As hurricane season begins to wind down, another season, which is welcomed, is hot on its heels; the season of food festivals.
Some take place before the season begins to tempt us back out after sheltering away from the hot, humid summer. Now we can enjoy these cooler, drier evenings. And what better way than strolling in a park, beach, or poolside, with a refreshing drink and sampling delicious bites of food?
First up is the 13TH ANNUAL LATINOS SALUD HISPANIC HERITAGE FOOD BAZAAR on Friday, Oct. 17, in the Latinos Salud parking lot (1401 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors). Dishes from at least a dozen countries will be available. Participants will serve as community judges and award prizes for Best Food, Best Decorations, and Best Traditional Dress. The $20 entry includes food, soft drinks, and two drink coupons. A $30 VIP ticket includes entry 30 minutes early and an extra drink coupon. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Next comes SOUTH BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL, back for its 13th year, returning to the sands of Miami Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25, bringing four days of ocean-fresh flavors and unforgettable culinary experiences. From curated pairing dinners to high-energy showdowns and beachside bites, this year’s festival promises to be an epic feast fit for seafood lovers from near and far. It also marks the official start of stone crab season and highlights the best seafood cuisine from South Florida’s leading chefs and restaurants. This year it introduces a two-night dinner series, "An Evening in Miami Beach.” Go to sobeseafoodfest.com for the full schedule.
Now entering its 18th year, the PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL runs Dec. 11-14. It celebrates incredible foods prepared by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, enjoyed in a variety of idyllic settings. A new event this year, “Par-Tee At The Park,” a walk-around tasting at The Park in West Palm Beach for $225 per person. Also debuting is “Bubbles & Bites: A Yacht Rock Experience,” taking place poolside at PGA National Resort. The walk-around with sparkling wines, inventive cocktails, and chef-crafted bites will be accompanied by laid-back yacht rock classics and runs $250 per person.
The big event is the “18th Annual Grand Tasting” at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, with more than 50 of the country’s top chefs and restaurants presenting indulgent dishes and desserts paired with more than 100 world-class wines. Tickets are $169 per person until Sept. 30 (a bargain for an event of this magnitude), then rise to $229. Go to pbfoodwinefest.com for individual or package options.
The VISIT LAUDERDALE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL returns Jan. 19–25. Recognized as one of Florida’s premier food and beverage events, it transforms the area into a vibrant culinary destination, with high-energy tastings, celebrity chef demonstrations, and relaxed oceanside indulgences. The festival celebrates the region’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and local food innovators while drawing food celebrities from across the country. This year’s line-up includes Clarice Lam will be at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade with Asian-inspired cuisine on Jan. 22. The next day it’s “BBQ at Fort Lauderdale Beach” hosted by Jason Smith. On Sunday, Jan. 24, “The Grand Tasting” features Richard Blais, Eddie Jackson, and more than 100 tastings, celebrity chef demos, and live music. On Jan. 25, “Beachside Brunch” is hosted by Nancy Fuller with special guest Eddie Jackson.
Mai Kai celebrates guests aged 65 and over this month with a special $5 show ticket. Those who make a reservation for any Monday through Thursday for the 5 p.m. show are eligible for this promotion. The promotion must be mentioned at the time the reservation is made to have the discount applied. Show tickets are usually $23-$33. A minimum of one entrée per person is required.
