Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival

The largest culinary celebration in Broward County brings together top chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage experts for a weekend of exceptional dining experiences. The Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, hosted at Las Olas Oceanside Park, features over 75 local and regional vendors serving everything from fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses to craft cocktails and premium wines. Notable participants include Chef Paula DaSilva from Burlock Coast, Chef Jose Mendín of Rivertail, and the team from Hardy Park Bistro, who showcase their signature dishes alongside wine pairings from renowned sommeliers. The festival typically draws more than 12,000 attendees who enjoy live cooking demonstrations on multiple stages, interactive mixology classes, and a grand tasting pavilion featuring over 100 different wines and spirits. A highlight of the festival is the VIP lounge, which offers exclusive tastings of rare wines and private chef encounters, along with air-conditioned comfort and dedicated concierge service. Live entertainment includes performances by local jazz ensemble The French Horn Collective and Latin fusion band Elastic Bond, while special features include a craft beer garden, an artisanal marketplace, and a sustainable seafood showcase highlighting local fisheries.