
South Beach Seafood Festival’s Seafood Slam
September 24, 2025
For a quarter of a century, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) has been the heartbeat of Miami’s culinary culture—a four-day extravaganza where the world’s most celebrated chefs, winemakers, and mixologists gather on the sands of South Beach. Now entering its 25th year, the 2026 edition promises to be the most spectacular yet, uniting more than 500 culinary stars for an unforgettable weekend from February 19 to 22, 2026.
What began as a modest event with just 7,000 attendees has evolved into one of the country’s most prestigious food festivals. Each February, Miami’s skyline becomes a beacon for food lovers from around the globe, lured by the promise of decadent bites, fine wines, and the city’s unmistakable rhythm.

A Milestone Worth Savoring
Festival founder Lee Brian Schrager reflects on the journey with pride: “Celebrating our 25th year is an incredible moment for the Festival, our partners, and the entire South Florida community.” The evolution of SOBEWFF® mirrors Miami itself—vibrant, diverse, and constantly reinventing the definition of hospitality.
The festival has raised more than $45 million for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, offering hands-on experience to over 1,500 students each year. Its mantra—Eat. Drink. Educate.—rings truer than ever as the event continues to nurture the next generation of culinary talent.

What’s New for 2026
For its silver anniversary, SOBEWFF® is taking the celebration to new heights. The festivities kick off with Diplo live on South Beach, hosted by David Grutman and Groot Hospitality, marking the first-ever nighttime activation of the Grand Tasting Village Courtyard.
Fan favorites return, including Burger Bash® celebrating its 20th year with Rachael Ray and more than 25 competing restaurants serving up 46,000 burgers. Meanwhile, brand-new concepts like Foodgod’s Haute Potato, Let Them Eat Cake! hosted by Duff Goldman, and Las Lap Link Up with Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton bring fresh creative energy to the lineup.
And in true Miami fashion, the entertainment will be as vibrant as the flavors. From drag dance parties to live podcasts and performances by GRAMMY-winning artists, the 25th edition will be an all-senses experience.

Culinary Icons and Cultural Moments
The 2026 Festival also pays homage to the figures who have shaped Miami’s food scene. For the first time, the Tribute Dinner will honor a local legend: Chef Michelle Bernstein, who has been part of the Festival since its inception. The evening will also celebrate vintner Sacha Lichine, with Bobby Flay serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Across Miami-Dade and Broward, events will unfold in unexpected places—from a Dinner at the Museum at the Frost Science Museum to the Masters of Fire beachfront showcase hosted by Tyler Florence. New collaborations, including a Family BBQ with the Zakarian Family and Coffee Culture: A Miami Brunch Experience hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris, blend the personal with the playful.

The Ultimate Culinary Playground
The Grand Tasting Village remains the soul of SOBEWFF®, transforming 135,000 square feet of sand into a gourmet playground. Guests can wander through over 45 restaurant pop-ups, sip from 1,200 wines and spirits, and watch live cooking demos from Food Network’s biggest names. It’s Miami’s version of paradise—one plate, one pour, one perfect bite at a time.

A Celebration of Legacy and Flavor
As the festival raises a glass to 25 years, its impact reaches far beyond the shoreline. It has become a symbol of what makes Miami magic: a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and creativity, where global talent meets local heart.
From Joe’s Stone Crab lunch with Martha Stewart to Jon & Vinny’s Sunday Parm Night at the Rubell Museum, every event captures the essence of Miami’s ever-evolving food story—a story written by chefs, makers, and the community that continues to celebrate them.

Join the Celebration
Tickets for the 2026 South Beach Wine & Food Festival® are now available at sobewff.org. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this milestone year promises a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.




