SOBEWFF 2025: A Culinary Celebration of Flavor, Culture, & Community in Miami

Each year, thousands travel from around the world to the heart of Miami to take part in the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF). The four-day celebration features world-renowned chefs, wine and spirit connoisseurs, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, and all for a great cause. To date, SOBEWFF has raised more than $40 million to support the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU), one of the top 10 hospitality schools among U.S. public universities and the second-largest in the country.

So, what makes this annual festival so special? Let’s break it down further. With over 105 events, there is something for every palate—Cuban-inspired cuisine, gourmet burgers, sushi, decadent pastries and expertly crafted cocktails. Now in its 24th year, the festival has grown into one of the country’s most highly anticipated culinary events. Originally limited to a one-day affair known as the Florida Extravaganza, it was transformed in 2002 by Lee Brian Schrager when he  took the reins and revamped it into what it is today, a multi-day cultural event. 

This year the Buckeye Review’s Community Liaison Don Terrell, Chief Operating Officer Zakkiyyah Terrell White, and Editor-in-Chief Dontaira Terrell, attended a variety of events including Tacos & Tequila, Asian Night Market, Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village and the Overtown Gospel Brunch. Each event offered a unique experience that catapulted our taste buds, introduced us to standout local establishments and fostered a sense of community among other attendees. 

Of course, no festival is complete without a party, and Rev Run of Run-D.M.C. delivered just that, taking over the mic and DJ booth to remind everyone whose house it really was—Run’s House! 

We wrapped up the last evening with full bellies, high energy, and, in the words of Outkast, “feeling great, feeling good.” With unlimited sake, wine, and flavorful libations at the Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village, plus live performances from Miami staples Flo Rida and DJ Irie, SOBEWFF once again proved why it’s a must-attend event for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

But, let’s take a step back to earlier in the day when we enjoyed a soulful Sunday at brunch. While the festival offered festive moments and world-class culinary experiences, it also offered moments of reflection and cultural appreciation such as the Overtown Gospel Brunch, where we took a soulful journey. It was reminiscent of a down South spiritual retreat, complete with soul food, fellowship and worship service with the powerful sounds of the Florida Fellowship Super Choir. 

Red Rooster, a Harlem, New York staple, also has a location in Overtown. If you’re unfamiliar with Overtown, it is a historic landmark, a reflection of the resilience, strength, dignity and power of Black residents during a time when segregation was a common practice. Back then, the Overtown community was often referred to as the “Harlem of the South” because notable Black performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole, among many others, stayed in this area when performing in Miami Beach due to segregation laws. Not to mention, it is also the second oldest neighborhood in Miami, so it’s great to witness its revitalization and shine a light on the rich legacy it offers.  

Seeing Congresswoman Frederica Wilson brought a warm and vibrant atmosphere to the event, as she interacted with constituents, laughing, talking, and taking photos. And just a few steps away, celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Marcus Samuelsson greeted everyone as well with a bright smile, and a welcoming presence. Watching them in action navigating through the venue felt like a living testament and a powerful reminder of the trailblazers who paved the way and the vibrant community spirit that continues to thrive in Overtown.

Not to mention, moments like these highlight how SOBEWFF is more than just a food and wine festival. It’s a celebration of culture, history, and community. Since its 1997 inception, it has grown from a local gathering to a must-attend destination for food enthusiasts, chefs, and cultural explorers. With the silver anniversary approaching next year, it is definitely going to be one for the books. So, if you’re ready to plan ahead, mark your calendars, book your flight and make your way to the sunny shores of South Beach because February 19-22, 2026, it’s going down!