From Rachael Ray, Kwame Onwuachi to mgk, Bert Kreischer and Nigel Ng AKA Uncle Roger, NYCWFF brings star power to tastings, rooftop parties and one-night-only dinners October 15–18

New York’s premier culinary event, the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ (NYCWFF), returns this week for its 19th year on October 15–18, 2026. More than 50 events will showcase New York City’s culinary scene, from signature tastings at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport to rooftop celebrations, live cooking demonstrations, and one-night-only chef collaborations across the city. While many events are sold out, limited tickets remain for some of the Festival’s most anticipated experiences at nycwff.org, including New York Lottery’s Grand Tasting with Culinary Demonstrations presented by Bosch Home Appliances, Bank of America’s FoodieCon® presented by SUNSET® and The Cookout presented by Mike’s Amazing with music by Method Man.

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Across four days, the Festival will bring together celebrated chefs, culinary creators and entertainment personalities including Rachael Ray, Bert Kreischer, mgk (Machine Gun Kelly), Nigel Ng AKA Uncle Roger, Kwame Onwuachi, DJ D-Nice, Method Man, Whoopi Goldberg and more. Newly joining the festivities are Luann de Lesseps, Dorinda Medley and Kelly Bensimon of E!’s The Golden Life, who will make a special appearance at Steak & Whiskey hosted by Bryan and Michael Voltaggio on Friday, October 16.

The festivities kick off Thursday, October 15, with the iconic Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray and Bert Kreischer. Part of the Norwegian Cruise Line Rooftop Series at The Rooftop at Pier 17, the burger battle will bring together some of New York City’s best burgers, with a celebrity judging panel featuring Anthony Anderson, Ana Navarro, Cedric the Entertainer, Jet Tila, Andrew Rea of Binging with Babish and Sophie Flay set to help crown the winners. That evening also features A Culinary Journey Through Peru presented by Crystal hosted by Nobu Matsuhisa, marking the acclaimed chef’s NYCWFF debut.

The excitement continues Friday, October 16, with Best of the Best presented by Resorts World New York City hosted by Jonathan Waxman and Keith Hernandez, showcasing more than 15 James Beard Award winners, nominees and semifinalists. That evening also marks the debut of Flavors of Bollywood hosted by Maneet Chauhan and Vijay Kumar, bringing together New York City’s top Indian restaurants for a celebration of Indian cuisine and culture.

On Saturday, October 17, New York After Dark presented by AirBnB hosted by Kwame Onwuachi, will transform The Rooftop at Pier 17 into a celebration of New York’s food, music and culture. Inspired by his forthcoming cookbook, All Hours, the event will feature a chef-curated feast and music by DJ D-Nice.

Sunday, October 18, begins with the new non-alcoholic Morning Buzz hosted by mgk of 27 Club Coffee, celebrating the city’s coffee, matcha, tea and breakfast scene. The Festival culminates with The Cookout presented by Mike’s Amazing hosted by JJ Johnson and Angela Yee, featuring a special performance by Method Man and an appearance by EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg.

The Grand Tasting at the Invesco QQQ Festival Campus in the Seaport remains a centerpiece of the weekend, with a variety of hosts, including Marcus Samuelsson, Andrew Rea of Binging with Babish, Ayesha Nurdjaja and Michael Symon, along with Culinary Demonstrations presented by Bosch Home Appliances. Guests can enjoy restaurant tastings, wine and spirits, and live demonstrations featuring celebrated chefs and personalities and book signings.

Fans can also step inside the creator-driven world of Bank of America’s FoodieCon® presented by SUNSET®, returning Sunday, October 18, at Storied NYC. The full day of live conversations, interactive challenges, tastings and meet-and-greets will feature creators including Nigel Ng AKA Uncle Roger, Holly Barnes, August DeWindt, Kevin Noparvar and Olivia Tiedemann, alongside Food Network personalities Alex Guarnaschelli and Esther Choi. Alessandra Ciuffo of @FlavorsbyAle will serve as the day’s emcee.

In addition to these marquee experiences, the Festival will welcome back Oyster Bash presented by Modelo hosted by Andrew Zimmern and Tacos & Tequila presented by LALO TEQUILA hosted by Aarón Sánchez. Its intimate dinner series includes collaborations featuring Angie Mar and Charlie Palmer, Byron Puck and Cedric Vongerichten, and the Festival’s first non-alcoholic dinner at The Maze NYC with Jonathon Sawyer and Gautier Coiffard.

Beyond showcasing culinary talent, the Festival remains committed to creating a meaningful impact on the food and hospitality industry. Net proceeds from the Festival will support the Event Zero Foundation and its mission to advance sustainability and environmental responsibility across the events industry, as well as the James Beard Foundation® and its work to lead chefs and the broader culinary community toward a new standard of excellence.

Tickets for all remaining events are available now at nycwff.org. Stay up to date by following the conversation all year long on Facebook and Instagram using @NYCWFF and on TikTok at NYCWineFoodFestival.

Press images and interviews are available upon request.

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ

The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ is hosted by and benefits the Event Zero Foundation and the James Beard Foundation. Over the past 18 years, the Festival has generated more than $15 million in net proceeds for its charitable causes. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the exclusive provider of wine and spirits at the Festival. BizBash has named the Festival the #1 Food & Restaurant Industry event in New York for 10 years in a row. More information on the Festival can be found at nycwff.org. Follow @NYCWFF on Facebook and Instagram and on TikTok at @NYCWineFoodFestival.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2024, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @sgwinespirits.

The James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy. For nearly 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Learn more at jamesbeard.org.

Event Zero Foundation

The Event Zero Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering positive environmental and social impact within the events industry. Our mission is to inspire and guide event organizers, businesses and communities to implement sustainable practices that reduce environmental footprints and promote social responsibility. Learn more at eventzerofoundation.org.

a21

a21 is a full-service live experience agency, specializing in event operations, production, marketing, corporate sales and brand activations for live experiences. Founded in 2006, a21’s portfolio includes internationally recognized events and festivals in South Florida and throughout the US: Food Network South Beach & New York City Wine & Food Festivals, Sunfest, Palm Beach Wine & Food Festival, Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Heritage Fire and Whiskies of the World National Tours, AMP’s suite of Art Fairs, International Wine & Spirits Competition and more. Learn more at https://www.teama21.com/.

About the Seaport

Located along the East River in Lower Manhattan, the Seaport is one of New York City’s original neighborhoods, rich in maritime history and framed by iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline. Today, it’s a vibrant home for residents and a global destination for visitors, offering over 450,000 square feet of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. The Seaport celebrates local organizations, emerging and established artists, and community connection through year-round programming. It has become the go-to destination in New York City for marquee events including the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the New York City Wine and Food Festival. Visit www.theseaport.nyc or @theseaportnyc for the latest.

*Invesco is not affiliated with the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival or any of the individuals, brands or companies mentioned; nor should this be construed as an endorsement for any of the individuals, brands or companies mentioned.

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