Traverse City Tourism has announced expanded programming for the 2026 Traverse City Food & Wine festival, scheduled for August 19–23. The multi-day event will include more than 80 culinary and beverage-focused experiences across Traverse City and the surrounding region.
New for 2026, the festival will feature daily programming at the Open Space Demonstration Kitchen along the downtown waterfront. The venue will host chef demonstrations, tastings, and events overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay throughout the week.
“The lakes and fresh water are central to the lifestyle, agriculture, and recreation that define Traverse City and the surrounding region,” said Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism. “We expanded our programming this year to create new opportunities for guests to experience the waterfront setting at Open Space Park.”
Morning chef demonstrations will take place August 19–21, featuring local chefs, visiting chefs, and guest appearances including Kevin Tien. Programming will also include family-focused activities and panel discussions.
Additional events scheduled throughout the festival include an opening night dinner featuring Michigan-based chefs, wine seminars led by industry professionals, and tasting events highlighting regional products. The Grand Tasting will return on August 22 with chef demonstrations and beverage sampling, alongside a redesigned VIP experience.
The 2026 schedule also introduces new events such as collaborative chef dinners, winery tours, and specialty tastings. Participating chefs and speakers will include Andrew Zimmern, Afrim Pristine, and Aarti Sequeira, among others.
The festival will conclude August 23 with a featured lunch event incorporating regional and guest culinary influences.
What's Happening
Traverse City Tourism has announced expanded programming for the 2026 Traverse City Food & Wine festival, scheduled for August 19–23. The multi-day event will include more than 80 culinary and beverage-focused experiences across Traverse City and the surrounding region.
New for 2026, the festival will feature daily programming at the Open Space Demonstration Kitchen along the downtown waterfront. The venue will host chef demonstrations, tastings, and events overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay throughout the week.
“The lakes and fresh water are central to the lifestyle, agriculture, and recreation that define Traverse City and the surrounding region,” said Whitney Waara, chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism. “We expanded our programming this year to create new opportunities for guests to experience the waterfront setting at Open Space Park.”
Morning chef demonstrations will take place August 19–21, featuring local chefs, visiting chefs, and guest appearances including Kevin Tien. Programming will also include family-focused activities and panel discussions.
Additional events scheduled throughout the festival include an opening night dinner featuring Michigan-based chefs, wine seminars led by industry professionals, and tasting events highlighting regional products. The Grand Tasting will return on August 22 with chef demonstrations and beverage sampling, alongside a redesigned VIP experience.
The 2026 schedule also introduces new events such as collaborative chef dinners, winery tours, and specialty tastings. Participating chefs and speakers will include Andrew Zimmern, Afrim Pristine, and Aarti Sequeira, among others.
The festival will conclude August 23 with a featured lunch event incorporating regional and guest culinary influences.
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Location
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
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