Bruce Davis of Houston raises his wine glass during a grilling class led by Chef Tim Love at the Austin Food & Wine Festival at Butler Park on Saturday April 26, 2014. (Jay Janner AMERICAN-STATESMAN)
The Austin Food and Wine Festival (April 24-26) will take a new approach to ticketing in its fourth year. For the first time, those who don’t have badges will be able to buy a la carte tickets to the nighttime events, which include Taste of Texas ($150), Rock Your Taco ($200), and Sips and Sweets ($75).
The price for the all-inclusive “All-In” badge has been lowered to $550 from $850. The badge grants attendees access to the daytime events at Auditorium Shores, the showcase evening events, and a spot at Tim Love’s wildly popular grilling demos one day. Unlike previous years, the badge will not include priority access to other demos or the grand tasting, and the (oft-overlooked) VIP area has been eliminated.
The price for the newly named “Weekender” badge remains $250 and will give attendees access to the daytime events at Auditorium Shores on Saturday and Sunday (excepting Love’s grilling demo). “Weekender” badge holders and the general public can all attend the evening events for an extra charge. This will be the first time since the inaugural fest that the main weekend events will return to Auditorium Shores following renovation. Tickets and badges will go on sale January 21.
The opportunity to buy a $150 a la carte pass to Taste of Texas, should make the Friday night event at Republic Square Park one of the year’s most popular food events. The night features food from about two dozen Texas chefs, as well as beer, wine, cocktails, and live music. Attendees can also purchase a la carte tickets for $75 for Sips & Sweets on Saturday night.
Richard Blais will return to the Austin Food and Wine Festival to defend his title at Saturday night’s Rock Your Taco event at Republic Square Park. “All-In” badge-holders get access to the event, and individual tickets will be sold for $200 to “Weekender” badge holders and the general public.
The popular Feast Under the Stars returns to Butler Park for the second year. The 100 tickets for last year’s family-style event sold out quickly. Tickets for the Thursday night wine-paired kick-off dinner are $225, and are sold separately from badges.
Participating talent and schedule for AFWF will be announced on January 21. For more information, visit AustinFoodandWineFestival.com.
