Your Exclusive Guide to the 25th Annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival

This week, the notorious Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, aka SOBEWFF, will make its triumphant return to vibrant Miami Beach and beyond to celebrate its milestone 25th anniversary. “I’m incredibly proud,” festival director Lee Schrager told me last week, as we reminisced about the journey leading up to this major achievement—not only for the city but for our thriving culinary scene.

“Obviously, when we started this festival 25 years ago, there were five good restaurants. Now there are 50 good restaurants, or more than that,” notes Schrager. Before the festival existed, he says, there was never a Daniel Boulud, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or an Emeril Lagasse. “They weren’t coming down here until the festival, and that’s how it all started.”

But raising the bar for Miami’s culinary scene is just one feather in Schrager’s honorary chef’s cap. To date, the festival has remained true to its core mission: raising funds for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, which integrates 1,500 students into the festival each year to get their hands dirty with food prep, celebrity chef demos, brand activations, clean-up efforts, and more, providing unparalleled real-life experience. “I think to do anything for 25 years and still be doing it well, and raising money, is something to be celebrated.”

Additionally, the festival’s commitment to diversity over the years has helped boost countless women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ restaurant owners and chefs who might not have otherwise gained the exposure, opportunity, and recognition. “I’m also proud of the community for being so supportive,” Schrager shares.

From what started as a one-day engine that could for a few thousand folks looking to support a good cause has now evolved into a four-day foodie fête that brings more than 65,000 eaters and imbibers to seven neighborhoods in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, as well as Fort Lauderdale.

And while the festival still honors its casual walk-around tasting roots that locals and visitors have grown to love and know, it also integrates 100-plus intimate chef collaboration dinners, brunches and lunches, master cooking classes, wine seminars, fitness-forward events, and late-nights—not to mention a recurring one-day, food creator-focused conference and a new-to-2026 podcast series partnership (more on those below).

To say it’s a mouthful would be an understatement, but the team at Dish Miami couldn’t be more excited to get back out on the sand and around town to dig in, raise a glass, and immerse ourselves in the fully decked smorgasbord ahead.

Want to join us? From the Thursday night Burger Bash to the Sunday Grand Tasting, and everything in between, here are 10 splurge-worthy events (and some of Schrager’s top picks) with tickets still up for grabs, so you can ditch the FOMO and join the festivities.

Feast mode: officially loading…

Thursday, February 19

A Taste of Italy

If Italian eats are what you fancy, A Taste of Italy in the Design District‘s Jungle Plaza is where you want to be. Join “The Pasta Queen” Nadia Caterina Munno, alongside birthday boy Scott Conant to devour all the pasta, pizza, pesto, and Parmigiano you can handle from local chefs we love, including David Caceres (Casa Gianna, Gale Miami Hotel and Residences); Luigi Iannuario (Donna Mare Italian Chophouse, Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club); Arnold De La Cruz (The Amalfi Llama) and Justin Garriga (Rosemary’s).

From 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $225.

Jungle Plaza is located at 3801 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33137. For more information, visit the event page.

Diplo: Live from South Beach, Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF

If you’re looking for a first-night blow-out on the beach, there’s really only one option to consider. Diplo: Live from South Beach, Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF, will bring the iconic Grammy-winning producer and EDM vet to the decks, while Goldbelly curates the goodies with a scoop-worthy ice cream-focused Chill Lounge. Expect LIV-level hospitality backed by David Grutman himself with a breezy, bougie LIV Beach VIP experience in the Grand Tasting Village Eventstar Courtyard. High heels need not apply.

From 8-11:30 p.m. Tickets range from $229 to $1,000.

The Grand Tasting Village is located at 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event page.

Friday, February 20

Naughty Bites

SOBEWFF is all about irresistible indulgence, so if that sounds appetizing, to Naughty Bites you shall go. Hosted by The Naughty Fork and part of The Hangar Event Series, we think this first-timer has staying power. Expect a comfort food spread laced with bold flavors from heavy hitters like Matthew Kuscher (Kush Hospitality); Yuli Rodriguez (Bulla Gastrobar); Gonzalo Rubino (Skinny Louie) and Lawrence Longo (Prince St. Pizza).

From 9 p.m. to midnight. Tickets cost $75.

The Hangar is located at 3385 Pan American Dr., Coconut Grove, FL 33133. For more information, visit the event page.

Best of the Best

Real talk: If you’re aiming for the best of the fest, you can’t skip Best of the Best. It’s the only event of its kind that brings 60 MICHELIN-starred restaurants, James Beard Award winners, and FOOD and WINE Best New Chefs from Miami and around the country under one very fancy Fontainebleau Miami Beach ballroom roof. Using the highest-quality ingredients—expect truffles, wagyu, lobster, and caviar galore—a few familiar names to bookmark are: Michael Mina (Bourbon Steak Miami); Einat Admony (Balaboosta); Hugo Moran (Sexy Fish); Danny Grant (Maple and Ash); Michael Jenkins (Butter) and Hing Fung Matt Chan (Hakkasan).

Swirl and sip with the perfect complements with top-of-the-line pours from some of the best-known vineyards, including Caymus Vineyards, Shafer, Champagne Pommery, Château d’Esclans, Robert Mondavi Winery, The Calling, and Gérard Bertrand.

From 7:30-10:30 p.m. General admission tickets cost $469.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located at 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit the event page.

Las’ Lap Link Up

If you still have room, plan to make an after-hours round at Las’ Lap Link Up, one of Schrager’s top picks (he says he’s always wanted Kwame Onwuachi as an event host). On the heels of his recent restaurant opening, Onwuachi will join forces with Nina Compton to bring the Afro-Caribbean island vibes to the famed Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which has held the slot for a high-profile Friday late-night for many years running. Loosen those belt buckles for flavor-packed offerings from cooks like Tristen Epps-Long (Buboy); Wayne Sharpe (Jrk! Miami); Osei “Picky” Blackett (Oxtails and Cocktails); Mark Cameron (Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen) and Myriam Charles (Lux Cakery).

From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are $145.

Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is located at 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event page.

Saturday, February 21

Chew On This: A Live Podcast Series

Foodie podcast groupies, unite! Chew On This: A Live Podcast Series, presented by iHeartRadio, makes its festival debut at the Miami Beach Bandshell. Famed broadcasters Paul Castronovo and Drew Heyman are at the helm, overseeing five live and entertaining conversations, including “Something’s Burning” hosted by stand-up comic and actor Bert Kreischer; “Chiquis and Chill” hosted by Chiquis and “Chewed Up” with Clinton Kelly, Carla Hall, and Michael Symon. Fuel up between shows with Brian Mullins (Ms. Cheezious); Liduvina Mavarez (Lidu Bakes); CrepeMaker and others.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $100.

Miami Beach Bandshell is located at 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33141. For more information, visit the event page.

FoodieCon

Settling into its new home at Andaz Miami Beach this year, FoodieCon will celebrate its fourth annual stint at the festival. Schrager is all about keeping things fresh, which is why the host hotel rotates each year. In partnership with Islands of The Bahamas, expect Bahamian swag and flavors, along with action from 15 notable digital tastemakers like @keith_lee125, @brunchwithbabs, @maxthemeatguy, @owen.han, @healthygirlkitchen, and @succulentbite, who will be in the spotlight during panels, cooking demos, and immersive brand activations, with plenty of Instagram-worthy food moments to capture.

From noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $100.

Andaz Miami Beach is located at 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140. For more information, visit the event page.

Masters of Fire

Graduating to the North Venue, Tyler Florence’s Masters of Fire is new to the signature event lineup this year. If you’re a grill guru, this is your Saturday night calling. From time-honored traditions to progressive techniques, you’ll be boasting about this one until the smoke clears. Expect Sean Brasel (Meat Market); Chris Lilly (Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q); Emiliano Galindo (RosaNegra); Victor Albisu (Electric Bull) and Guillermo Eleicegui (Ossobuco) to ignite every bite.

From 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $269 for early access and $189 for general admission.

The American Airlines North Venue is located at 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event page.

Sunday, February 22

Pizza-Making Master Class and Lunch

How often do you have the chance to throw dough around with a master chef? Let Laurent Tourondel school you in the art of pizza making at his quaint joint The Alley that sits tucked behind The Betsy Hotel. Merging American trends with European classics, the course will teach you how to make the perfect pie before sinking your teeth into a slice or three of your self-made masterpiece.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $145.

The Alley at The Betsy is located at 1433 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event page.

25 Years of Legendary Bites and Iconic Sips

If you missed Thursday night’s opening banger, you have a chance to end the fest on a high note at 25 Years of Legendary Bites and Iconic Sips at the North Venue. Known as the ultimate Miami fiesta, the annual Sunday closing party hosted by Andrew Zimmern never disappoints, and this year DJ Cassidy is coming in hot on the ones and twos. Bacardi pulls out all the stops, including lively entertainers and beachside games while showcasing a massive spread of libations from its liquor portfolio, from its namesake rum to Grey Goose to Patrón to Bombay Sapphire, to name a select top-shelf few.

As for the grub, it’s a buffet of greats, including Mercedes Kozlowski (Prime 112); Brian Morris (Hattie B’s Hot Chicken); Adrian Sanchez (PINCHO); Derek Turton (World Famous House of Mac); EJ Martinez (Subby’s Subs) and Stephanie Vitori (Cheese Burger Baby). For a memorable sweet treat finale to the 25th year, Andrew Gonzalez (Night Owl Cookies) is guaranteed to seal the deal.

From 6-9 p.m. Tickets cost $209 for early access and $165 for general admission.

The American Airlines North Venue is located at 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, visit the event page.