The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival drew more than 35,000 attendees to the Seaport from Oct. 15 to 18, 2026. Organizers used the city itself as a venue, adding a rooftop stage with a Manhattan skyline backdrop and reworking the campus for smoother arrivals. The result was a larger program with more varied settings rather than simply a bigger event.
New Venues and a Reworked Seaport Campus
Produced by a21, the four-day festival featured more than 300 chefs, culinary personalities, creators and entertainers across more than 50 events around New York City. The Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport remained the center of the weekend. The Rooftop at Pier 17 made its festival debut as part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Rooftop Series and hosted several signature events.
Founder and CEO Brett Friedman said the organizers added a new main entrance and a more streamlined rideshare drop-off to help guests move in and out of the site. He framed the changes as better use of existing spaces rather than expansion for its own sake.
Signature Events and Celebrity Appearances
The weekend opened with the Blue Moon Burger Bash, hosted by Rachael Ray and Bert Kreischer and presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats. On Oct. 16, more than 5,000 hospitality professionals attended Southern Glazer's Trade Day, where Sylvester Stallone joined founder Lee Brian Schrager for an onstage conversation. Other highlights included Steak & Whiskey, Flavors of Bollywood and the debut of New York After Dark, which paired food from Kwame Onwuachi's favorite city restaurants with cocktails and music.
Partnerships Built Around the Guest Experience
New partners this year included Norwegian Cruise Line and the New York Lottery. Friedman said the festival now favors partners willing to shape activations rather than simply place logos, and he noted that some brands can contribute meaningfully without building a standalone display. Bosch Home Appliances sponsored the Grand Tasting's culinary demonstrations, and Kahlúa and Dunkin' offered a latte customization station there.
Looking Ahead to the 20th Anniversary
The festival returns Oct. 14 to 17, 2027, for its 20th anniversary. Organizers have not published further details in the supplied material, so attendees should check official announcements for ticketing and schedules.