Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival returns March 2026, to Riverside

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/05 .. ne-festival-returns-march-2026-to-riverside.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 19:53 GMT by Action News Jax

Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival Returns to Riverside in March 2026

The long‑anticipated return of the Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival is slated for March 2026, drawing culinary enthusiasts to the Riverside waterfront. After a two‑year hiatus prompted by the pandemic, the event is set to resume at its traditional venue, promising a vibrant blend of local flavors, fine wines, and live entertainment.

Date and Venue

Mark your calendars: the festival will run from March 11 to March 13, 2026, occupying the Riverside Park amphitheater and adjacent picnic areas. The waterfront setting offers panoramic views of the St. Johns River, providing an ideal backdrop for tasting sessions and live cooking demonstrations. Riverside Park, a favorite gathering spot for residents and tourists alike, will be transformed into a culinary marketplace, complete with food stalls, wine tasting tents, and interactive workshops.

Highlights and Programming

The festival’s programming has been expanded to showcase a broader spectrum of culinary arts. Chefs from across the state, including award‑winning personalities such as Chef Laila Hernandez of La Palapa and Chef Marcus Thompson of Midtown Bistro, will conduct live demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe techniques ranging from sous‑vide to molecular gastronomy, followed by sample tastings.

Wine lovers are in for a treat. The festival will feature 12 tasting stations, each curated by a local sommelier. These include selections from the region’s premier vineyards—such as the renowned Fernandina Winery, which will host a masterclass on sustainable winemaking. In addition, the festival will spotlight emerging craft breweries, including Jacksonville’s own Riverstone Brew Co., which will offer a “brew‑and‑taste” lounge.

Beyond food and wine, the festival will host a series of live entertainment acts. Local musicians, from blues guitarist Jamison Lee to the indie folk duo The Riverside Band, will perform nightly in the amphitheater. The event will also feature a pop‑up theater where local actors will present short culinary-themed plays, adding a theatrical flair to the gastronomic experience.

Ticketing and Access

Ticketing for the festival opens on November 15, 2025, with an early‑bird discount of 20 % for the first 500 tickets. General admission is priced at $75 per person for the full three‑day experience. The festival also offers a VIP pass for $200, which includes a private lounge, a meet‑and‑greet with participating chefs, and exclusive access to a limited‑edition wine tasting.

Families can purchase a “Family Pack” for $150, allowing up to four members to enjoy the festival’s attractions. Children under 12 enter free with a paying adult. The festival will also provide a free parking pass for all ticket holders, though limited spaces will be available, so arriving early is recommended.

Community Involvement and Sponsorship

The Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival is a community-driven event, with several local businesses and organizations acting as sponsors. The city’s tourism board, the Jacksonville Culinary Association, and local hospitality venues such as the Riverside Inn and the Gulf Coast Marriott are among the primary partners. Their support helps keep ticket prices affordable while ensuring a high‑quality event that showcases the region’s culinary prowess.

In addition to sponsorship, the festival has partnered with the Jacksonville Food Bank to offer a “Food for All” initiative. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the food bank, ensuring that the festival’s success also benefits those in need within the community.

Culinary Diversity and Sustainability

A key focus of this year’s festival is celebrating culinary diversity and promoting sustainable practices. The organizers have curated a menu that features plant‑based options, farm‑to‑table produce, and seafood sourced from responsible fisheries. Local farmers will present their produce at a dedicated farmers’ market, offering fresh ingredients and recipes for home cooking.

The festival will also host a “Sustainability Workshop” where attendees can learn about reducing food waste, composting, and using eco‑friendly packaging. These sessions aim to inspire both chefs and home cooks to adopt greener practices.

Getting There and Staying Overnight

Riverside Park is easily accessible by public transportation. The Jacksonville Transit system’s 15‑line will stop directly at the park entrance, providing a convenient option for those traveling from downtown or other parts of the city. For those planning to stay overnight, several nearby hotels will offer special festival packages, including early check‑in, complimentary shuttle service to the event, and discounted rates.

Conclusion

The Jacksonville Food & Wine Festival’s return in March 2026 promises to be a gastronomic celebration that honors local traditions while embracing innovation. With a lineup of celebrated chefs, curated wine tastings, and engaging entertainment, the festival aims to create an immersive experience that delights both seasoned food lovers and newcomers alike. Whether you’re a culinary connoisseur or simply looking for a fun way to spend a weekend, the Riverside waterfront will be the place to be. Keep an eye on the festival’s official website for updates, detailed schedules, and ticketing information, and be sure to secure your spot early to avoid missing out on this highly anticipated event.