This August, Traverse City is serving up something brand new, and it’s going to be delicious. For the first time ever, the region will host the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, a multi-day celebration of the flavors, farms, and talents that make Northern Michigan so special.
Running from August 20–24, 2025, the festival was created to shine a spotlight on our vibrant culinary scene. It features everything from local chefs and wineries to interactive tastings and lakeside dinners. It’s more than just a food event, but a full sensory experience in one of the most scenic places in the Midwest.
If you're someone who plans vacations around meals (we see you), or you just want to sip wine with a view, this is the kind of weekend you’ll want on your calendar.
Festival Highlights and Experiences
The festival isn’t built around just one headliner or tasting, but has a full lineup of events meant to help you explore, sip, and savor your way through the region. Whether you’re in it for the food, the wine, or the lake views, there’s something to look forward to each day.
Grand Tasting at the Open Space
Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 23, when the festival’s biggest event, the Grand Tasting, takes over the waterfront at Open Space Park in downtown Traverse City.
This is an outdoor tasting that features a curated mix of small plates from both beloved local chefs and culinary guests from around the country. Each bite is crafted to showcase the best of Northern Michigan’s seasonal ingredients.
You’ll also find over 100 local wines and craft beverages to explore, perfectly paired with the food and the view. Add in some live music and cooking demonstrations, and you’ve got an afternoon that’s equal parts picnic, tasting tour, and celebration.
It’s the kind of summer moment you’ll wish you could bottle up (like a nice bottle of Leelanau rosé).
Exclusive Culinary Events
If you’re the type who loves a little extra flavor in your travel plans, the festival’s lineup of specialty events is where things really shine. From hands-on demos to vineyard dinners under the stars, there’s something for every appetite.
One of the most anticipated highlights is a four-course tasting dinner with celebrity chef and Food Network star Tyler Florence. This event will be hosted at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. A James Beard Award nominee and longtime fixture in the national food scene, Florence brings star power and serious culinary chops to the table. His presence is a big win for the region, and seats for his event are expected to go fast.
Beyond that, the schedule includes estate dinners at local wineries, outdoor summer cookouts, and educational tastings that dive into perfect food and wine pairings. For something more laid-back, stop by the Traverse City Farmer’s Market for chef demos using fresh regional produce. You can also snag tickets for one of several Sunday brunches and progressive lunches happening around town. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure for food lovers.
Engaging Activities Beyond the Plate
The festival also offers a few off-the-beaten-path experiences that bring the beauty of Northern Michigan into the mix.
Start your day with a 5K run or walk through the vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula, a scenic and social way to stretch your legs (before more wine, of course). You can also take things to the water with Food & Wine Sails on the Bay aboard the Wind Dancer or Nauticat, where tastings happen with the breeze in your hair and the shoreline in view.
For something even more immersive, book a farm or winery tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the region’s best ingredients go from soil to plate or bottle.
Extend Your Northern Michigan Adventure
The festival may be the main event, but there’s plenty more to enjoy while you’re here. August in Traverse City is the peak season for sunshine, lake time, and local exploring, and staying at Lakemore Lodge puts it all within easy reach.
Outdoor Activities and Natural Beauty
Step outside and you’re just a one-minute walk from Arbutus Lake, where guests can paddleboard, kayak, or cast a line in calm, swimmable waters. It’s the perfect way to start the day, especially if you’ve got a few wine tastings planned later.
For something on land, head across the road to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, a protected slice of nature with peaceful hiking trails through forests and fields. It’s one of the area’s hidden gems and only a few minutes from your door.
Looking to explore beyond the immediate surroundings?
Spider Lake is just a 6-minute drive
Traverse City Beach and the open water of West Bay are about 19 minutes away
Discover Local Attractions
In between festival events, consider carving out time for a few of the area’s local wineries and breweries. Places like Bonobo Winery, Left Foot Charley, and Farm Club offer a laid-back tasting experience with incredible views and friendly staff. Many are just a short drive from Lakemore and open throughout the weekend.
Looking for something off the typical tourist path? Check out our guide to Hidden Gems in Traverse City where you’ll find unique shops, quiet trails, and lesser-known local favorites that are well worth the detour.
Savor the Flavors of Traverse City
The Traverse City Food & Wine Festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting weekends of the summer. It’s full of local flavor, lakeside tastings, chef-led dinners, and a whole lot of personality.
If you’re making a weekend of it, where you stay matters. You’ll want somewhere close to the action but far enough to actually relax, especially after a day spent tasting, walking, and wine-hopping. That’s where Lakemore Lodge comes in.
Located just a short drive from downtown, this lakefront retreat on Arbutus Lake gives you space to stretch out, cook with local finds, and soak up the quiet in between events. With room for up to 12 guests, a full kitchen, private beach, fire pit, and plenty of space to gather, it’s designed for food lovers, families, and friends who want to make the most of their time together.
So whether you're coming for the wine, the food, or the full experience, make it a weekend worth remembering.
Book your stay at Lakemore Lodge or call 231-947-MORE to lock in your festival getaway.
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The festival is scheduled for August 20–24, 2025.
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Expect a full range of experiences: the Grand Tasting, cooking demonstrations, wine pairing classes, chef-led dinners, and vineyard tours throughout the region.
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Tyler Florence is a nationally recognized chef and Food Network star. He’ll be headlining the festival with exclusive cooking events and a featured tasting dinner.
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The lodge is about 15–20 minutes from downtown Traverse City, close enough to be convenient, far enough to feel like a true escape.
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Visit our VRBO listing or call 231-947-MORE to reserve your dates.
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Yes. Most events, including dinners, tastings, and specialty experiences, require advance tickets. Be sure to check the official festival page or follow Traverse City Tourism for ticket release dates and availability.