A beloved tradition returned to South Florida in full flavor and flair as the 29th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival took over the heart of Fort Lauderdale, blending culinary creativity, spirited sips, and community purpose into one unforgettable evening. More than 2,500 foodies and philanthropists gathered for the event, which raised nearly $440,000 to support the American Lung Association’s life-saving work.
Transforming four blocks of the iconic Las Olas Boulevard into an epicurean playground, the festival showcased more than 50 of South Florida’s top restaurants alongside 200+ wines and spirits from around the globe. From bold bites to fine pours, the evening highlighted the power of great food and great company for a great cause.
“This festival isn’t just about what’s on the plate or in the glass—it’s about the lives we’re helping to change,” said Riley Burke, Event Chair and Senior Director of Trade Development at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Florida. “With 90 cents of every dollar going directly to the American Lung Association’s mission, every toast tonight truly meant something.”
A Night to Remember
The festivities kicked off in style at the VIP Kick Off Party hosted at the Riverside Hotel’s New River Patio, presented by Florida Power & Light and Amerant Bank. Guests were treated to exclusive bites from Shooters Waterfront and curated premium pours in the Elevated Wine Garden, with standout selections from Caymus Vineyards, Charles Krug, French Blue, and Freixenet Mionetto USA, all presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Top-tier spirits sponsors including Aperol, Espolón Tequila, Jim Beam, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka upped the energy with craft cocktails and interactive lounges. The evening climaxed at the Demesmin & Dover Block Party, where guests danced under the stars to beats from DJ Paule, with a high-tech twist thanks to the Amerant Bank VR Golf Challenge.
A Culinary Showcase
The festival was a feast for the senses, offering a taste of everything South Florida has to offer—from gourmet bites to global cuisine. Participating restaurants included local favorites like Louie Bossi, Casa Sensei, Bae Korean Grill, Abiaka Wood Fire Grill, Timpano Las Olas, and Shake Shack, alongside a diverse lineup that spanned everything from Jamaican to Vietnamese, Polish to Peruvian.
Also joining the lineup were standout newcomers and culinary creators like Petit en Bouche, Phuse Cream, and The Private Sushi Chef, giving guests an eclectic range of flavors to explore with every step down the boulevard.
More Than a Party
While the evening dazzled the senses, its true impact lies in its mission. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the American Lung Association’s critical work serving 3.3 million Floridians living with lung disease, including those battling asthma, COPD, and lung cancer—the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
With efforts ranging from research and education to advocacy and clean air initiatives, the Lung Association’s reach continues to grow—powered in part by community events like this.
Strong Partnerships, Stronger Impact
This year’s event was made possible by a robust network of partners and sponsors, including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, The Swezy Foundation, Blackstone Agency, The Las Olas Company, Memorial Cancer Institute, Florida Power & Light, Cadillac, Viceroy Fort Lauderdale, LaCroix, and many more. Media partners such as Sun Sentinel, City & Shore Magazine, and HITS 97.3 helped bring attention to the cause and draw the crowd.
The Riverside Hotel served as the official hotel partner, anchoring the festival experience for out-of-towners and locals alike.
Want to be part of next year’s culinary celebration—or support lung health year-round? Visit www.LasOlasWFF.com or Lung.org/FL to learn more, get involved, or donate.
