NYC Wine & Food Festival Returns This Week with All-Star Lineup
New York City is preparing for one of its most anticipated culinary celebrations as the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF) returns for its 19th edition from October 15–18, 2026. Spanning four days, the annual festival will bring together renowned chefs, food enthusiasts, culinary creators, and entertainment personalities for an exciting program of more than 50 events celebrating the city’s diverse food culture.
From signature tastings and live cooking demonstrations to rooftop parties, exclusive chef collaborations, and interactive experiences with popular food creators, the festival promises something for every culinary enthusiast. Events will take place across New York City, with the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport serving as one of the main destinations for visitors. Although several events have already sold out, limited tickets remain for select experiences, including the New York Lottery’s Grand Tasting with Culinary Demonstrations presented by Bosch Home Appliances, Bank of America’s FoodieCon® presented by SUNSET®, and The Cookout presented by Mike’s Amazing, featuring music by Method Man.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Food and Entertainment
This year’s festival will feature an impressive lineup of culinary experts, celebrity chefs, digital creators, musicians, and television personalities. Among the notable participants are Rachael Ray, Bert Kreischer, mgk (Machine Gun Kelly), Nigel Ng, widely known as Uncle Roger, Kwame Onwuachi, DJ D-Nice, Method Man, and EGOT-winning entertainer Whoopi Goldberg.
The 2026 edition will also welcome Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, and Kelly Bensimon from E!’s The Golden Life. The trio will make a special appearance at Steak & Whiskey, hosted by Bryan and Michael Voltaggio on Friday, October 16, adding another layer of celebrity appeal to the festival’s already packed schedule.
With its combination of established culinary talent, emerging creators, and entertainment figures, NYCWFF continues to position itself as a major gathering for the food and hospitality community, while offering visitors opportunities to discover new flavors and connect with some of the industry’s most recognizable names.
Thursday Opens With the Iconic Burger Bash
The festival officially begins on Thursday, October 15, with one of its signature events, the Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats. Hosted by Rachael Ray and comedian Bert Kreischer, the popular burger competition will take place at The Rooftop at Pier 17 as part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Rooftop Series.
The event will bring together some of New York City’s standout burger makers for a spirited culinary showdown. A celebrity judging panel featuring Anthony Anderson, Ana Navarro, Cedric the Entertainer, Jet Tila, Andrew Rea of Binging with Babish, and Sophie Flay will help determine the competition’s winners.
Thursday’s program will also feature A Culinary Journey Through Peru presented by Crystal and hosted by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Marking Matsuhisa’s debut at NYCWFF, the event will offer guests an opportunity to explore Peruvian-inspired flavors and culinary influences through the perspective of one of the restaurant industry’s most celebrated figures.
Friday Highlights Award-Winning Chefs and Indian Cuisine
On Friday, October 16, the festival’s culinary program continues with Best of the Best presented by Resorts World New York City. Hosted by Jonathan Waxman and Keith Hernandez, the event will showcase more than 15 James Beard Award winners, nominees, and semifinalists, bringing together exceptional culinary talent for an evening dedicated to outstanding food and creativity.
Friday will also introduce Flavors of Bollywood, hosted by Maneet Chauhan and Vijay Kumar. The event will celebrate Indian cuisine and culture by bringing together leading Indian restaurants from across New York City. Guests can expect an exploration of the country’s diverse culinary traditions, highlighting the flavors, techniques, and cultural influences that make Indian food an essential part of the city’s dining landscape.
Meanwhile, the Steak & Whiskey gathering hosted by Bryan and Michael Voltaggio will feature a special appearance by Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley, and Kelly Bensimon, adding a celebrity dimension to the evening’s festivities.
Saturday Brings New York’s Nightlife to the Table
Saturday, October 17, will see the return of New York After Dark presented by Airbnb, hosted by chef Kwame Onwuachi. Taking place at The Rooftop at Pier 17, the event will celebrate the relationship between food, music, and New York City’s vibrant nightlife.
Inspired by Onwuachi’s forthcoming cookbook, All Hours, the experience will feature a chef-curated feast designed to capture the energy and diversity of the city after dark. Music by DJ D-Nice will complement the culinary program, creating an atmosphere that blends dining with entertainment.
The event is expected to be a standout experience for visitors looking to enjoy the festival beyond traditional restaurant tastings, combining inventive food with music and the atmosphere of one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront venues.
Sunday Features Coffee Culture and a Celebratory Cookout
The festival’s final day, Sunday, October 18, will begin with Morning Buzz, a new non-alcoholic experience hosted by mgk of 27 Club Coffee. The event will celebrate New York City’s thriving coffee and breakfast culture, with a focus on coffee, matcha, tea, and morning-inspired offerings.
The four-day celebration will conclude with The Cookout presented by Mike’s Amazing, hosted by JJ Johnson and Angela Yee. Featuring a special performance by Method Man and an appearance by Whoopi Goldberg, the event will bring together food, music, and entertainment for a lively finale.
As one of the festival’s most anticipated experiences, The Cookout reflects NYCWFF’s broader approach to food culture, emphasizing the role of shared meals, music, and community in bringing people together.
Grand Tasting Remains a Festival Centerpiece
Throughout the weekend, the Grand Tasting at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport will remain a central attraction. The experience will feature restaurant tastings, wine and spirits selections, live culinary demonstrations, and book signings.
A range of hosts will guide portions of the program, including Marcus Samuelsson, Andrew Rea of Binging with Babish, Ayesha Nurdjaja, and Michael Symon. Culinary Demonstrations presented by Bosch Home Appliances will give attendees opportunities to watch celebrated chefs share their techniques, knowledge, and approaches to preparing food.
For visitors interested in discovering new restaurants, sampling dishes from established and emerging culinary destinations, or learning from well-known chefs, the Grand Tasting offers an opportunity to experience a broad cross-section of New York’s food scene in one location.
FoodieCon® Connects Culinary Creators With Their Audiences
Another major attraction is Bank of America’s FoodieCon® presented by SUNSET®, returning on Sunday, October 18, at Storied NYC. Dedicated to the creator-driven side of food culture, the full-day event will feature live discussions, interactive challenges, tastings, and opportunities for attendees to meet some of their favorite culinary personalities.
The lineup includes Nigel Ng, known as Uncle Roger, along with Holly Barnes, August DeWindt, Kevin Noparvar, and Olivia Tiedemann. Food Network personalities Alex Guarnaschelli and Esther Choi will also participate, while Alessandra Ciuffo of @FlavorsbyAle will serve as the event’s emcee.
FoodieCon® highlights the growing influence of digital creators in shaping how audiences discover recipes, explore restaurants, and engage with food trends. Its combination of conversations, demonstrations, and interactive activities offers a different perspective on contemporary food culture.
Returning Favorites and Exclusive Dining Experiences
Beyond the headline events, the festival will bring back popular experiences such as Oyster Bash presented by Modelo, hosted by Andrew Zimmern, and Tacos & Tequila presented by LALO TEQUILA, hosted by Aarón Sánchez.
The intimate dinner series will also feature exclusive collaborations among celebrated chefs, including Angie Mar and Charlie Palmer, as well as Byron Puck and Cedric Vongerichten. Another notable addition is the festival’s first non-alcoholic dinner, taking place at The Maze NYC and featuring Jonathon Sawyer and Gautier Coiffard.
These smaller-scale dining experiences provide opportunities for chefs to collaborate creatively and introduce guests to distinctive menus in more intimate settings. The inclusion of a dedicated non-alcoholic dinner also reflects the festival’s expanding range of dining experiences and beverage preferences.
Supporting Sustainability and the Culinary Community
Beyond its entertainment and culinary offerings, NYCWFF maintains a strong commitment to supporting charitable causes and encouraging responsible practices throughout the events industry.
Net proceeds from the festival will benefit the Event Zero Foundation and the James Beard Foundation. The Event Zero Foundation works to promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility within the events sector, encouraging organizers and businesses to reduce environmental impacts and adopt more sustainable practices.
The James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing excellence across the culinary industry, supports chefs and the broader restaurant community through initiatives focused on education, recognition, and the development of a more equitable and sustainable independent restaurant sector.
Over its previous 18 years, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival has generated more than $15 million in net proceeds for its charitable causes. Hosted by and benefiting the Event Zero Foundation and the James Beard Foundation, the festival combines its celebration of food and entertainment with a broader commitment to creating a positive impact.
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits serves as the festival’s exclusive provider of wine and spirits. The company operates across 47 U.S. markets and Canada and has been recognized for its workplace initiatives, including diversity and women’s advancement.
The festival is also produced within the wider portfolio of a21, a live experience agency specializing in event operations, production, marketing, corporate sales, and brand activations. Its portfolio includes major food and wine festivals and other live events across the United States.
Recognized by BizBash as New York’s leading food and restaurant industry event for 10 consecutive years, NYCWFF has established itself as an important annual fixture for chefs, restaurants, sponsors, and food lovers.
Tickets and Festival Information
With more than 50 events scheduled across four days, the 19th annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival promises a packed program of culinary discoveries, celebrity appearances, live performances, and exclusive dining experiences.
Tickets for remaining events are available at nycwff.org, although availability is limited for several popular attractions. Attendees can follow festival announcements and updates throughout the year on Facebook and Instagram at @NYCWFF and on TikTok at @NYCWineFoodFestival.
As New York City prepares to welcome another edition of this celebrated event, NYCWFF is set to bring together the city’s culinary community and visitors from beyond its borders for a weekend that celebrates food, creativity, culture, and philanthropy.
About the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival
The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ is an annual culinary event hosted by and benefiting the Event Zero Foundation and the James Beard Foundation. For more information about the festival, its charitable mission, and its upcoming events, visit nycwff.org.
About the James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a higher standard of excellence. Guided by its Good Food for Good® principle, the organization works to support a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry. For nearly four decades, it has helped recognize, educate, and train the people shaping American food culture. More information is available at jamesbeard.org.
About the Event Zero Foundation
The Event Zero Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting positive environmental and social outcomes in the events industry. Its mission is to help event organizers, businesses, and communities implement sustainable practices that reduce environmental footprints and strengthen social responsibility. Learn more at eventzerofoundation.org.
About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a family-owned beverage alcohol distributor with operations across 47 U.S. markets and Canada, alongside international brokerage operations through its travel retail sales and export division. The company focuses on building beverage brands and supporting responsible marketing, sales, service, and consumption. Additional information is available at www.southernglazers.com.
About a21
Founded in 2006, a21 is a full-service live experience agency specializing in event operations, production, marketing, corporate sales, and brand activations. Its portfolio includes internationally recognized culinary festivals, music events, art fairs, and wine and spirits experiences across the United States. Its projects include the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, Sunfest, Palm Beach Wine & Food Festival, Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Heritage Fire, and Whiskies of the World National Tours.
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