Sip, Savor, Celebrate—Las Olas transforms into a foodie’s paradise
Sip, Savor, Celebrate—Las Olas transforms into a foodie’s paradisePhoto courtesy of Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

Fort Lauderdale Set to Sizzle: Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Returns with an Epic Culinary Lineup

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival: A Culinary Celebration for a Cause

As spring blossoms in South Florida, so too does the anticipation for one of the region's most beloved culinary traditions: the Las Olas Wine and Food Festival. Now in its 29th year, this annual gathering on Friday, April 25th, isn't just a chance to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Broward County's top kitchens and sample a global tapestry of wines and spirits–it's a testament to the power of community and a delicious way to support a vital cause.

Cheers to Las Olas Wine & Food Festival 2025!
Cheers to Las Olas Wine & Food Festival 2025!Photo courtesy of Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

Forget your typical tasting event; the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival transforms a significant stretch of Fort Lauderdale's iconic Las Olas Boulevard into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly haven for epicureans. With nearly 50 local restaurants slated to showcase their culinary prowess and over 200 different beverages on offer, attendees are in for a truly immersive experience. From established favorites to exciting newcomers, the lineup promises a diverse range of tastes and textures, reflecting the dynamic culinary landscape of the region.

“Each year, the Las Olas Wine & Food Festival brings our vibrant community together for one unforgettable night filled with fantastic food, best-in-class wines and spirits and dancing under the stars. It’s become a Fort Lauderdale institution with good cause. This event supports the American Lung Association’s lifesaving work—and we get to have a great time while doing good. Let’s toast to that!”

Andrea Eastaugh, Member of the Lung Association’s South Florida Leadership Board

Learn More About the Ticket Options for Las Olas Wine & Food Festival 2025 here

Beyond the impressive lineup of restaurants and beverages, the festival offers several enticing highlights. The Elevated Wine Garden, sponsored by Ombelle Fort Lauderdale, promises a premium tasting experience for oenophiles. A VIP Private Reception at the historic Riverside Hotel offers an exclusive early start to the festivities. And the ever-popular Demesmin & Dover Block Party will once again provide the perfect soundtrack for dancing under the stars.

Toasting to flavors, community, and a cause under the stars
Toasting to flavors, community, and a cause under the starsPhoto courtesy of Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

Adding an extra layer of significance to this gastronomic affair is its unwavering commitment to philanthropy. While guests indulge in a feast of flavors, their participation directly supports the American Lung Association, which funds groundbreaking research, youth anti-vaping initiatives, and efforts to combat lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. With nearly 3.3 million Floridians affected by lung-related illnesses, this festival goes beyond food and drink—it’s a movement for healthier lives. It's a testament to the event's enduring appeal that it continues to draw both passionate foodies and those eager to contribute to a worthy cause.

Nearly 50 restaurants—both longtime festival favorites and soon-to-be favorites—will be showcased on the Boulevard this year, with more being added. The current lineup features: 15th Street Fisheries, Abiaka Wood Fire Grill - Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Bae Korean Grill - Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Bombay Darbar, Catch & Cut, Charleston Coffee Roasters, Chef Rose Jamaican Cuisine, The Den Sports Lounge, Desiignbyfood, Dick’s Last Resort, Dreams Come True Hospitality, El Vez, Even Keel, Federal, Fogo de Chao, Hatch Brunch, Hollywood Donut Factory, Hugh’s Catering, il Mulino, Jarana, Jerk Machine, La Macha Miami, La Mexicana Taco Bar, Livia Bar and Grill, Mac Bynum Concepts, Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Café, Naked Farmer, New River Café and Bakery, Oceanic at the Pompano Beach Pier, Old World Polish Deli, Petit en Bouche, Pho Bar Vietnamese Kitchen, Phuse Cream, The Private Sushi Chef, Shake Shack, The Restaurant People, Sixty Vines, Southern Eats Kitchen, Steak 954, Steelpan Kitchen and Bar - Sonesta Fort Lauderdale, Tabanero Holdings, LLC, Tamarindo Harbor Italian Bar & Grill, Timpano Las Olas, Treats & Eatz, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab, Wild Sea on Las Olas and The Wilder.

A feast of flavors awaits with bites from nearly 50 top restaurants
A feast of flavors awaits with bites from nearly 50 top restaurantsPhoto courtesy of Las Olas Wine & Food Festival
Sip, Savor, Celebrate—Las Olas transforms into a foodie’s paradise
Boca Bacchanal 2025 Grand Tasting to Feature World-Class Culinary Talent and Fine Wines

This year also marks a significant milestone with the continued partnership of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, returning for its third year as the exclusive beverage sponsor. Their involvement ensures a curated selection of world-class wines and spirits, with planned activations designed to tantalize the taste buds. Expect to see a strong presence from brands like Aperol, ready to ignite the evening with their signature Spritz, Espolón Tequila, promising a summer state of mind with their margaritas, and Jim Beam, introducing a novel pineapple-infused bourbon that hints at tropical adventures. Even Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be on hand, crafting smooth cocktails to perfectly complement the diverse culinary offerings.

Dancing, dining, and delightful drinks in the heart of Fort Lauderdale
Dancing, dining, and delightful drinks in the heart of Fort LauderdalePhoto courtesy of Las Olas Wine & Food Festival

As the culinary world descends upon Las Olas Boulevard this April, the festival stands as a vibrant celebration of South Florida's thriving food and beverage scene, all while making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by lung disease. It's more than just a festival; it's an opportunity to savor the best of the region, discover new favorites, and raise a glass to a healthier future.

For any food and beverage enthusiast, this is one date you won't want to miss.
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List.” As a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications.
Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

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