The highly anticipated 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is set to delight culinary enthusiasts, returning for its 43rd year with a stellar lineup of celebrity chefs and industry leaders. Scheduled for June 19 through 21, the festival promises to showcase an exceptional array of cooking demonstrations, seminars, tastings, and exclusive parties against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Notable figures in the culinary world, including Food Network stars Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson, are among the esteemed chefs featured in this year’s event. The festival, organized by Food & Wine magazine, officially announced its lineup on December 10, providing an exciting preview of what attendees can expect.
Throughout the three-day festival, guests will have the opportunity to participate in cooking demonstrations and discussions led by Flay and Williamson, along with other culinary luminaries such as Maneet Chauhan, Andrew Zimmern, Tiffany Derry, Tyler Florence, Stephanie Izard, Ayesha Nurdjaja, Claudette Zepeda, and Chris Shepherd. This diverse group of chefs will not only share their culinary expertise but also engage attendees in the art of cooking.
In addition to the star-studded roster of chefs, the festival will feature wine and cocktail seminars conducted by a team of leading sommeliers and beverage professionals. Notable wine experts like Andy Chabot, Arjav Ezekiel, Anthony Giglio, and many others will lead discussions and tastings, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of fine wines and mixology for attendees.
Food & Wine Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting the festival’s long-standing tradition since its inception in 1983. Lewis emphasized the unique experience of gathering culinary professionals, wine experts, and food lovers in one of the most picturesque settings in the United States. He promised “unforgettable experiences” and a focus on celebrating culinary icons and emerging talents alike.
In addition to the culinary festivities, the 2026 festival will also commit to giving back, with donations to charity partners such as No Kid Hungry, which aims to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States, and the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit providing emergency aid and mental health support to food and beverage workers.
Tickets for the festival went on sale starting at noon ET on December 10, and early purchase is strongly recommended, as tickets are known to sell out quickly each year.
As excitement builds for the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, attendees can look forward to a remarkable celebration of food, wine, and community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence.
