Wine & Dine for the Arts at the 2026 Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival
Local chefs show off their skills at this three-day food and wine festival to raise money for the arts! The annual Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival will be held from Thursday, January 22 through Saturday, January 24, 2026.
What Is the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival?
The Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival is a premier cultural event presented in collaboration with Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts. The goal is to highlight local restaurants, chefs, and their cuisine while raising critical funds for the city's arts organizations. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than $1.8 million to support local nonprofit arts groups.
Throughout the weekend, you will taste top-of-the-line food and wine pairings and learn the art of preparation with educational seminars. This year, the festival celebrates the energy and flair of the 1970s, culminating in a disco-themed finale.
2026 Schedule Details
Here's what you can expect at the 2026 event:
Mayor’s Reception & Kickoff
Thursday, January 22, 2026 - 5:30pm
The festival weekend kicks off at the New York State Museum on Thursday evening. Join the Albany Mayor and the Festival Board of Directors for a special reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, wines, cider, and champagne.
This event offers a unique opportunity to mingle with arts beneficiaries, business leaders, and festival supporters.
Grand Tastings & Seminars
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 4:00pm and Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 12:00pm
The Grand Tastings and Seminars feature more than 100 food, wine, spirit, cider, and beer vendors from across the Capital Region. Held at the Albany Capital Center, the event includes several highlights:
- Interactive Seminars: Guests can learn new skills or gain knowledge from industry experts, including chefs and winemakers.
- Battle of the Bartenders: Local mixologists compete for top honors throughout the day.
- Rising Star Chefs: Six featured chefs will showcase their culinary creativity during the tastings.
Slider Slam: Boogie Nights Edition
Friday, January 23, 2026 - 8:00pm
After Friday’s Grand Tasting, the competition heats up with the Boogie Nights edition of the Slider Slam. Top chefs vie for the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice slider awards while the disco theme keeps the energy high with themed drinks and 70s-inspired fun.
Grand Gala Reception & 5-Course Dinner
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 6:30pm
The festival officially closes on Saturday night with the Disco Ball Grand Gala. This signature event features a five-course dinner prepared by celebrated chefs, live entertainment, and dancing.
The evening honors the 2026 beneficiaries, including premier organizations like the Empire State Youth Orchestra, Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York, Albany Barn, and Albany Center Gallery, as well as spotlight beneficiaries like the Palace Performing Arts Center and the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
Support Albany’s Vibrant Arts Community
The 2026 Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival is more than just a culinary showcase; it is a vital engine for the city's cultural vitality. By attending, you are not only enjoying the finest flavors the Capital Region has to offer but also directly contributing to the creative economy and the success of local artists.
Whether you are there for the interactive seminars, the high-energy Slider Slam, or the elegance of the Grand Gala, the weekend promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. Don't miss your chance to support Albany’s vibrant arts scene while enjoying a disco-inspired weekend of world-class food and drink.
Get tickets and learn more online: https://www.albanywinefest.com/
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