Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival 2026: Dates, Venues, Tickets and Festival Highlights

Winter comes early for food lovers in South Florida. Each December, top chefs, sommeliers and winemakers gather in Palm Beach County for four days of tasting, cooking and celebrating. In 2026, the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival returns from December 10 to 13. It marks the 19th annual edition, and the lineup features 24 events.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip. You will find dates, venues, ticket prices, new events and practical tips. Additionally, you will see handy tables, sample itineraries and answers to common questions. Whether you want one dinner or all four days, this article will help you choose well.

Festival Overview: What to Know for 2026

The festival began in 2007. Since then, it has grown into one of the most respected culinary gatherings in the country. Wine Spectator partners with the organizers, and RBC Wealth Management serves as presenting sponsor. In addition, the event raises money for the Els for Autism Foundation. Therefore, every ticket supports a good cause as well as a great meal.

This year, organizers spread the events across eight cities, from Jupiter in the north to Palm Beach on the island. Restaurants, resorts and golf clubs host the action. As a result, visitors see many sides of the county in just four days.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Festival Dates and Daily Schedule

The festival runs from Thursday to Sunday. Each day offers a different mix of dinners, lunches, classes and big tastings. Below is a summary of confirmed highlights. However, organizers may add details as the date gets closer, so check the official calendar before you buy.

Thursday, December 10: The Festival Opens

The first night sets a high bar. At Dinner at Florie’s, Chef Mauro Colagreco and Chef de Cuisine Lauren Bodden cook a five-course meal. Wines from Taub Family Vineyards match each plate. Meanwhile, The First Bite at Buccan brings together chefs James London, Dean Neff and Jonathon Sawyer with host Clay Conley. The Kick-Off Party at The Belgrove Resort & Spa then gives guests a relaxed way to meet the crowd.

Friday, December 11: A Long, Lazy Lunch

Friday leans toward leisure. At Meat Market Palm Beach, Chef Sean Brasel welcomes guest chefs Crista Luedtke and Alex Seidel. Winemaker Chris Carpenter pours wines from his labels. The four-course lunch lets guests slow down and enjoy the pairings. Additionally, other brunches, tastings and pop-ups fill the rest of the weekend.

Saturday, December 12: Classes and Family Fun

Saturday puts hands-on learning front and center. Kids Kitchen offers 60-minute cooking classes for children ages 8 to 14. Lindsay Autry leads one session, and Karen Akunowicz leads the other. For adults, Cooking with Mauro offers a private class with Chef Colagreco. Furthermore, themed events and brunches give guests more ways to spend the day.

Sunday, December 13: The Grand Finale

Sunday closes the festival in style. Daniel & Friends at Café Boulud serves a chef-driven meal in Palm Beach. Later, the Grand Tasting takes over the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Guests walk from table to table, sample dishes and sip wines. The Grand Chef Throwdown adds friendly competition to the night.

Venues and Locations

The festival does not stay in one spot. Instead, it moves around the county. This setup gives you a real taste of local dining, from oceanfront resorts to golf clubs and city restaurants.

Other events take place in Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach and Lake Park. Therefore, plan your drive times with care. Most venues sit within a short ride of each other, but traffic can build in December.

Ticket Prices and How to Buy

Tickets are on sale now for all 24 events. Prices vary by event, so you can build a plan that fits your budget. Here are the confirmed prices at the time of writing.

Prices for other events appear on the official festival website. Because organizers may change prices, always confirm the final cost before checkout.

Smart Ticket Tips

• Buy the Grand Tasting before November 13 to save $50.
• Book chef dinners and classes first, because seats are limited.
• Bring a valid photo ID, since most events welcome guests 21 and older.
• Check each event page for dress codes and start times.
• Buy only from the official festival site to avoid fake listings.

Additionally, think about pairing one big event with one small one. For example, you could combine the Grand Tasting with a quiet dinner at Café Boulud. This mix keeps the weekend balanced.

New Experiences in 2026

The 2026 lineup includes four new experiences. They add fresh energy to a festival that already feels full of life.

Master Cooking Class with Mauro Colagreco

Chef Colagreco is known for his work with seasonal, garden-driven food. In this class at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, he teaches guests his methods up close. You cook alongside him and take home real skills. Moreover, the class carries a lower price than the dinner, so it works well for budget-minded fans.

Arthur & Sons’ Disco Brunch

This two-day pop-up brunch at Pistache brings New Orleans flair to Palm Beach. Brennan’s, the famous New Orleans restaurant, joins the fun. Expect lively music, rich Southern flavors and plenty of cocktails. Brunch fans should book early.

Maneet’s Bollywood Experience

Chef Maneet Chauhan brings bold Indian flavors to Ela Curry & Cocktails in Palm Beach Gardens. The theme leans playful and colorful. In addition, the event shows how wide the festival’s menu has grown.

Returning Favorites

New events matter, but classics keep fans coming back. Several returning events stand out.

• The First Bite with Clay Conley at Buccan opens the festival with a strong chef lineup.
• Bubbles & Bites at PGA National Resort pairs sparkling wine with small plates.
• Daniel & Friends at Café Boulud brings a polished Sunday dining experience.
• The Grand Tasting remains the main event of the weekend.

Inside the Grand Tasting

The Grand Tasting deserves extra attention. More than 50 South Florida chefs serve their best dishes. Guests also sample over 100 wines that score 90 points or higher from Wine Spectator. Therefore, you can taste top bottles without hunting for them.

The Grand Chef Throwdown adds a lively twist. Hosts Mo & Sally and Jay Cashmere lead the contest. Chefs race against the clock while the crowd cheers. It is a fun way to end the festival.

To enjoy the night, follow a few simple steps:

• Eat a light meal first.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Drink water between tastes.
• Arrange a ride home in advance.
• Visit the busiest tables early.

Sample Itineraries

Not sure where to start? These plans show how to use your time.

The Weekend Splurge

This plan suits guests who want the full experience. Start with Dinner at Florie’s on Thursday. On Friday, enjoy Lunch with Friends at Meat Market Palm Beach. Take Cooking with Mauro on Saturday. Finish with Daniel & Friends and the Grand Tasting on Sunday. Expect to spend several hundred dollars, but the memories will last.

The Budget-Friendly Visit

You can still enjoy the festival without a big spend. Buy an early Grand Tasting ticket for $179. Add one affordable event, such as a brunch or a tasting. Then spend free time on the beach or along the Intracoastal Waterway. This plan keeps costs low and the fun high.

The Family Trip

Families can mix adult and child events. Book Kids Kitchen for your children on Saturday. Meanwhile, you can attend an adult event nearby. Remember that the Grand Tasting and most other events require guests to be 21 or older. Therefore, arrange childcare for those nights.

Planning Your Trip

Good planning makes a festival weekend smooth. Consider the following tips.

Where to Stay

Palm Beach offers luxury resorts, boutique hotels and beach inns. West Palm Beach provides more budget options near the convention center. Staying near your main event saves time and money. However, December is peak season, so book rooms early.

Getting Around

Palm Beach International Airport sits close to most venues. Rental cars give you the most freedom. Ride-share services also work well, especially on tasting nights. Since you will sip wine, plan a safe ride in advance.

Weather and What to Wear

December in South Florida is warm and mild. Days often reach the mid-70s or higher. Evenings can feel cooler. Pack light layers and comfortable shoes. For dinners, dress smart. For the Grand Tasting, choose stylish but relaxed clothing.

Other Things to Do

Your weekend does not need to be all food. Walk along Worth Avenue, relax on the beach or visit local museums. Additionally, many shops and galleries host holiday events in December. Add one or two of these to balance your schedule.

Conclusion

The Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival 2026 offers four days of great food, fine wine and warm hospitality from December 10 to 13. The 19th edition features 24 events across eight cities. Highlights include Dinner at Florie’s, Cooking with Mauro, Kids Kitchen and the Grand Tasting at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Four new experiences join the returning favorites.

Tickets are on sale now. Prices range from $50 for Kids Kitchen to $275 for the Florie’s dinner. The Grand Tasting costs $179 until November 13, then $229. Therefore, buy early to save money and secure your seats. Finally, remember that your ticket also supports the Els for Autism Foundation. Start planning today, and you will enjoy one of Florida’s best food weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the Palm Beach Food and Wine Festival 2026?

The festival runs from Thursday, December 10, to Sunday, December 13, 2026.

2. Where does the festival take place?

Events happen across Palm Beach County. Locations include Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Lake Worth Beach and Lake Park.

3. Where is the Grand Tasting?

The Grand Tasting takes place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach on Sunday, December 13.

4. How much is a Grand Tasting ticket?

Tickets cost $179 per person. After November 13, the price rises to $229.

5. How many events are there in 2026?

The 19th annual festival offers 24 events over four days.

6. What is new this year?

New events include Arthur & Sons’ Disco Brunch, a master cooking class with Chef Mauro Colagreco and Chef Maneet Chauhan’s Bollywood Experience. In total, four new experiences join the lineup.

7. Can children attend?

Yes, but only for select events. Kids Kitchen welcomes children ages 8 to 14. Most other events require guests to be 21 or older.

8. Who benefits from the festival?

The festival benefits the Els for Autism Foundation.

9. Do I need an ID?

Yes. Bring a valid photo ID for all events except Kids Kitchen.

10. Where can I buy tickets?

Buy tickets on the official festival website. Avoid third-party sellers, because prices and availability may differ.

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