Beverage, Food, Things to Do

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Back in January

Wok n’Roll at the Visit Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival 2026 Coastal click photography

Everything from tastings and celebrity chef demonstrations to a BBQ on the beach, Wok n’ Roll, Grand Tasting, Beachside brunch, and the free family friendly picnic in the park with entertainment and artisan vendors, interactive food and wine experiences, a dining series and more are in store at the seventh annual The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) January 19 – 25, 2026, in partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The Fort Lauderdale food and wine festival unites Michelin-recognized restaurants, James Beard-nominated talent, and national culinary stars for a weeklong culinary experience.

The 2026 lineup features national celebrity talent from around the world 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 2026 SIGNATURE EVENT SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22: WOK ‘N ROLL – Hosted by Clarice Lam

At Wok ‘n Roll, 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 paired with high-energy performances, ideal 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

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 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

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)

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.