The seven-day culinary celebration returns January 18–24 with an expanded celebrity chef lineup, beachfront tastings, barbecue, brunch and the debut of an Italian-inspired signature event.

South Florida’s culinary calendar is already giving us something to look forward to in 2027.

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF) returns January 18–24 for its eighth annual edition, bringing seven days of food, wine and chef-driven experiences to Greater Fort Lauderdale. This year’s festival will feature its biggest culinary lineup yet, led by internationally acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, alongside first-time festival guests Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora and returning favorites Jason Smith, Nancy Fuller and Eddie Jackson.

Also new for 2027: The Feast: An Evening of Italian Culture & Flavor, an open-air celebration of Italian cooking hosted by Heritage owner and local favorite Chef Rino Cerbone.

Beyond the big names, VLFWF continues to put Greater Fort Lauderdale’s own restaurants, chefs and hospitality community at the center of the experience. A portion of every ticket sold will once again benefit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, continuing the festival’s partnership with the organization.

Here’s what to expect from the festival’s 2027 signature events.

The Feast: An Evening of Italian Culture & Flavor

Thursday, January 21 | 7–9:30 p.m.
Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade | $150 | Tickets

The newest addition to VLFWF is taking guests on a culinary trip through Italy—no passport required.

Hosted by Chef Rino Cerbone of Heritage, The Feast will bring nationally recognized and local chefs together to explore Italy’s diverse culinary regions, balancing traditional flavors with contemporary interpretations of the classics.

Set beneath the stars at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade, the VIP-style evening includes unlimited chef tastings, handcrafted cocktails, curated wines and live entertainment in a setting inspired by la dolce vita.

BBQ at the Beach

Friday, January 22 | 7–9:30 p.m.
Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade | $150 | Tickets

Friday night trades Italian elegance for smoke, fire and plenty of barbecue.

Hosted by Food Network star Jason Smith, BBQ at the Beach returns with nationally recognized chefs and pitmasters serving unlimited barbecue and smoked specialties along the Fort Lauderdale waterfront.

Handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and live entertainment round out a night that brings Southern barbecue culture to a decidedly South Florida setting.

The Grand Tasting

Saturday, January 23 | 1–4 p.m.
Las Olas Oceanside Park | GA $180 | VIP $350 | Tickets

The festival’s marquee event returns to the oceanfront Saturday afternoon, and this year Marcus Samuelsson, Eddie Jackson, Bobby Hicks and Hannah Flora will be among the chefs taking the stage for live cooking demonstrations.

Guests can roam Las Olas Oceanside Park while enjoying unlimited tastings from South Florida restaurants alongside premium wines, spirits and cocktails. Live entertainment, art installations and interactive culinary experiences turn the afternoon into much more than a traditional tasting event.

Those opting for VIP get an extra hour to explore beginning at noon, express entry and access to the shaded Delta VIP Lounge, where exclusive food and beverage tastings will be available.

Beachside Brunch

Sunday, January 24 | 1–3:30 p.m.
The Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park | $150 | Tickets

Because few things feel more South Florida than brunch with an ocean view.

Nancy Fuller returns to host Beachside Brunch, joined this year by special guest Eddie Jackson. The adults-only event combines brunch creations from Greater Fort Lauderdale restaurants with bubbles, brunch cocktails and live entertainment overlooking the Atlantic.

It’s an appropriately leisurely finale to a week built around eating and drinking your way through Broward County.

Picnic in the Park

Sunday, January 24 | Noon–4 p.m.
Las Olas Oceanside Park | Free

VLFWF also closes out the weekend with something for the entire family.

Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Picnic in the Park is a free community event featuring local artisan vendors, live entertainment, kid-friendly cooking demonstrations and interactive experiences, plus a dedicated Kids Zone.

Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon. Culinary demonstrations will feature Remy Powell, Sabrina Courtemanche, Dario Stephen and Bobby Hicks.

A Bigger Taste of Fort Lauderdale

What began as a showcase of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s local culinary talent has grown into a weeklong event pairing nationally recognized chefs with the restaurants and hospitality professionals shaping Broward County’s dining scene.

And the 2027 schedule isn’t finished yet. Additional chef dinners, culinary experiences and festival programming are expected to be announced this fall, giving food lovers even more reason to keep January open.

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival
January 18–24, 2027
Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida
vlfoodwine.com