By: Merilee Kern, MBA
Standout experiences anchoring Broward County’s premier culinary festival, returning this January.
Every January, Greater Fort Lauderdale settles into a rhythm that feels unmistakably festive. Ocean breezes mingle with the aromas of bold spices, slow-smoked barbecue, and freshly prepared coastal cuisine. Chefs, winemakers, artisans, and food lovers converge across beaches, parks, art districts, and celebrated dining rooms. This is the unmistakable arrival of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, returning in 2026 from January 19 through January 25 for another weeklong celebration of flavor, creativity, and community.
Recognized as Broward County’s premier gastronomic event, the festival offers far more than a series of tastings. It delivers a fully immersive journey into the region’s diverse culinary culture, blending local talent with national star power while showcasing the destination’s laid-back coastal charm. Throughout the week, guests can experience celebrity chef appearances, collaborative dinners, hands-on classes, curated wine experiences, and family-friendly gatherings, all designed to reflect the spirit of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
At its heart, the festival also carries a meaningful mission. Proceeds benefit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, so every bite and sip helps contribute to a greater cause. With such a wide array of events on the schedule, choosing where to begin can feel daunting. Yet five signature moments stand out as essential experiences that ideally define the festival’s energy and purpose.
The celebration truly comes alive with Wok n Roll, which officially launches the festival weekend on January 22, 2026, from 7 to 9:30 pm at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Curated by Chefs Alex Kuk and Diego Ng and hosted by celebrity chef Clarice Lam, this high-energy Asian street food and music event aims to transform the waterfront into a vibrant culinary playground. Guests stroll the park sampling inventive dishes inspired by the Asian diaspora, prepared by premier local chefs working sizzling woks. Live music pulses through the evening, creating a dynamic atmosphere where culture, creativity, and cuisine intersect. With bold flavors, artistic expression, and an electric setting, Wok n Roll sets the stage for everything that follows.
The momentum continues the following evening with BBQ at the Beach on January 23, 2026, from 7 to 9:30 pm, also held at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Presented by Demesmin and Dover and hosted by Chef Jason Smith, this smoky waterfront gathering brings together pitmasters from beloved local spots and nationally recognized barbecue destinations. Guests can enjoy brisket, ribs, and slow-cooked specialties while enjoying the ocean air, cold drinks, and live entertainment. The relaxed coastal setting paired with expertly prepared barbecue creates an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and communal. It offers a carnivore-focused celebration that highlights the festival’s ability to blend approachable comfort food with serious culinary craftsmanship.
On January 24, 2026, the festival reaches its most expansive expression with The Grand Tasting, taking place from 12 to 4 pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Reserved for guests 21 and older, this centerpiece event provides unlimited food and beverage tastings from dozens of acclaimed local restaurants and vendors. Throughout the park, attendees encounter chef demonstrations, wine and cocktail seminars, live entertainment, and art installations, creating a lively and visually engaging environment.
Celebrity chefs Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and Captain Ron Dimpflmaier add prestige to the day’s programming, further elevating the experience. Guests who opt for VIP admission enjoy early entry beginning at noon, along with exclusive lounge access and additional culinary offerings. The Grand Tasting serves as a vibrant showcase of Fort Lauderdale’s thriving dining scene, rewarding curiosity and appetite in equal measure.
As the weekend winds down, Picnic in the Park provides a shift in tone on January 25, 2026, from 12 to 4 pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, this free and family-friendly gathering invites visitors of all ages to relax on the lawn with blankets and beach chairs. Curated food trucks, artisan vendors, live entertainment, and family cooking demonstrations help create a welcoming environment designed for connection and enjoyment.
Children take part in interactive activities, including the popular JDCH Teddy Bear Clinic, while adults appreciate the relaxed pace and community-focused atmosphere. This event reflects the festival’s philanthropic mission and underscores its commitment to inclusivity, making it one of the most heartfelt moments of the entire week.
For those seeking a final indulgent experience, the 21-plus Beachside Brunch provides a polished yet breezy conclusion on January 25, 2026, from 1 to 3:30 pm on the lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Hosted by Food Network star Chef Nancy Fuller, this open-air brunch features elevated sweet and savory creations prepared by leading culinary talent from across Greater Fort Lauderdale. Guests wander the lawn sampling gourmet dishes while sipping refreshing cocktails and enjoying serene ocean views. The walk-around format encourages exploration and conversation, offering a relaxed and satisfying finale against a stunning seaside backdrop.
Beyond these five standout experiences, the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival unfolds across the entire week with intimate collaboration dinners featuring Michelin-starred chefs, specialty wine pairings, exclusive brewery dinners, hands-on classes, and interactive culinary seminars. Each activation highlights a different facet of the region’s hospitality scene, giving guests opportunities to taste, learn, and engage in meaningful ways.
Whether visitors are drawn to upscale dining, lively outdoor celebrations, or educational food and beverage experiences, the festival offers something memorable for every type of enthusiast. It is a celebration that honors culinary creativity while embracing the destination’s natural beauty and generous spirit.
Ultimately, the Visit Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival is more than a food event. It is a reflection of community, craftsmanship, and the flavors that make Greater Fort Lauderdale such a compelling destination. With sun-filled settings, world-class culinary talent, and a mission rooted in giving back, it provides an irresistible reason to mark January on the calendar. For anyone seeking unforgettable food experiences framed by ocean views and warm hospitality, this festival offers a delicious and meaningful start to the new year.
Merilee Kern, MBA, is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry changemakers, movers, shakers, and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations, and events. As Founder, Executive Editor, and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining, and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIn www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
