Get ready for a week-long culinary extravaganza as the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary.
From January 8th to 14th, 2024, prepare to indulge in a series of delectable experiences and signature events that showcase the ever-evolving local food scene in South Florida and beyond.
This year, the festival is pulling out all the stops with an impressive lineup of headlining chefs.
Joining the festivities are renowned culinary experts such as
- MasterChef judge Chef Aarón Sánchez
- Chef Jason Smith
- Chef Nancy Fuller
- Chef Nicole Layog
President & CEO of Visit Lauderdale, Stacy Ritter, couldn’t contain her excitement, stating,
“Growing each year with more renowned talent, more indulgent and hands-on experiences, and more must-savor concepts, it’s no wonder that the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival has become one of the most sought-after epicurean destinations for foodies from around the world.”
Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable experience as the festival promises a bolder lineup, exemplary talent, and elevated events.
The celebrity chefs will showcase their star-worthy skills on the main stage, leaving you in awe of their culinary mastery.
Chef Aarón Sánchez is known for his role as a judge on popular TV shows like MasterChef and Chopped.
He also has an acclaimed restaurant, Johnny Sánchez.
He will be hosting a dynamic cooking demonstration at The Grand Tasting on January 14th, 2024.
Now, let’s break down everything you can enjoy from January 8th-14th, 2024.
North vs. South Showdown
Chefs Jason Smith and Nancy Fuller will engage in a North vs. South Showdown, bringing their culinary magic to the main stage.
Chef Smith, a “Triple Crown” winner on Food Network, will serve up a savory dish with a side of southern hospitality.
Chef Fuller, owner of Ginsberg’s Food and a judge on Food Network’s baking championships, will represent the North.
Adding to the star-studded lineup is Chef Nicole Layog, a former contestant on Big Brother and a seasoned chef.
Known for her ability to conquer any culinary challenge, Chef Layog will take the stage, turning every foodie fan’s dream into reality.
These events will be complemented by the VLFWF Dining Series and Culinary Education Series.
That’s where you can enhance your kitchen skills, master the art of cocktail-making, explore the world of wine, and more.
Bar Fight
For all the mixology enthusiasts out there, Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition is a must-attend event.
It will be hosted on January 10th, 2024, at Rooftop @1WLO and presented by the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority.
This showdown will feature master mixologists competing for the title of ‘Official Cocktail of DowntownFTL.’
My husband can’t turn down a craft beer!
Get ready for an evening of shaken and stirred beverage tastings by getting tickets starting at just $59 per person.
Click here to follow along on Instagram.
Wok ‘n Roll
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine and love rock ‘n roll, you won’t want to miss Wok ‘n Roll.
Hosted on January 11th at Backyard, this Asian street food and music experience in partnership with Two Happy Buddhas will take you on a cultural journey through Broward County.
Tickets for this rockin’ good time start at $59 per person.
Poolside BBQ Battle
For those who appreciate the art of BBQ, the Poolside BBQ Battle is a must-see.
Taking place on January 12th, 2024, at Hyatt Centric Las Olas, pitmasters will showcase their skills in an epic showdown to be crowned the 2024 Poolside BBQ Battle Champion.
Tickets for this fiery event start at $69 per person.
Here is the Instagram at Hyatt Centric Las Olas.
The Grand Tasting
The Grand Tasting on January 13th, 2024, at Las Olas Oceanside Park is an absolute feast for the senses.
There will be four hours of unlimited bites and sips, live cooking demos, and live music.
Celebrity chefs Aarón Sánchez, Jason Smith, Nancy Fuller, and Nicole Layog will take the stage.
Tickets for this four-hour extravaganza are $75 per person for general admission tickets.
VIP tickets are $149 per person.
Follow along here on Instagram.
Picnic in the Park
Finally, on January 14th, 2024, Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will wrap up the week.
Held at Las Olas Oceanside Park, this event caters to future foodies and their parents.
Enjoy food trucks, hands-on culinary classes, cooking demonstrations for kids, live entertainment, and more. The event also offers wine and spirit seminars for adults.
Best of all, admission is complimentary!
Mark your calendars, gather your fellow foodies, and get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Click here to get your tickets.
The Cause
Cooking for a cause is an understatement when considering the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival dedicates its entire week-long program in support of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (JDCH).
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will receive a portion of all proceeds from the seven-day culinary experience.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the region’s leading pediatric hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a child-friendly atmosphere.
It is a full-service, pediatric hospital that treats minor illnesses, trauma-related accidents, and some of the most complex medical conditions.
More About The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (formerly the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival)
Set in Greater Fort Lauderdale, the annual Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival was founded by Kate Reed and Phillip Marro.
The food festival includes seven days of culinary experiences taking place January 8th-14th, 2024, with various sanctioned culinary events throughout the calendar year.
From 24 miles of beautiful beaches to sprawling downtown communities including emerging art districts, events will offer a unique setting that will showcase why Greater Fort Lauderdale is special as we benefit local charities.
For the latest information about the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival please visit www.VLFoodWine.com and follow @VLFoodWine on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube (#VLFWF)
More About Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital
Established in 1992, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital combines advanced technology and the expertise of the largest, most diverse group of board-certified pediatric specialists in the region.
With its summer 2011 expansion, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital now has 226 beds and is South Florida’s newest freestanding children’s hospital.
The hospital is staffed 24 hours a day by world-class pediatric specialists, specialty-trained nurses, and ancillary support staff.
More than 650 physicians are on the medical staff.
For more information, please visit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
More About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida.
Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts.
Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
