Fort Worth’s culinary calendar just got richer. The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation (FWFWF) has unveiled its fall lineup, and it’s more than a collection of festive gatherings — it’s a season dedicated to celebrating food, drink, and the people who make North Texas’s hospitality scene thrive.
This year, the Foundation is balancing high-profile public events with behind-the-scenes efforts that shape the industry’s future. Since its inception, FWFWF has invested more than $610,000 back into the community through scholarships, classroom grants, chef stipends, and relief programs. Its newest initiative, the Kirkpatrick Visionary Award — named in honor of co-founder Russell Kirkpatrick — extends that mission further, funding bold hospitality projects and business expansions that push the region forward.
“We want people to enjoy the parties, the flavors, the wine — all of it,” says Executive Director Julie Eastman. “But every ticket sold, every toast raised, helps fund the students, chefs, and entrepreneurs whose creativity and leadership will define Fort Worth’s culinary future.”
And this fall, the party looks especially enticing.
Where Food Meets Vision: Fall 2025 Highlights
Industry Insights (New)
A nod to the professionals who make hospitality run, FWFWF is launching Industry Insights, a bi-monthly lunch-and-learn designed to keep chefs, restaurateurs, and beverage pros ahead of the curve. The debut session, AI on the Menu: A Starter Guide, features Lydia Traina of The Elements Group, who will unpack how artificial intelligence can help streamline operations and spark creativity in the kitchen.
- Date: September 29, 2025 | 12–1 PM
- Location: The Magnolia, 1101 W. Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth
- Registration: Complimentary for industry professionals (limited seating)
Shooting with the Chefs (Returning)
One of FWFWF’s most spirited traditions, this day marries the camaraderie of sporting clays with the company of Fort Worth’s top chefs. Think of it as a cookout with a competitive edge, all in support of the Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.
- Date: October 19, 2025 | 9 AM–2 PM
- Location: Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch, 8270 Aledo Rd, Fort Worth
- Registration: $600 per four-person team; $30 spectator (includes lunch and entertainment)
The Napa Valley Wine Experience (New)
Wine lovers take note: for one night only, Napa comes to Fort Worth. Thirty-six acclaimed wineries — with winemakers, proprietors, and estate principals pouring in person — will showcase their best vintages. Local sommeliers will also enjoy a private session earlier in the day, ensuring this event is as much about education as it is indulgence.
- Date: October 23, 2025 | 6–8:30 PM
- Location: The Ostreum, 108 South Fwy #130, Fort Worth
- Tickets: $159 per person
Night Market (Returning)
Panther Island Pavilion transforms into a vibrant open-air bazaar as 17 chefs and 16 beverage purveyors from across Dallas–Fort Worth cook and pour their way through an evening inspired by flavors from Mumbai to Mexico City. Live music, inventive cocktails, and a chance to discover rising culinary talent make Night Market a can’t-miss. Every bite supports scholarships and grants that give the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs the resources to succeed.
- Date: November 13, 2025 | 5:30–9 PM
- Location: The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St, Fort Worth
- Tickets: Early Entry (5:30 PM) $89 | General Admission (6:30 PM) $65
This season, the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation isn’t just setting the table — it’s shaping the future of hospitality in North Texas. Tickets for all fall events are available now at fwfwf.org.
