Jacksonville Florida Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
January
Riverside Craft Beer Festival
February
St. Augustine Spanish Food & Wine Festival
February
TCJ Wine Tasting Gala
February
St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival
April
Jacksonville Brunch Fest
April
San Marco Beer Festival
April
Taste of St. Augustine
May
St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival
May
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
June
Orange Park Fall Festival
October
Jacksonville Beach Oktoberfest
October
Island Hop Craft Beer Festival
October
JAX Greek Fest
November
St. Mary's Seafood Festival
November
Whiskey Wine & Wildlife
November
Time to Taste: Jacksonville's Finest Food, Wine, and Beer Festivals
Jacksonville Florida, is not just a haven for sunshine and beaches, it's also a paradise for foodies and beverage enthusiasts. The city hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that celebrate all things food and drink.
From mouthwatering dishes to exquisite wines and craft beers, Jacksonville's festivals offer a feast for the senses. Here are two outstanding events for each category that promise to tantalize taste buds and leave lasting memories.
Jacksonville Food Festivals:
The annual celebration of Greek culture and cuisine draws thousands to Jacksonville's St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. Traditional Greek dancers in colorful costumes perform hourly shows on the main stage, while live bouzouki music from the Odyssey Band fills the air. Over 30 food vendors, including family-owned Yiayia's Kitchen and Mediterranean Delights, serve authentic dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and fresh-grilled souvlaki. The indoor marketplace features 25 artisan vendors selling imported olive oils, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional Greek pottery.
Festival organizers expect more than 15,000 attendees throughout the weekend to enjoy the church's famous homemade baklava, Greek wines, and ouzo tastings. Children can participate in special activities including Greek language lessons, myth storytelling sessions, and olive wreath making workshops.
Jacksonville Brunch Fest: April
The largest morning meal celebration in Northeast Florida draws thousands of hungry attendees to the Jacksonville Fairgrounds each spring. Local favorites like Maple Street Biscuit Company, Southern Roots Filling Station, and First Watch serve up their most popular brunch dishes alongside craft bloody marys and mimosa flights. Nearly 40 food and beverage vendors participate, offering everything from chicken and waffles to vegan breakfast burritos and fresh-pressed juices.
Live music from Jacksonville-based acoustic artists provides a relaxed backdrop as guests sample their way through the indoor-outdoor venue space. A dedicated mimosa garden features over 15 different fruit juice combinations, while local coffee roasters serve up specialty cold brews and lattes. The festival's signature feature is its massive build-your-own bloody mary bar with over 50 garnish options including bacon, pickled vegetables, and mini sliders.
Jacksonville Wine Festivals:
St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival: May
This culinary gathering in northeast Florida has grown to become one of the region's premier food and beverage celebrations. The St. Augustine Food & Wine Festival, hosted at the World Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Village Renaissance Resort, welcomes over 4,000 attendees to sample offerings from more than 75 local and regional vendors. Notable participants include local favorites like Ice Plant Bar, Michael's, and The Raintree, alongside visiting chefs and wineries from across the Southeast. Guests can indulge in fresh seafood dishes, artisanal cheeses, craft cocktails, and wines from over 40 different vineyards, while Southern rock bands Sister Hazel and The Corbitt Brothers provide live entertainment throughout the weekend.
The festival features unique experiences including chef-led cooking demonstrations, wine seminars by master sommeliers, and an exclusive VIP area offering rare wine tastings and elevated culinary offerings. A portion of proceeds supports the World Golf Hall of Fame PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club, making the celebration both delicious and purposeful.
Whiskey Wine & Wildlife: November
A diverse gathering of culinary talent and beverage experts creates an unforgettable tasting experience in Vilano Beach Beach, San Augustine. The Whiskey Wine & Wildlife features over 40 local and regional vendors, including noteworthy participants like Marker 32, Safe Harbor Seafood, and Manifest Distilling. Festival-goers, typically around 2,500 attendees, can sample artisanal dishes highlighting local seafood and game meats while enjoying curated whiskey flights and wine pairings from across the globe. Live music is provided by local Jacksonville favorite The Band Be Easy, performing a mix of soul, R&B, and jazz throughout the event.
Special features include wildlife education exhibits from the Jacksonville Zoo, hands-on cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and a unique spirits-aging workshop where guests can learn about barrel-aging techniques. The VIP lounge offers exclusive tastings of rare spirits and wines, along with intimate meet-and-greet sessions with master distillers and sommeliers.
Jacksonville Beer Festivals:
Riverside Craft Beer Festival: February
Florida's premier drinking events scene reaches a peak each year with a massive beer celebration along the St. Johns River. The Riverside Craft Beer Festival, held at Riverside Arts Market under the Fuller Warren Bridge in Jacksonville, typically draws over 2,000 beer enthusiasts eager to sample from 35 different breweries. Local favorites like Intuition Ale Works, Bold City Brewery, and Veterans United Craft Brewery pour alongside regional powerhouses such as Cigar City and Funky Buddha, offering more than 100 different beer varieties.
Food trucks line the riverside, serving everything from gourmet tacos to smoked barbecue, while local bands like The Band Be Easy and Split Tone provide live entertainment on the main stage. Festival organizers create a relaxed atmosphere with lawn games, local artisan vendors selling handmade goods, and a VIP tent offering exclusive beer tastings and food pairings. The event features a home brewers' competition where amateur brewers showcase their best creations, judged by certified beer experts and industry professionals.
Island Hop Craft Beer Festival: October
Each fall, thousands of craft beer enthusiasts gather at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach to sample unique brews from over 30 regional and national breweries at the Island Hop Craft Beer Festival. The oceanfront venue provides a perfect backdrop for attendees to taste more than 100 different craft beers, including local favorites from Southern Swells Brewing Co., Green Room Brewing, and Intuition Ale Works. Food trucks line the festival grounds serving everything from fresh seafood to gourmet tacos, while live music from local bands Like Minded and The Honey Badgers keeps the crowd energized throughout the day. Guest brewers host informal tasting sessions and brewing technique demonstrations under the main pavilion, sharing insights into the craft beer-making process.
Nearly 3,000 beer lovers attend this growing festival, many traveling from neighboring states to participate in the popular People's Choice beer competition. The event features a dedicated game zone with cornhole tournaments and giant Jenga, plus a VIP area offering exclusive barrel-aged and limited-release beer tastings.
In Jacksonville, the food, wine, and beer festivals are more than just events, they're celebrations of the city's vibrant culinary culture. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or a craft beer lover, these festivals offer a diverse and delectable array of options to satisfy every palate.