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Key West Food & Wine Festival
The 17th Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival in 2026 is a premier culinary event that transforms the island into a world-class tasting destination. This year, the festival features a unique geographical focus, celebrating the bounty of the Pacific Coast through its “Red, White & Pacific Blue” theme.
Festival Dates & Theme
Dates: January 28 – February 1, 2026
2026 Theme: “Red, White & Pacific Blue”
The festival is a “coastal highway tour” for the palate, highlighting the wines and cuisine of the West Coast of the Americas. You’ll explore flavors stretching from British Columbia and Washington down through Oregon, California, and Baja California, Mexico.
2026 Signature Events
The festival is spread across various iconic island locations, from historic gardens to working marinas.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
| BC to BC VIP Kick-off | Wed, Jan 28 | Duval Street Area | The official opening where VIP guests collect “swag bags” and begin the Pacific tour. |
| Artist Showcase | Wed, Jan 28 | Fiovida Gallery | A showcase of the festival’s official artwork by Tony Chatman on Lazy Way Lane. |
| Key West Cooking Show Lunch | Thu, Jan 29 | Front Street | A hands-on “Dinnertainment” adventure teaching the bold flavors of Key West. |
| Pacific Coast Grand Tasting | Fri, Jan 30 | Audubon House & Gardens | The crown jewel event. Sample dozens of wines from BC to Baja in a lush tropical garden. |
| Puget Sound Seafood & Wine | Sat, Jan 31 | Lost Kitchen Supper Club | A hidden waterfront meal at Safe Harbour Marina featuring Washington State pairings. |
| Baja Seafood Fiesta | Sat, Jan 31 | Hyatt Centric Dock | A high-energy “fiesta a la México” featuring authentic Baja dishes and sommelier-led pairings. |
What to Expect
Diverse Terroir: This isn’t just about Florida seafood; it’s a deep dive into Pacific wine regions. Expect complex Pinot Noirs from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and crisp, cool-climate whites from British Columbia.
Unique Venues: Instead of a single convention hall, the festival uses the whole island. You might find yourself sipping wine in a 19th-century ship captain’s garden or enjoying a multi-course meal on a working dock.
Expert Education: Many events are led by Master Sommeliers and award-winning chefs who provide backstories on the specific vineyards and sustainable fishing practices featured in the menu.
Exclusive VIP Experience: The “VIP Experience” is the gold standard for this festival, often including all nine main events and a curated gift bag, allowing for a seamless, all-inclusive weekend.
Pro-Tips for 2026
Ticket Strategy: This is a strictly ticketed event, and they do not sell tickets at the door. Most events (especially the Grand Tasting) sell out months in advance. If you missed the initial September 30, 2025 launch, check the official website for any late releases or cancellations.
Walk or Bike: Because events take place at various “secret” and historic locations throughout Old Town and the Stock Island marinas, a bicycle is your best friend. For further locations like the Lost Kitchen, the festival often provides shuttle transportation from a central meeting point.
Dress Code: “Key West Chic” is the standard. Think breezy linen, stylish sundresses, and comfortable sandals. For the Grand Tasting at the Audubon House, the ground is brick and gravel, so leave the thin heels at home.
Pace Yourself: With wine-heavy events starting as early as 11:00 AM, hydration is key. The January sun is milder than July, but the tropical humidity is still a factor when you’re sampling wines outdoors.
