The South Beach Wine and Food Festival, better known as SOBEWFF, returns to Miami Beach for its landmark 25th anniversary from February 19-22, 2026. This year's festival promises to be the biggest and most ambitious edition yet, with more than 500 world-class chefs, Food Network stars, celebrity hosts, and Grammy-winning artists gathering for four days of culinary celebration across Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, the Miami Design District, Historic Overtown, and even Fort Lauderdale.
Whether you're a longtime SOBEWFF regular or a first-timer planning a trip to Miami for the festival, this guide covers everything you need, from the must-attend events and how to buy tickets to where to eat between tastings and practical tips for navigating the weekend like a pro.
The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious culinary events in the country. Founded and directed by Lee Brian Schrager, the festival has grown from a modest one-day event with 7,000 attendees into a nationally recognized, star-studded destination weekend that draws food lovers from around the world.
Over four days, the festival hosts 105+ events including walk-around tastings on the sand, intimate multi-course dinners with celebrity chefs, live cooking competitions, brunches, master classes, wine seminars, late-night parties, and live music performances. It's where you can watch Guy Fieri host a live chef showdown on Friday night, sit across from Martha Stewart at a stone crab lunch on Saturday afternoon, and catch a DJ Cassidy set on the beach on Sunday, all in one weekend.
Beyond the world-class food and entertainment, SOBEWFF serves a meaningful purpose. Every dollar raised benefits the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). To date, the festival has raised more than $45 million for the program, and each year more than 1,500 students gain real-world hospitality experience by working the festival's events. When you attend SOBEWFF, you're not just enjoying great food; you're supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Dates: February 19-22, 2026 (Thursday through Sunday)
Location: Various venues across Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Miami Design District, Historic Overtown, Fort Lauderdale, and Homestead
Events: 105+ events over four days
Talent: 500+ chefs, culinary experts, Food Network personalities, TikTok creators, sommeliers, and Grammy-winning performers
Tickets: $59 to $550+ per event, available at sobewff.org
Age requirement: 21+ for most events (some family-friendly options available)
Notable talent: Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, Martha Stewart, Andrew Zimmern, Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, Tyler Florence, Marcus Samuelsson, Kwame Onwuachi, and many more
With over 100 events across four days, narrowing down your schedule can feel overwhelming. Here's a curated breakdown of the standout events each day, mixing fan favorites, new additions, and budget-friendly picks, so you can plan a weekend that fits your tastes and your budget.
Thursday, February 19: Opening Night
Mike's Amazing Burger Bash: 7:30 PM
American Airlines North Venue | Hosted by Rachael Ray. The Burger Bash is arguably SOBEWFF's most iconic event, and this year it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Twenty-five restaurants compete for the title of 'The Very Best Burger,' serving more than 46,000 burgers over the course of the evening. It's a walk-around format, so you can sample as many as you want while judges crown the winner. If you only attend one signature event, this is a strong choice.
Celebrating 25 Years of SOBEWFF: Late Night
Grand Tasting Village Courtyard | Hosted by David Grutman and Groot Hospitality. For the first time ever, the Grand Tasting Village Courtyard will be activated after dark for a special 25th anniversary kickoff party. Expect tastings, cocktails, and a live performance by DJ Diplo. This is a historic first for the festival and sets the tone for the entire weekend.
Asian Night Market: Late Night
Loews Miami Beach | Hosted by Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira. A street-style walk-around tasting tour with creative Asian-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and an electric late-night atmosphere. This has become one of the festival's most flavorful after-hours experiences.
Friday, February 20: New Flavors and Fierce Competition
Tournament of Champions LIVE: 7:30 PM
Presented by Coca-Cola | Hosted by Guy Fieri. Based on Food Network's hit show, four teams of past Tournament of Champions winners and rising stars battle the clock to create winning dishes. Here's the twist: attendees get to taste the dishes and vote for their favorites. The night also features a live performance by Rev Run. It's competitive, interactive, and one of the most energetic events on the schedule.
Haute Potato: 8:00 PM (NEW)
The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, Coconut Grove | Hosted by Foodgod (Jonathan Cheban). One of the most creative new events for 2026, Haute Potato takes the humble potato and elevates it into high art. Expect truffle pommes frites, silky purees, handmade gnocchi, crispy latkes, and inventive preparations you've never imagined. It's playful, indulgent, and already one of the most talked-about additions to this year's lineup.
Dinner at the Museum (NEW)
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science | Hosted by Bryan Voltaggio, Michael Voltaggio, Brooke Williamson, Zac Young and Peyton Leffingwell. Part of The New York Times Dinner Series, this intimate dinner brings five Food Network stars together in one of Miami's most stunning venues. A unique fusion of culinary artistry and world-class architecture.
Las Lap Link Up: Afro-Caribbean Cuisine: 10:00 PM (NEW)
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel | Hosted by Kwame Onwuachi and Nina Compton. This tropical walk-around event celebrates the flavors of the Caribbean islands with fresh seafood, smoky meats, kicked-up sauces, and sweet island fruits paired with tropical cocktails and live music. Chefs Onwuachi and Compton are two of the most acclaimed chefs in the country, making this a can't-miss late-night addition.
Saturday, February 21: Peak Festival Day
Bootcamp and Bites: 8:30 AM
Nikki Beach, South Beach | Led by Chef Robert Irvine and fitness pro Rachel Robinson. Start your Saturday with a beachside workout followed by healthy bites, all on the sand at Nikki Beach. At just $59, this is the most affordable event on the SOBEWFF schedule and a great way to earn your indulgences for the rest of the day.
Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village: Noon to 5:00 PM
South Beach (three city blocks on the sand). This is SOBEWFF's flagship experience. The Grand Tasting Village spans a massive 135,000 square feet of white tents covering the beach, with 1,200+ products to sample, 45+ dining partners, and live cooking demonstrations from Food Network stars throughout the afternoon. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned festival-goer, this is the event that defines SOBEWFF. Also runs Sunday, February 22.
Joe's Stone Crab Lunch with Martha Stewart
Joe's Stone Crab | Hosted by Martha Stewart and Sacha Lichine. An elegant afternoon at one of Miami's most iconic restaurants, hosted by Martha herself. These intimate sit-down events sell out fast because they offer the rare chance to dine in close proximity to culinary legends. If it's available, grab it.`
Masters of Fire: 7:30 PM
American Airlines North Venue | Directed by Tyler Florence. More than 25 barbecue masters from across the United States cook over open flames right on the sand of Miami Beach. If you love grilling, smoking, and everything fire-kissed, this is your Saturday night event. Tyler Florence's first time bringing this concept to the beach makes it extra special for 2026.`
Late Night Pizza Party
Bar Bucce | Hosted by Ashley Graham, Michael Pirolo and Marc Vetri. Supermodel and entrepreneur Ashley Graham hosts a late-night bash with hot slices from some of the best pizza makers in the business, cool drinks, and good vibes. The perfect way to cap off Saturday night.
Sunday, February 22: The Grand Finale
Coffee Culture: A Miami Brunch Experience (NEW)
Miami Design District, Jungle Plaza | Hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris. A curated exploration of Miami's best specialty coffee and matcha spots. This new brunch concept is a relaxed, stylish way to ease into your final festival day, and a welcome antidote to the late nights.`
Overtown Brunch
Red Rooster Overtown | Hosted by Marcus Samuelsson. Marcus Samuelsson returns to spotlight the rich culinary heritage of Historic Overtown at his celebrated restaurant. This brunch is about more than food. It's a cultural experience rooted in one of Miami's most storied neighborhoods.`
Tacos and Tequila
Miami Design District, Jungle Plaza | Hosted by Aaron Sanchez. A returning fan favorite in a great new Design District setting. Every kind of taco you can dream of, paired with premium tequila-fueled margaritas. Casual, fun, and reliably one of the most popular events on the schedule.`
25 Years of Legendary Bites: Closing Event
North Venue on the Beach | Hosted by Andrew Zimmern with a live performance by DJ Cassidy. The grand finale. Andrew Zimmern closes the 25th anniversary weekend with a celebration of the festival's most legendary flavors, amplified by a live set from DJ Cassidy. It's the perfect send-off to an incredible weekend.
SOBEWFF tickets are available exclusively online at sobewff.org or by phone at 866.271.8540 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM EST). Here's what you need to know:
Pro tip: Popular events like Burger Bash, the Grand Tasting Village, and intimate dinners sell out quickly, some within hours. If there's one event you absolutely don't want to miss, check availability now rather than waiting.
SOBEWFF weekend is peak dining season in Miami, and many of the city's best restaurants have direct ties to festival chefs. Between events, take advantage of the culinary energy and explore these standout spots:
Joe's Stone Crab (South Beach): A Miami institution since 1913. Even if you can't score the Martha Stewart lunch, the restaurant itself is worth the legendary wait. Stone crab season runs through mid-May, so timing is perfect.
Carbone Miami (Miami Beach): Italian-American fine dining with theatrical flair. Book well in advance. This is one of the hardest reservations in the city.
Red Rooster Overtown (Historic Overtown): Marcus Samuelsson's celebration of neighborhood soul food, Afro-Caribbean flavors, and live music. Worth the trip to this historic neighborhood.
Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann (Faena Hotel): Open-fire cooking from the legendary Argentine chef. If Masters of Fire left you craving more live-flame flavors, this is your spot.
Makoto (Bal Harbour): Exceptional Japanese cuisine from Chef Makoto Okuwa, who also hosts an intimate SOBEWFF dinner during the festival.
Cafe La Trova (Little Havana): James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar and Cuban restaurant. They're also hosting a Classic Cuban Cocktail Master Class during SOBEWFF.
If you'd rather not fight for restaurant reservations during the busiest week of the year, consider booking a luxury villa with a private chef. Several of Miami's top villa rental companies offer in-villa dining experiences where a personal chef prepares multi-course meals tailored to your group, a perfectly relaxed complement to the festival's high-energy events.
Accommodation during SOBEWFF weekend books up fast, especially in 2026, since the festival falls right after the Miami International Boat Show (Feb 11-15) and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (Feb 14-16). Those back-to-back event weekends tighten hotel inventory across Miami Beach well before the first SOBEWFF wristband goes on.
The festival's official hotel is the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which is steps from many signature events and offers preferred SOBEWFF rates. Other popular hotel options in the area can be found through the festival's official website.
For groups traveling together, whether it's a birthday weekend, a corporate retreat, or a crew of food-obsessed friends, a private luxury villa is a smart alternative to booking multiple hotel rooms. You get a shared home base with a private pool, full kitchen for morning coffee before heading out to events, and room to spread out after long days of tasting. Jatina Group offers villa rentals across Miami Beach, Venetian Islands, Coconut Grove, and the Design District, many within easy reach of SOBEWFF's main venues, with 24/7 concierge services that can help arrange transportation, dinner reservations, and other logistics for your festival weekend.
Events are spread across multiple neighborhoods, from the beach to Coconut Grove to the Design District and beyond, so transportation is worth planning ahead.
Pro tip: If you're staying in a neighborhood like Coconut Grove or the Design District, plan your schedule so events in the same area cluster on the same day. You'll save time, money, and stress by minimizing cross-town trips.
SOBEWFF events range from beachside tastings to elegant sit-down dinners, so what you wear depends on what you're attending:`
Daytime outdoor events (Grand Tasting Village, Bootcamp and Bites): Think resort casual. Comfortable shoes are essential, as many events are on sand. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Evening signature events (Burger Bash, Masters of Fire, Tournament of Champions): Smart casual works. Think stylish but practical. You'll be walking, standing, and eating with your hands.
Intimate dinners and brunches: These skew dressier. Miami cocktail chic is the vibe, polished but not overly formal.
Late-night parties: Go bold. This is Miami, after all.
February weather in Miami is typically warm and pleasant (highs around 77 degrees Fahrenheit / 25 degrees Celsius), but evenings near the water can have a breeze. A light layer for outdoor evening events is a smart move.
The silver anniversary of SOBEWFF isn't just a milestone. It's a creative reset for the festival. Here are the standout new events and moments that make 2026 uniquely special:
Can I buy tickets at the door?
No. All SOBEWFF tickets must be purchased in advance online at sobewff.org or by phone. There are no door sales at any event.
Is food and drink included with my ticket?
Yes. Your ticket covers all food and beverages at the event. There's nothing extra to pay once you're inside.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. Tickets can be forwarded to others. The name on the ticket doesn't matter. Each ticket scans once for entry.
What happens if it rains?
Outdoor events happen rain or shine. Indoor events are unaffected. All ticket purchases are non-refundable regardless of weather.
Are kids allowed?
Most SOBEWFF events require attendees to be 21 or older. A small number of family-friendly events are available. Check the individual event pages on sobewff.org for details.
How early should I book accommodation?
As early as possible. SOBEWFF falls during one of Miami's busiest stretches, with the Boat Show and Arts Festival in the preceding weeks. Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly.
The 25th anniversary of the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is shaping up to be the most ambitious and memorable edition in the event's history. With fresh concepts, a stacked lineup of culinary icons, and the unmistakable energy of a Miami Beach February, this is a weekend that delivers on every level.
Lock in your tickets, book your stay, and get ready for four days that are equal parts culinary artistry, oceanside energy, and pure Miami magic. The sand is waiting.
For the latest event listings, ticket availability, and schedule updates, visit SOBEWWF's official website. And if you're looking for the perfect home base for your group's festival weekend, explore luxury villa rentals in Miami with private pools, waterfront views, and concierge services to handle the logistics while you focus on the food.
Jatina Group