Cocoa Beach Wine and Food Festival
Cocoa Beach, Florida is known worldwide as the location of Cape Canaveral, plenty of fun in the water and pristine, family-friendly sands. If you’re planning a visit in the spring, a day at the annual Wine and Food Festival is a must. You’ll be able to experience local celebrities, restaurant samplings and specially-selected wine from international vineyards.
What to Expect at the Cocoa Beach Wine and Food Festival
The festival is typically held at the local Lori Wilson Park , offering wine tasting and dishes from local restaurateurs. Live music and entertainment such as the band America end the day, and you’ll be able to mix and mingle with local government officials and celebrities as well as local residents. Families staying in nearby Cocoa Beach vacation rentals should know that the festival is only open to attendants aged 21 and older, and unlimited food and wine tasting is included in the price of a ticket during the tasting period. Also, be sure to arrive early, as only a limited number of attendants will be allowed.Types of Food Available at the Wine and Food Festival
Although each year brings a new list of restaurants and dishes to the festival, past sponsors have included The Melting Pot , Silvestro’s , Petty’s Meat Market , Pizza Gallery , Asian Too and Matt’s Casbah . Virtually any type of food you like will be present, whether you’re in the mood for an all-American burger or Asian cuisine to compliment your choice in wine. Typically, upwards of 25 to 30 eateries are featured during the tasting event.Famous chefs have also created dishes at the event, such as Chef Peter Lin , who is the renowned creator of European and Pacific Rim combinations at the Chameleon Fusion Bistro in Melbourne. Also at the festival previously was Brazilian Chef Boaz DaCosta from Brasas Grill, which is one of the many locally-acclaimed establishments in Cocoa Village .
Need something sweet for your palette? The Confectionery has provided several baked goods and dessert options at past festivals.
Wine Choices
During the first few hours of the Cocoa Beach Wine and Food Festival, you’ll be able to partake of all the food available surrounding a wine-tasting bar in the middle of the park. This period of time is known as the “Tasting Village.” This central wine bar features a number of hand-picked red and white wines by the organizers each year, such as Albemarle Red , Dancing Bull Chardonnay ,French Maid Merlot and Little Black Dress Sauvignon Blanc . Later, the headlining music group will play a free concert while beer, wine and food vendor booths will open up to attendants who are still hungry or looking for something different, at additional cost.
Charities Benefited by the Festival
Along with proceeds from ticket sales, vendor sales and other donations, raffles are also offered to attendees to help raise funds to benefit local charities such as Junior Achievement of the Space Coast and the Children’s Home Society of Florida .
Festival After-Party
Usually, there is also an after-party held at a neighboring bar and grill, Mambo’s Beachside , found next to the park. Attendees looking for an all-nighter or nightcap often join their group there to top off their evening of fun and food.
2012 Cocoa Beach Wine and Food Festival Information
- Date: April 28
- Time: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Location: Lori Wilson Park, located approximately 1.5 miles south of SR 250
- Tickets: Tickets include food and wine tasting, as well as admission to the finale concert. Advance tickets are available through the festival website for $45 at www.cocoabeachwinefoodfestival.com. Tickets at the door are $50.