From Celebrity Chef-studded Signature Events to Exclusive Collab Dinners and Hands-on Classes, the 2026 Festival Features Greater Fort Lauderdale’s Creativity, Craftsmanship, and
Ever-growing Reputation as a Culinary Destination
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA — The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns January 19–25, 2026, for its seventh annual celebration of culinary excellence in Greater Fort Lauderdale. This year’s festival brings together Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard–nominated chefs, and nationally acclaimed talent for seven days of exceptional dining, enticing local flavors, and food-and-drink-focused fun. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier epicurean events, VLFWF blends high-energy tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, intimate collaborative dinners, and interactive food and spirit classes, capturing the excitement and innovation that define Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culinary scene.
The 2026 VLFWF features an impressive roster of national celebrity talent led by headliner Richard Blais, alongside Eddie Jackson, Nancy Fuller, Jason Smith, Clarice Lam, Ron Dimpflmaier, Remy Powell, and Dario Stephen. Together, these highly acclaimed chefs and personalities bring star power to the weeklong celebration. Joining them are the region’s top chefs, rising talents, and favorite restaurants, making the festival a true showcase of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s food and beverage community.
“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.”
The festival returns with its most robust dinner series yet, featuring 10 distinctive dining experiences across Greater Fort Lauderdale. Each one-night-only dinner brings together top chefs and acclaimed culinary talent for unforgettable menus that showcase creativity, flavor, and collaboration. The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Dining Series Presented by PNC Bank kicks off with the traditional opening night dinner at Heritage and continues with a lineup of exclusive experiences throughout the week, including standout collaborations Ukiah x Macchialina, hosted by Chef Michael Lewis and Chef Michael Pirolo, join forces for a unique menu blending Japanese and Italian influences.; Calusso x Mamani, hosted by Chef Jonathan Kaiser and Chef Christophe De Lellis, spotlighting inventive Italian-French dishes with curated cocktails and desserts; and Wan’s x Kaya x Temple Street Eatery, are teaming up to create a menu designed to take guests on a tour of Asia, highlighting traditional Asian flavors with contemporary techniques. All dinners feature Michelin-recognized concepts or James Beard-nominated chefs, inviting guests to experience the region’s culinary bounty in intimate, one-of-a-kind settings.
Festivalgoers can roll up their sleeves during a robust lineup of culinary and beverage classes led by award-winning chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Highlights include Cooking with Bourbon, where celebrity chefs Nancy Fuller and Jason Smith blend bourbon-infused flavor with hands-on fun, and Breaking Bao with James Beard Award–nominated Chef Clarice Lam and Chef Diego Ng, inspired by Lam’s acclaimed cookbook. Guests can also explore Flavors of Peru and The Art of Pasta with Chef Jorge Montes, learn professional cake-decorating techniques with Chef Lee Mazor, and indulge with the family-friendly Ice Cream and Ohana class. Beverage lovers will find plenty to sip and discover through seminars like Libations Exotica: The Cult of Tiki, Natty by Nature, The Sparkling Wine Experience, and Whisk(e)y: The Spirit of Life, each offering an interactive way to learn, taste, and toast.
In addition to its lineup of classes and seminars, the festival’s signature events reflect the culinary spirit of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Festivities kick off Thursday with Wok ’n Roll, hosted by Chef Clarice Lam, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music. On Friday, BBQ at the Beach returns with Chef Jason Smith and special guest Ron “Captain Ron” Dimpflmaier for a night of barbecue favorites and friendly pitmaster competition. Saturday’s festival centerpiece, The Grand Tasting, features more than 100 tastings and a must-see cooking demonstration by headliner Richard Blais, along with appearances by Eddie Jackson and Dimpflmaier. The festival wraps Sunday with Beachside Brunch, hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson, and the family-friendly Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
While guests explore the best of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s food and drink, the festival also serves a greater purpose. The VLFWF continues its tradition of giving back by donating a portion of event proceeds to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The ongoing partnership reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting the community and local causes, ensuring that every ticket purchased helps make a meaningful difference.
“We’re proud to help set the table for experiences that celebrate local talent and make a lasting impact,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for Southeast Florida. “This festival isn’t just about bold flavors and creative collaborations, it’s about coming together as a community to support a cause that truly matters. That shared purpose adds meaning to every bite.”
Tickets are now on sale now for the seventh annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. The full schedule of classes, signature events and dinners can be found on the festival’s website at VLFoodWine.com. For updates and to stay connected, follow Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube using the hashtag #VLFWF.
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