By Michael and Wendy Ledwitz
November brings one of Boca Raton’s busiest food weekends, and this festival is its centerpiece. Wine, spirits, and chef-driven plates fill Sanborn Square Park for a single evening each year. We love the event because it gathers so much local culinary talent in one downtown spot, with something for every taste and every pace of the evening.
Here is what to expect on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and how to plan your night from The Polo Club of Boca Raton.
Key Takeaways
- Date and venue: The 13th annual event takes place Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Sanborn Square Park.
- Evening schedule: The Grand Tasting runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
- Ticket tiers: VIP plus Lounge, VIP, and General Admission tickets have staggered entry times.
- Charity: The event benefits the Children’s Giving Foundation.
Sanborn Square Park in Downtown Boca
The festival is held at Sanborn Square Park, 72 N Federal Hwy. The downtown park sits east of The Polo Club of Boca Raton, so plan your route and your ride home ahead of time.
A Downtown Setting
- Address: The park is at 72 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, FL 33432.
- Edition: The 2025 event was the 12th, so 2026 marks the 13th.
- Theme: The festival is billed as “A Culinary Affair!”
Downtown evenings are best enjoyed with a plan for arrival, parking, and rides home, especially on a busy festival Saturday. Check the organizer’s website for the latest entry details and any changes to the layout before you go.
Villages of Tastings
Food and drink are grouped into villages, including Italian, American, Mediterranean, Asia Pacific, and Spanish. Guests also find a Sweet Endings area, spirits, craft brew, fine wine, and artisanal cheese.
A Passport Around the World
- Global plates: Each village showcases a different regional style of cooking.
- Craft beer: A Craft Brew Battle is listed alongside the main event.
- Take-home wine: Wine can be purchased to take home.
Come hungry and pace yourself, since the variety is wide and the lines can build near the most popular stations. A short list of the villages you want to visit first helps you enjoy more of the evening and still leave room for dessert.
Chef Competition and Live Entertainment
Chefs compete for a Fan Favorite award, and guests vote with wood chips. Live entertainment and a shopping bazaar round out the evening.
How the Fan Favorite Vote Works
- Wood chip ballots: Guests drop a wood chip to choose their favorite dish.
- Live music: Entertainment runs through the evening alongside the tastings.
- Vendor bazaar: A bazaar adds a browsing option between plates.
The competition adds a friendly sense of occasion to the night and keeps the energy high across every village. It also gives guests a reason to taste widely, compare notes with friends, and discover a new favorite chef.
Tickets and Entry Times
Tickets are sold in three tiers on Eventbrite: VIP plus Lounge, VIP, and General Admission. VIP plus Lounge entry begins at 5:30 p.m., VIP at 6 p.m., and General Admission at 7 p.m.
Which Tier Fits Your Evening
- Entry price: BocaRaton.com lists tickets from $65.
- Refunds: Tickets are non-refundable, so confirm your plans before you buy.
- Groups: Group sales are handled by phone at 561-338-7594.
Confirm current pricing and tier details on the official site before you purchase, since inventory can change. Earlier entry means a longer window for tastings and a calmer start to the evening.
A Night Out From The Polo Club of Boca Raton
Many residents of Boca make the festival part of a weekend in town. The Polo Club of Boca Raton, at 5400 Champion Blvd., lists several dining venues for the days around the event.
Weekend Planning
- Club dining: The club lists several restaurants and lounges on its property.
- Wellness: A 35,000-square-foot spa and fitness center offers a place to reset after a late night.
- Home options: The community includes villas, townhomes, and estate homes.
We are happy to share our favorite local spots with anyone exploring The Polo Club of Boca Raton, from casual lunches to special-occasion dinners. A festival weekend is a fun way to get to know the area and see how the community connects to downtown.
FAQs
When is the Boca Raton Wine and Food Festival in 2026?
The festival is on Saturday, November 21, 2026, with the Grand Tasting from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Sanborn Square Park. Entry times depend on your ticket tier.
Who benefits from the festival?
The Children’s Giving Foundation, a Boca Raton nonprofit that supports South Florida children’s charities, is the beneficiary. Organizers list BocaRaton.com as the event producer, and the festival site shares updates on tickets and entertainment.
Can I buy wine to take home?
Yes, wine can be purchased to take home from the festival. Check with the organizers for current policies and payment options, and arrange a reliable ride home before you shop for bottles.
Reach Out to Us, Michael and Wendy Ledwitz
If you are exploring The Polo Club of Boca Raton, reach out to us, Michael and Wendy Ledwitz, today.