Each October, the Seaport becomes a culinary playground where music, flavors, and celebrity appearances meet in the tastiest of fashions. The Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF) is more than a food festival it’s a five-day dive into the gastronomic rhythm of the city, featuring the world’s best chefs, bartenders, and food enthusiasts.
This year’s lineup promises more than indulgence; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community impact.
1. Grand Tasting: Daytime & After Dark
The Grand Tasting has long been the festival’s crown jewel, offering guests the chance to wander through a feast of flavors from hundreds of New York City’s top restaurants. Emmy-nominated actress Sofia Vergara and son Manolo Vergara, founder of gourmet empanada company TOMA, will join the prominent guests mingling with visitors. World-class wines can be enjoyed, inventive cuisine can be tasted, and culinary legends can be observed at live cooking demonstrations. For the first time, the Grand Tasting will carry on through evening hours as an After Dark event hosted by Montchevre Goat Cheese. Hosted by Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson, the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus prime-time event will include unlimited bites from Southern Glazer’s, live demos, and the energetic beats of DJ Tokyo Rose.
2. Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0
The revamped Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0 will fuel friendly competition among the best chefs from all five boroughs. Every contender will build their final burger with Pat LaFrieda Meat’s own custom blend in hopes of winning the Burger Bash title. Returning host is Rachael Ray, supported by Brooklyn Beckham and his special Cloud23 hot sauce. The night will be charged with celebrity DJ CASSIDY performing the opening and a group of judges composed of Ja Rule, Sunny Anderson, Ana Navarro, Ben Leventhal, Joshua Weissman, and Olivia Tiedmann giving out the top awards. Guests will also be able to cast a ballot for their top choice.
3. A Taste of the Tin Building
Festival weekend kicks off with an inside-the-kitchen culinary tour within the Tin Building, Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s lively marketplace. With Top Chef finalist Gregory Gourdet, Jean-Georges takes guests on a tour of signature bites, fine wines, and skillfully prepared cocktails. The event unfolds to the beat of an actual DJ, with stops at renown restaurants such as T. Brasserie, House of the Red Pearl, The Frenchman’s Dough, Spoiled Parrot, and Patisserie. This event spotlights how places such as the Tin Building play a part in sustaining neighborhood food culture while still drawing from international inspiration.
4. Sunday Supper: Italian Feast
As the festival closes out, Sunday Supper presented by Peroni provides a la dolce vita finale. Rome native pasta star Nadia Munno, “The Pasta Queen,” joins New York City comedian Lil “Mo” Mozzarella for an alfresco feast of handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, antipasti, and indulgent dolci. Companioned by Italian wine, aperitivos, and live music, this closing event transforms the Seaport into an Italian table outdoors under the stars.
5. Midday Feasts and Mixology Magic
NYCWFF’s midday activities vary from opulent brunches to private chef-hosted lunches, all created to amaze and delight. More than 25 singular dining events will highlight seasonal products and creative menus, with the launch of the Mixology Program featuring award-winning bartenders and world-class chefs. These pairings will create cocktails that enhance the dining experience, highlighting the craftsmanship of food and drink pairings.
6. FoodieCon®
For others who live for the ultimate Instagram photo, FoodieCon® is a day-long experiential bash where food and lifestyle bloggers bring digital feeds to life. Attendees can sample VIP bites from NYC’s trendiest restaurants, see live demos, and participate in panels on what’s next. It’s an opportunity to meet up close with the faces that are changing the city’s culinary chatter.
7. Community and Cultural Impact
Aside from indulgence, NYCWFF’s purpose lies in giving back. Since its inception 17 years ago, the festival has raised over $14.8 million for causes. Beneficiaries this year are the Event Zero Foundation, which encourages sustainable event methods, and the James Beard Foundation, which raises the bar in culinary excellence. Large-scale events like NYCWFF also contribute significantly to boosting local tourism and supporting small businesses, making the festival a win for both attendees and the city’s economy.
From the energetic competitions to the cozy tastings, NYCWFF presents a unique combination of entertainment, education, and cultural engagement. Each bite, sip, and song becomes part of a greater narrative one that honors the city’s diverse food culture while building community connections that linger long after the last toast.
