ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 22, 2025) — The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival: Wine and Dine for the Arts today announced the nonprofit arts organizations that will receive funding, along with details about this year’s 1970s-inspired theme and three-day festival lineup.
The festival will take place Jan. 22–24, 2026, bringing together the region’s top chefs, restaurants, and beverage professionals for one of the Capital Region’s signature events. Proceeds from the festival directly support Albany-based arts organizations and strengthen the area’s creative economy. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than $1.8 million to support local nonprofit arts organizations in Albany.
The festival’s beneficiaries are organized into premier and spotlight categories. Premier beneficiaries include Empire State Youth Orchestra, Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York, Albany Barn, and Albany Center Gallery. Spotlight beneficiaries include Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Palace Performing Arts Center.
“These organizations are at the heart of Albany’s cultural vitality,” said Marcus Q. Pryor, board president of the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival. “Their work drives creativity, inspires young artists, and builds community pride. Seeing the community come together and support them through this festival is what makes this event so special every year.”
The 2026 festival will embrace the energy and flair of the 1970s, culminating with the Disco Ball Grand Gala on Saturday night. Guests can expect three days of celebrated cuisine, fine wine, artisan beer and cider, curated cocktails, live entertainment, and plenty of disco-era fun, all in support of the local arts community.
The festival weekend kicks off at the New York State Museum on Thursday, Jan. 22, with the Mayor’s Reception, featuring hors d’oeuvres, wines, cider, and champagne. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with festival supporters, arts beneficiaries, and business leaders.
The festival continues on Friday, Jan. 23, with the Grand Tastings and Seminars, featuring more than 100 food, wine, spirit, cider, and beer vendors from across the Capital Region. Seminars include tastings and interactive sessions where guests can learn new skills or gain knowledge from industry experts, including chefs and winemakers.
The Battle of the Bartenders showcases local mixologists competing for top honors. Six Rising Star Chefs will also be featured during the Grand Tastings. Friday night concludes with the Slider Slam: “Boogie Nights” Edition, a culinary competition where top chefs vie for the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice slider awards.
The Grand Tastings and Seminars return on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 12 p.m., offering additional opportunities to explore flavors, attend seminars, enjoy Rising Star Chefs, and watch another round of Battle of the Bartenders competitions. The festival officially closes Saturday night with the “Disco Ball” Grand Gala, featuring a five-course dinner, live entertainment, and dancing, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“Events like the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival are a great way to showcase our local culinary talent while supporting the arts that make Albany County special,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “I’m proud to see our community come together to enjoy great food, celebrate creativity, and help strengthen our local economy.”
“The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival is not just a celebration of our city’s culinary talent,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “It’s also a driver for supporting the arts and local businesses, showcasing the creativity and collaboration that make Albany such a vibrant and welcoming place to live and visit.”
Tickets for the 2026 Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival are available now at albanywinefest.com.
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About Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing sustainable funding for the support and preservation of Albany’s not-for-profit arts community. Its signature event, the Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine Festival, is a three-day celebration of food, wine and culture that showcases local chefs and restaurants, promotes sustainable agriculture, and directs all net proceeds to deserving nonprofit arts organizations. Learn more at albanywinefest.com.
