The Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is set to make a highly anticipated return to the city’s vibrant waterfront from April 8 to 12, 2025. This year’s festival promises an exciting lineup of culinary offerings, with celebrity chef Robert Irvine taking the reins as host.
Joining Irvine will be honorary chef Sean Brasel of Meat Market, alongside Executive Chef Fernando Desa from GOYA Foods, both of whom will shine a spotlight on the rich flavors and culinary diversity of the Tampa Bay area.
The five-day event will feature a variety of new attractions, including “Experience St. Pete” and “Experience Tampa,” which aim to highlight local restaurants through specially crafted multi-course dinners. Additionally, returning favorites like the “Chef Showdown” will see 16 talented chefs compete in various categories such as fried chicken, pasta, and surf-and-turf. The festival will culminate with the much-anticipated “Grand Tasting” at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park on April 12, where attendees can indulge in offerings from over 40 dining establishments, as well as an extensive selection of wines and cocktails.
Tickets for weekend events are already available, while tickets for the weekday dinners are expected to go on sale in January 2025.
This festival not only celebrates the culinary arts but also highlights the local businesses and culinary talent in Tampa Bay, fostering a sense of community and promoting tourism in the region. As the event draws closer, food enthusiasts can look forward to an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of what the local culinary scene has to offer.