For northern Illinois residents who are hoping for one more summer getaway, Traverse City’s second annual Food & Wine event offers a great excuse for a weekend road trip to northern Michigan.
Traverse City Food & Wine will return for its second year for five days, Aug. 19–23.
The popular celebration brings together acclaimed chefs, award-winning wineries, craft beverages and scenic views along Lake Michigan, making it one of the Midwest’s premier culinary events for food and wine lovers.
Traverse City is home to more than 40 wineries, award-winning restaurants and a thriving culinary community. Guests are invited to savor the region’s finest produce, agricultural products and remarkable flavors crafted by award-winning chefs – all set against the stunning backdrop of West Grand Traverse Bay in the peak moments of summer.
The 2025 Traverse City Food & Wine featured more than 80 events, most of which sold out, and drew visitors from 34 states.
The 2026 program is poised to be more expansive, with highlights including:
James Beard Foundation Dinner — Wednesday, Aug. 19: The festival’s opening night features an elegant al fresco dinner celebrating culinary excellence, with nine Michigan James Beard finalists teaming up to craft the wine-paired affair benefiting the James Beard Foundation.The Grand Tasting — Saturday, Aug. 22: An afternoon event that includes chef demonstrations, dozens of local bites and more than 100 locally made beers, wines and spirits, returns as the festival’s signature centerpiece at the Traverse City Open Space. The Grand Tasting will include a fully-redesigned VIP area with a curated beverage selection and numerous local award-winning chefs who will feature dishes exclusive to the VIP area.Bubbles by the Bay — Thursday, Aug. 20: Toast the sunset over the bay with some of northern Michigan’s finest wines crafted in the Méthode Champenoise, paired with decadent desserts and small bites.Dirt to Glass Walk-Around Tasting — Thursday, Aug. 20: An immersive experience connecting guests to learn from a side-by-side tasting of Michigan wines with benchmark wines that are cited as some of the best in the world.
For more information or to plan your weekend, visit traversecity.com/food-wine.
