New York’s most anticipated culinary celebration—the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF)—is set to make a grand return from October 15–19, 2025, marking its 18th anniversary with a major change of scenery. For the first time, the festival will take place in the city’s historic Seaport district, a vibrant waterfront setting that reflects the festival’s ongoing evolution and deep connection to New York’s culinary heritage.
While the event’s popularity has already led to several sold-out experiences, limited tickets remain for some of the most highly anticipated gatherings, available now at nycwff.org.
A Grand Opening at the Seaport
The festivities officially begin on Wednesday, October 15, with “A Taste of the Tin Building: A Celebration”, hosted by world-renowned chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Gregory Gourdet. The evening will showcase the best of Jean-Georges’ iconic Tin Building marketplace, offering an immersive introduction to what promises to be five unforgettable days of food, flavor, and festivity.
Throughout the weekend, more than 300 acclaimed chefs, mixologists, vintners, and culinary innovators will unite for over 50 unique events across the city. The 2025 lineup reads like a who’s who of global gastronomy and entertainment, featuring household names including Sofia and Manolo Vergara, Bobby Flay, Brooke Williamson, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Brooklyn Beckham, Rachael Ray, Padma Lakshmi, Brie Larson, Ja Rule, Alex Guarnaschelli, Kwame Onwuachi, José Andrés, Alain Ducasse, and Alice Waters, among many others.
A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
The Seaport will transform into a lively playground for food lovers, starting with the Asian Night Market, co-hosted by Padma Lakshmi and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. This vibrant outdoor market will celebrate Asia’s dynamic street food traditions through bold flavors, aromatic dishes, and creative fusions.
That same night, “A Taste of Tomorrow”, hosted by Marcus Samuelsson, will shine a spotlight on James Beard Award–winning chefs pairing their creations with carefully selected wines. The event will explore the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and culinary artistry—three pillars at the heart of NYCWFF’s mission.
Friday Brings Burgers, Beats, and Bites
Friday, October 17, promises an exhilarating day of food and fun with the return of the legendary Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0, presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats. Hosted by Brooklyn Beckham and Rachael Ray, this event invites guests to indulge in some of the city’s most creative and mouthwatering burgers. Music will be provided by DJ CASSIDY, while an all-star judging panel—featuring Ja Rule, Sunny Anderson, Joshua Weissman, Ana Navarro, Olivia Tiedemann, and Ben Leventhal—crowns this year’s ultimate burger champion.
As the night continues, Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show will host Late Night Bites, Beats & Sweets, presented by Paris Baguette. The after-hours celebration blends decadent desserts, live music, and energetic entertainment for a quintessential New York-style nightcap.
The Grand Tasting: A Festival Highlight
The weekend’s centerpiece arrives on Saturday, October 18, with the Grand Tasting at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport. During the Daytime Edition, hosted by Sofia and Manolo Vergara, guests will sample dishes from top New York City restaurants, sip wines and spirits curated by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and enjoy live cooking demonstrations by culinary luminaries such as Antonia Lofaso, Kwame Onwuachi, and Brie Larson.
That evening, the excitement continues with Grand Tasting After Dark, presented by Montchevre Goat Cheese. Hosted by Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson, this event combines an electric nightlife ambiance with world-class gastronomy and music from DJ Tokyo Rose, alongside exclusive dishes by Chef David Walzog.
Sunday: Seafood and Supper at the Seaport
On Sunday, October 19, the festival celebrates New York’s maritime roots with Catch of the Day: A Seafood Feast, presented by Modelo and hosted by Andrew Zimmern. This ocean-inspired gathering will showcase sustainable seafood, coastal flavors, and local fisheries—an homage to the Seaport’s rich nautical history.
The weekend concludes with Sunday Supper, presented by Peroni, hosted by Nadia Caterina Munno (known online as @The_PastaQueen) and NYC comedian Lil Mo Mozzarella. Guests will gather for a family-style Italian feast, featuring classic pasta dishes, laughter, and camaraderie—a fitting finale to a festival dedicated to bringing people together through food.
Inside FoodieCon® and Exclusive Dinners
In addition to headline events, NYCWFF will feature FoodieCon®, a creator-focused experience offering interactive panels, cooking demos, and thought-provoking discussions with top food influencers such as The Pasta Queen, Olivia Tiedemann, Michael Symon, Ashley Yi, Brian Lindo, and Karissa Dumbacher.
Food enthusiasts can also reserve spots at intimate collaborative dinners, still available for select nights. These one-of-a-kind meals pair culinary icons including Alain Ducasse, Maneet Chauhan, Ming Tsai, Dale Talde, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Gabe Stulman, and Stephanie Izard. A standout among these is the CNN “Breaking Bread” dinner with actor Tony Shalhoub at Delmonico’s, offering guests an evening of conversation and cuisine in one of New York’s most storied dining establishments.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Since its inception, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival has stood for more than just exceptional food—it’s a movement dedicated to community impact. To date, NYCWFF has raised over $14.8 million for its charitable partners. In 2025, 100% of the Festival’s net proceeds will benefit two organizations: the Event Zero Foundation, which champions sustainable event practices, and the James Beard Foundation, committed to fostering equity and innovation in the restaurant industry.
Fans can stay connected through social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X (@NYCWFF) and TikTok (@NYCWineFoodFestival) for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and culinary spotlights.
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About the Partners
Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ
Hosted by and benefiting the Event Zero Foundation and the James Beard Foundation, the festival continues to be recognized as a premier culinary event. Over 17 years, it has donated millions to support a more sustainable and inclusive food industry. In November 2022, BizBash ranked NYCWFF the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry Event in New York for the tenth consecutive year.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the exclusive wine and spirits provider for the festival, is the world’s leading beverage distributor, operating in 47 U.S. markets and Canada. The company was recognized by Newsweek (2024) as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and for Women.
Seaport Entertainment Group (NYSE American: SEG) serves as a key host partner. The company develops and operates entertainment and hospitality destinations that redefine modern urban experiences through a blend of food, music, retail, and culture.
Event Zero Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing environmental footprints within the events industry and promoting socially responsible event practices.
The James Beard Foundation (JBF), founded nearly 40 years ago, continues its mission to celebrate culinary excellence and advocate for a sustainable, equitable food ecosystem through its Good Food for Good® philosophy.
Finally, a21, the live experience agency behind the festival’s operations and production, is recognized for its world-class portfolio of festivals across the U.S., including the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, and Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.
Tickets for the remaining events are available at nycwff.org. As the festival enters its 18th year, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival continues to unite food lovers, creators, and communities—celebrating the flavors that define New York and the global culinary scene it inspires.
