perfect spot to relax while soaking in the excitement.
Wind down on a beautiful Sunday, closing out the festival’s festivities on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, with Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Beachside Brunch hosted by Food Network Star Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson, sitting adjacent to each other at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Beachside Brunch is a 21+ event taking place on the lawn, offering a relaxed, gourmet experience where attendees can indulge in expertly prepared brunch fare from some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s top culinary talent while enjoying tranquil ocean views. For a more family-friendly experience, Picnic in the Park on the outskirts of the lawn welcomes guests to walk around at no cost and enjoy food trucks, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations by Remy Powell and Dario Stephen in the comfortable viewing tent, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors. Whether you’re looking for a refined brunch or a family outing, this Sunday offers the best of both worlds—perfect for gathering friends and family to celebrate the close of an unforgettable festival.
“The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival was created to shine a spotlight on our local restaurants, hotels, chefs, and mixologists,” said Phil Marro, co-founder of the festival. “Each event is designed to showcase what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale special, from our beautiful beaches to our dynamic downtown and arts districts. This year, with James Beard-nominated talent, Michelin-recognized restaurants, and national celebrity personalities returning to the lineup, the festival continues to elevate our culinary scene and celebrate the extraordinary flavors and experiences of the region.”
VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2026 SIGNATURE EVENT SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22: WOK ‘N ROLL – Hosted by Clarice Lam
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at Wok ‘n Roll, where Asian-inspired cuisine takes center stage alongside vibrant live music at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, the new venue for this popular event. Each dish is crafted to perfection and paired with high-energy performances, creating a dynamic atmosphere that blends cultural richness with culinary excellence, perfect for both food enthusiasts and music lovers
- Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Price: $150; Early Bird $75 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 3
- Tickets: Purchase here
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23: BBQ AT THE BEACH – Presented by Demesmin & Dover, Hosted by Jason Smith
Enjoy a Friday night immersed in the flavors of BBQ at the Beach, presented by Demesmin & Dover and hosted by Food Network star Chef Jason Smith with special guest Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier, the 2025 BBQ champion. Newly located at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, this event offers a mouthwatering celebration of barbecue cuisine and friendly competition against the backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Guests can savor bold flavors, enjoy live entertainment, soak in the lively atmosphere, and see who will be crowned this year’s BBQ champion.
- Time: 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, 80 Las Olas Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Price: $150; Early Bird $75 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 3
- Tickets: Purchase here
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24: THE GRAND TASTING – Featuring Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Ron Dimpflmaier
The Grand Tasting is the ultimate Saturday beachside celebration, where attendees can savor over 100 food and beverage tastings, enjoy celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, and soak in live music from energetic DJs. Dance, mingle, and celebrate in a vibrant, festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of Fort Lauderdale. Featured demos include Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier, presented in shaded demo areas under a tent for comfortable viewing.
General Admission (GA):
- Access: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Enjoy unlimited tastings, a commemorative tasting glass, and access to cooking demos and wine/cocktail seminars
- Price: $180 (+ tax and fees); Early Bird $90 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 3
- 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 $175 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 3
- Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Tickets: Purchase here
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25: PICNIC IN THE PARK – Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, a family-friendly affair at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Guests are welcome to walk around at no cost and enjoy the lively atmosphere, with food trucks offering items for purchase, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations by Remy Powell and Dario Stephen, live entertainment, the JDCH Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors.
- Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
- Location: Las Olas Oceanside Park at 3000 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Price: Free to attend; food truck items available for purchase
- Tickets: RSVP here
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25: BEACHSIDE BRUNCH – Hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson
Beachside Brunch is hosted by beloved Food Network Star Chef Nancy Fuller, celebrated for her warm hospitality and farm-to-table expertise. Guests will indulge in delectable brunch fare crafted by some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s top culinary talent while enjoying a relaxed, gourmet atmosphere with serene views of the beach. Adding to the experience, celebrated Food Network star and former NFL player Eddie Jackson joins Nancy Fuller as her special guest.
- 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; Early Bird $75 (+ tax and fees) if purchased by Sept. 3
- Tickets: Purchase here
Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival demonstrates its commitment to the community by donating a portion of all proceeds to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This partnership highlights the festival’s dedication to supporting local causes, making every ticket purchase a contribution to a worthy cause.
For more information, visit www.vlfoodwine.com. Details on culinary classes and the exclusive dining series will be revealed at a later date. Follow @VLFoodWine on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube (#VLFWF).
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