From celebrity chefs and soulful dishes to Diplo on the sand and DJ Cassidy on the beach, SOBEWFF® 2026 brought Miami together for four unforgettable days.
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival® (SOBEWFF®), presented by Capital One and Food Network, returned for its 25th anniversary, combining world-class cuisine, live music, and cultural storytelling. What began as a modest gathering has grown into one of the world’s most celebrated culinary festivals, attracting returning visitors eager to reconnect, discover new flavours, and enjoy a weekend where food and music are celebrated equally.
Founded by Lee Brian Schrager, SOBEWFF® was designed to highlight gastronomic mastery while supporting hospitality education. Its EAT. DRINK. EDUCATE. initiative has raised over $45 million for Florida International University, giving students hands-on experience alongside top chefs and industry leaders throughout the weekend.
From 19–22 February 2026, the Festival unfolded across Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Homestead, featuring more than 500 chefs, distinguished culinary talents, alongside GRAMMY-winning artists and hundreds of wine, spirits, and tasting experiences. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, the exclusive wine and spirits provider and co-producer, helped curate the Festival’s expansive beverage programme.
Signature Events on the Sand
Thursday evening opened with Diplo LIVE from South Beach at the Grand Tasting Village Eventstar Courtyard, delivering concert-level energy directly onto the shoreline. With table service, flowing bites, and an unmistakably Miami atmosphere, the performance established the rhythm of the weekend, where food and music went hand in hand.
The 20th anniversary of Burger Bash took place at the American Airlines North Venue, hosted by Rachael Ray and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham. Guests sampled more than 20 creative burgers while a star-studded panel, including Matt Kuscher, Bert Kreischer, Ashley Graham, Gayle King, Nick DiGiovanni, and Samantha Schnur, crowned the winner.
Asian Night Market, hosted by Jet Tila and Aarti Sequeira at Loews Miami Beach, brought late-night, street-style bites inspired by Asia’s iconic food markets, delivering another flavour showcase for the evening.
Friday’sTournament of Champions LIVE, hosted by Guy Fieri, transformed South Beach into a chef-driven battleground, with a live performance by Rev Run firing up the crowd. Wine enthusiasts gathered at Wine Spectator’s Best of the Best at Fontainebleau Miami Beach to taste world-class vintages alongside dishes from leading chefs.
Saturday included the iconic Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. Hosted by Sofía Vergara and her son Manolo Vergara, the event showcased ¡Dios Mío! Coffee and TOMA Empanadas, with over 1,200 tasting products, live cooking demonstrations, and more than 45 restaurants, offering attendees a concentrated glimpse into the Festival’s scale.
Culture, Wellness, and Celebration
Wellness and daytime programming kicked off with Coffee Culture: A Miami Brunch Experience, hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris in the Design District, where guests gathered for curated coffee tastings and chef-driven brunch bites in an intimate setting that reflected the couple’s shared love of entertaining. Bootcamp & Bites with Robert Irvine added an energised start to the day, pairing fitness with flavour, while Peace Love Yoga offered a restorative pause, creating a thoughtful balance between indulgence and mindfulness.
At Eden Roc Miami Beach, The Cookout brought together JJ Johnson, James Beard Award-winning chef, and Fat Joe for an evening of bold Caribbean dishes, music, and celebration of the African Diaspora. Masters of Fire, hosted by Tyler Florence, returned with fire-driven cooking demonstrations that thrilled guests.
Meanwhile, Overtown Brunch with Marcus Samuelsson returned to Red Rooster Overtown, highlighting the neighborhood’s standout chefs and the creations and stories that make the area so remarkable.
Michelle Bernstein was honoured at a Tribute Dinner alongside Bobby Flay and Sacha Lichine, recognising her lasting impact on the city’s dining scene. Martha Stewart co-hosted an intimate lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab with Sacha Lichine, drawing longtime admirers and industry insiders alike. Hip-hop icon Ja Rule brought his signature stage presence to the Only in Dade Stage, while a Late Night Pizza Party, hosted by Ashley Graham, Michael Pirolo, and Marc Vetri, carried the celebration into the early hours.
The Grand Finale
The Festival wrapped up with The David Grutman Experience earlier in the day on the beach, where DJ Khaled lit up the beach and guests mingled, enjoying a celebratory, music-filled atmosphere. Later, BACARDÍ’s 25 Years of Legendary Bites & Iconic Sips, hosted by Andrew Zimmern, featured DJ Cassidy, who played an incredible set that had everyone singing and dancing, bringing the anniversary weekend to a curated, festive close.
After 25 years, Lee Brian Schrager’s vision has firmly positioned SOBEWFF® as a global culinary landmark. More than a festival, it has become an annual reunion, drawing families, friends, students, and visitors from across the world. Shared meals, live music, and unforgettable experiences unite attendees in a way that has made SOBEWFF® a cornerstone of gastronomic culture and South Florida’s social calendar.
To find out more about SOBEWFF®, visit sobewff.org