Fort Worth, Texas, December 4, 2025
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation is gearing up for its 2026 Spring Festival, taking place at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork. This year’s festival will feature exciting new events aimed at celebrating Texas cuisine, including collaborations with other regional food festivals. Highlights include the Fork + Fire event and the Big Brunch, alongside the debut of ‘Taste of Texas Row.’ The festival aims to foster community engagement and showcase local culinary talent across multiple cities in Texas.
Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival 2026: New Events and Collaboration
A Texas Culinary Celebration Awaits
Fort Worth, Texas – The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation (FWFWF) is set to transform the culinary landscape with its 2026 Spring Festival, featuring a delightful assortment of events designed to showcase the rich flavors and diversity of Texas cuisine. From April 9 to April 12, 2026, attendees can expect an immersive experience at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork, amid a backdrop of creativity and collaboration among regional food festivals.
The upcoming festival highlights not only local talent but also emphasizes the power of collaboration. By reducing bureaucratic barriers and fostering partnerships within the culinary community, organizers are setting the stage for innovation and personal initiative, ushering in a new era of culinary experiences in Texas.
New Signature Events and Programming
This year, the festival boasts a lineup of newly reimagined signature events, with expanded programming over the weekend:
- Fork + Fire (Saturday, April 11): This reinterpreted event combines the “Taste of Texas Row” experience with expanded live-fire grilling, offering guests the chance to savor exceptional food, premium beverages, and music across two stages.
- The Big Brunch (Sunday, April 12): A relaxed finale featuring an array of sweet and savory brunch items complemented by FWFWF’s signature live-fire area, alongside two distinct musical environments where guests can tailor their experience.
Introducing “Taste of Texas Row” Collaboration
A standout feature of the 2026 festival is the launch of “Taste of Texas Row.” This innovative collaboration brings together three esteemed regional festivals—the Chefs For Farmers Dallas Food + Wine Festival, Hot Luck Festival in Austin, and Southern Smoke Festival from Houston. Each festival will highlight four chefs that encapsulate their city’s culinary identity, thereby offering attendees a diverse multi-city tasting experience.
Additionally, FWFWF will present its own tent featuring leading North Texas talent, along with a Hidden Gems showcase spotlighting remarkable restaurants statewide. This ambitious initiative not only celebrates Texas dining but also elevates the local culinary narrative while promoting individual achievements within the food community.
Returning Signature Events and Experiences
The festival will also continue to offer its popular, returning events:
- Tacos + Tequila (Thursday, April 9): A vibrant kickoff event that celebrates the bold flavors of tacos and crafted tequila cocktails.
- The Main Event (Friday, April 10): The cornerstone of the festival, presenting hundreds of bites and beverages from top local and regional chefs, artisan producers, and craft artisans.
Understanding the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation is a key player in the community, serving as a 501(c)(3) non-profit that nurtures local culinary talent while providing funding for scholarships and educational grants. Their commitment to preserving and promoting culinary art underscores the importance of community engagement in fostering a vibrant local culture.
Ticket Information
Tickets for all spring events are available for purchase at fwfwf.org. Each ticket grants access to a wide selection of food and beverages, enabling attendees to explore the best of Texas cuisine in a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
Conclusion
The 2026 Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival is poised to become a hallmark of culinary excellence in Texas, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and community engagement. As the festival unfolds, it invites residents and visitors alike to join in celebrating local talent and delicious flavors. Attending the festival is not just an opportunity to savor great food; it is a chance to support local initiatives that contribute to the rich tapestry of Austin and Fort Worth’s culinary landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the community and explore the boundless possibilities of Texas dining.
FAQ
When is the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival 2026?
The festival is scheduled from April 9 to April 12, 2026, at the Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork in Fort Worth, Texas.
What are the new events introduced in the 2026 festival?
The 2026 festival introduces two newly reimagined signature events: Fork + Fire and The Big Brunch, both featuring expanded full-venue programming on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
What is the “Taste of Texas Row” collaboration?
“Taste of Texas Row” is a groundbreaking collaboration where multiple regional food festivals—Chefs For Farmers Dallas Food + Wine Festival, Hot Luck Festival, and Southern Smoke Festival—join the Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival to create a statewide tasting experience. Each festival will curate a lineup of four chefs representing their city’s culinary identity, complemented by FWFWF’s own tent showcasing leading North Texas talent.
How can I purchase tickets for the festival?
Tickets for all spring events are available now at fwfwf.org. Tickets cover all the food and beverages one can (responsibly) consume at the event.
What is the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation?
The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable foundation that celebrates local culinary talent and funds culinary scholarships, classroom grants, and more, creating bright futures for local students, their families, and the community.
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tacos + Tequila | Thursday, April 9 | A high-energy kickoff celebrating bold flavors, creative tortillas, and handcrafted tequila cocktails curated by chefs and beverage professionals from North Texas and beyond. |
| The Main Event | Friday, April 10 | The festival’s cornerstone tasting returns with hundreds of bites, pours, and sips from top chefs, artisan producers, craft brewers, distillers, and winemakers. |
| Fork + Fire | Saturday, April 11 | A fully reimagined Saturday-night experience, Fork + Fire brings the statewide “Taste of Texas Row” showcase together with FWFWF’s expanded live-fire grilling offerings, “The Fireside”—each in their own dedicated areas within Heart of the Ranch. Guests will discover exceptional food, premium beverages, and two music stages—serving up bluesy, country music, and a DJ set—in a full-venue celebration of Texas flavor, craft, and creativity. |
| The Big Brunch | Sunday, April 12 | The Big Brunch debuts as a relaxed, wide-open Sunday finale featuring sweet and savory brunch offerings alongside FWFWF’s signature live-fire cooking area—”The Fireside”. With two distinct music environments—gospel on one stage and country on the other—guests can curate the brunch style that suits them best. |
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