From top names in BBQ to emerging new talent and exciting partnerships, this year’s festival can’t be missed.

After a two-year hiatus, the 2022 Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival is back from March 31-April 3 — and is once again spotlighting the best and brightest in Fort Worth food and wine. 

The chef community is ready to wow foodies across North Texas with six signature events: Tacos + Tequila, The Main Event, Nite Bites, Culinary Corral, Burgers, Blues + Brews and Ring of Fire, plus an exclusive culinary partnership between James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd of Underbelly Hospitality, a Houston restaurant group,and the talented Chef Tuan Pham of Fort Worth’s Four Sisters – A Taste of Vietnam. 

DFW gourmands will experience returning chefs featuring bold flavors and seasoned talent. Beyond the tried and true, the festival will bring incredible rising stars that have emerged over the past two years. In addition, the 2022 culinary celebration will host new activations including the “Pitt Boss” himself, Matt Pittman of Meat Church, who will team up with BBQ masters fresh off Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ List. This chef lineup is filled with restaurants and chefs pushing their culinary creativity, newcomers coming to impress, and special activations sure to entertain and delight. 

As festival co-founder and Foundation Board Chair Russell Kirkpatrick said, “We can’t wait for food and wine lovers to join us on this culinary adventure.”

Now, to get the juices really flowing, here’s more on what’s in store at some of the signature events.

Tacos + Tequila ~ Thur Mar 31, 7pm-10pm

Enjoy the ultimate classic of tacos and tequila that Funkytown has to offer. From the traditional to the inventive, this fan-favorite can’t be missed! 18 chefs and 12 tequila vendors will bring their most delicious grub to this Thursday night event. Tickets here.

The Main Event ~ Fri, Apr 1, 5:30pm-9pm

More than 100 exceptional wines, craft beers, and spirits from near and far will pair perfectly with bites from 27 of the best North Texas chefs, restaurateurs, artisan producers, and crafters. This signature event will be one for the books! Tickets here.

Nite Bites ~ Fri, Apr 1, 8:30pm-11pm

Sip a proper Texas cocktail courtesy of TX Whiskey, enjoy sweet somethings, savory snacks, and dance the night away. 16 chefs and 14 mixologists will whip and blend delectable eats and drinks. Guests can enjoy a street-market flair topped with beats and tunes brought by a local DJ. Tickets here.

Culinary Corral ~ Sat, Apr 2, 11am-2pm 

Brunch the day away with a three-hour celebration of the best of the fest with 25 chefs and 35 beverage vendors. The Culinary Corral includes a tasting tent, beer garden, and live music. Guests can wander, taste, and sip to their hearts’ delight! Tickets here.

Burgers, Brews + Blues ~ Sat, Apr 2, 5pm-9pm

Celebrating a trio of all-American classics – sliders, craft beer, and blues. This rockin’ party on ranchland along the Trinity River will feature 13 chefs grilling up their best mini-burgers, and craft breweries will pour two of their signature brews. Celebrity judges will choose their favorite burger while guests select a fan favorite for burgers and beer. Live blues will take the event to the next level. Tickets here.

Ring of Fire ~ Sunday, April 3, 1 pm – 4 pm 

22 pitmasters and chefs, and 15 beverage vendors will take the cookout concept to a whole new level. Joining the classics, like BBQ, will be exotic meat dishes and other surprising additions – all paired with wine, beer, and spirits set to the beat of a live band. You won’t want to miss this event featuring one of the culinary world’s hottest trends! Tickets here.

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Cover photo courtesy Nancy Farrar