The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is back for 2026, running April 7–11, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. Now in its fourth year, this culinary showcase brings together the region’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and mixologists for five days of high-energy dinners, tasting events, and interactive competitions across Tampa and St. Petersburg.
A Festival Built for Food, Drinks, and Hospitality
Presented by Breakthru Beverage Florida and supported by partners like GOYA Foods, Publix, and Sysco, the festival features a robust lineup of events, including three new additions this year:
Rock the Range at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa – A live-fire cooking experience combined with restaurant tastings, hosted by celebrity chefs Robert Irvine and Beau MacMillan.
Milagro Tequila Bartender Showdown – Mixologists join the VIP Chef Showdown for an exciting, competitive twist on craft cocktails.
Chefs After Dark Party – A late-night gathering where participating chefs and bartenders can celebrate, connect, and toast the week’s culinary highlights.
This year also introduces OpenTable-powered ticketing for the Experience St. Pete and Experience Tampa dinners, providing a seamless reservation process for festival-goers.
Highlights from Experience St. Pete & Tampa
Experience St. Pete (April 7) – Two exclusive four-course dinners showcasing top local talent, including Chef Jason Ruhe of Pulpo Kitchen & Lounge and Chef Steven Cady of The Birchwood, paired with curated wines and spirits from Breakthru Beverage.
Experience Tampa (April 8) – Collaborative dinners across Meat Market, Epicurean Theatre, American Social, and Ash, featuring Chef Robert Irvine, Chef Sean Brasel, and local culinary stars. Each menu is paired with premium wine and cocktail selections.
Chef & Bartender Showcases
VIP Chef Showdown – A fan-favorite competition featuring 20 chefs across ten matchups, plus the Milagro Tequila Bartender Showdown, giving mixologists a chance to shine on the festival stage.
Rock the Range – Hosted by Robert Irvine, Beau MacMillan, and Chef Kristina Lavallee, this new event combines live cooking, tasting stations, and entertainment to create an unforgettable experience.
Grand Tasting Finale
The festival wraps up on April 11 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with the Grand Tasting, a full-day open-air event featuring tastings from local restaurants, wine and cocktail pavilions, brand activations, and live DJ sets. Guests can sample curated bites, vote for the Best of the Fest, and enjoy cocktails from participating mixologists while exploring the festival’s vibrant culinary scene.
For The Bartenders and Bar Owners
The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is more than a food-focused event — it’s a celebration of mixology, innovation, and hospitality. For bartenders, it’s a chance to:
Discover new cocktail trends and flavor pairings from top mixologists.
Connect with national and local chefs for potential collaborations.
Gain inspiration for menu enhancements and tasting experiences at your own bar.
With a focus on premium spirits, inventive cocktails, and high-energy chef collaborations, this festival is a reminder of how food, drink, and hospitality intersect to create memorable guest experiences.
Tickets & Info:
Experience St. Pete & Tampa Dinners: Sold exclusively on OpenTable
Chef Showdown, Grand Tasting & Rock the Range: Tickets available at tampabaywff.com
Weekend Pass Bundles: Include optional two-night stay at the Epicurean Hotel
Grand Prize Giveaway: Win a $1,700 package including meals, weekend passes, and hotel stay
For bartenders and bar owners, the festival offers both inspiration and opportunity to elevate cocktail programs, connect with culinary peers, and stay on top of trends shaping the Tampa Bay hospitality scene.
