Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival Returns April 8-12, 2025, with Star-Studded Lineup and Expanded Culinary Experiences

The highly anticipated Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is set to return to Tampa’s scenic waterfront from April 8-12, 2025, promising an exciting lineup that food lovers won’t want to miss. This year’s festival is shaping up to be the largest and most diverse yet, with more chefs, restaurants, and culinary experiences than ever before.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 festival will introduce several new events to enhance the culinary celebration. Two exciting additions to the schedule include Experience St. Pete on Wednesday, April 9, and Experience Tampa on Thursday, April 10. These events will spotlight the vibrant food scenes of St. Petersburg and Tampa, offering exclusive four- or five-course meals at select local restaurants, paired with exceptional wines and cocktails. Additionally, the festival will feature a revamped Chef Showdown competition and the highly anticipated Grand Tasting event.

Celebrity Hosts and Culinary Icons

Celebrity chef Robert Irvine, a Tampa Bay local, will return as the festival’s guest host for a third consecutive year. Irvine’s vibrant energy and passion for the region’s culinary excellence will add an extra layer of excitement to the five-day festival. Chef Irvine’s Irvine Spirits Chef Showdown competition, presented by GOYA Foods, promises to be one of the weekend’s most thrilling events. The showdown will feature 16 of Tampa Bay’s top chefs competing in eight exciting battle categories, including Fried Chicken, Taco, Truffle, and the new Battle Surf n’ Turf.

Alongside Irvine, Executive Chef Fernando Desa of GOYA Foods and honorary chef host Sean Brasel of Meat Market will also be part of the action, offering their culinary expertise and enthusiasm throughout the week.

A Taste of Tampa Bay

The 2025 festival will host six distinct events, each showcasing the unique flavors of the region:

1. An Evening at the Tampa Club (Tuesday, April 8): This invite-only cocktail event will kick off the festival, offering an exclusive preview of the culinary delights ahead, all while enjoying breathtaking views from the 42nd floor of The Tampa Club.
2. Experience St. Pete (Wednesday, April 9): Celebrate St. Petersburg’s coastal culinary scene with a series of exclusive dinners at local restaurants, showcasing St. Pete’s best chefs, paired with curated wines and craft cocktails.
3. Experience Tampa (Thursday, April 10): Discover the diverse culinary offerings of Tampa, featuring four- to five-course dining experiences at top-tier restaurants, paired with premium wines and cocktails.
4. Breaking Bread with Heroes (Friday, April 11, Morning): This heartfelt tribute breakfast will honor local veterans, active military, and first responders, with Chef Robert Irvine and Publix hosting the event.
5. Irvine’s Spirits Chef Showdown (Friday, April 11, Evening): This high-energy competition will see chefs battle it out in a series of culinary challenges, with Irvine acting as the official “Chef Ref.”
6. Grand Tasting (Saturday, April 12): The festival’s grand finale will be a day-long celebration of food, wine, cocktails, and live music at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Over 40 of Tampa Bay’s premier dining destinations will offer guests a chance to savor the best of local cuisine.

Ticket Information and Hotel Packages

Tickets for the weekend events are now on sale, with weekday dinner tickets set to be available in January 2025. For the ultimate experience, weekend passes and hotel packages at the newly partnered Epicurean Hotel in Tampa will also be available, providing guests with a luxurious stay and access to the festival’s exclusive events.

For those looking to attend the Grand Tasting, tickets are priced at $150 in advance, with day-of tickets available for $175. Weekend passes are also available, offering guests the chance to enjoy multiple festival events.

Supporting a Great Cause

In addition to offering unforgettable culinary experiences, the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is committed to supporting the EAT SMART campaign, a nonprofit initiative that provides healthy meals and nutritional education to Florida’s youth. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will directly benefit this important cause, helping to nourish the future of the region.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Culinary Celebration

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, the 2025 Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival is a must-attend event. With an expanded lineup of world-class chefs, food, wine, and spirits, there’s no better way to experience the flavors of Tampa Bay. Mark your calendars for April 8-12, 2025, and get ready for a culinary adventure you won’t forget.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival.