Foundation to Host The Napa Valley Wine Experience, Night Market, Shooting with the Chefs, and New Industry Insights Series, All Supporting Scholarships, Entrepreneurship, and Culinary Professional Development
FORT WORTH, TX (September 18, 2025) – The Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation (FWFWF) today unveiled its lineup of fall events, reflecting the organization’s mission to champion and cultivate North Texas’s hospitality community. From the return of global flavors at Night Market to the launch of a new education series for industry professionals, this season highlights both the Foundation’s public celebrations and its work behind the scenes to provide resources, scholarships, and opportunities for the next generation of chefs and culinary entrepreneurs.
Best known for producing some of the North Texas’ largest culinary gatherings, FWFWF has invested more than $610,000 back into the community through student scholarships, classroom grants, chef stipends, emergency relief funds, and other programs . Most recently, the Foundation launched the Kirkpatrick Visionary Award, a grant program honoring co-founder Russell Kirkpatrick that supports bold, forward-thinking hospitality projects and business expansions. Together with its event lineup, these initiatives demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to creating lasting impact by funding education, fueling entrepreneurship, and building community connections.
“This fall, we’re inviting the public to join us in experiences that not only showcase incredible food and drink but also help fund the very programs that nurture and sustain our city’s hospitality community,” said Julie Eastman, Executive Director of the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation. “Our events are celebrations, but at their heart they’re about investing in students, chefs, and entrepreneurs whose creativity and leadership shape the future of our culinary and hospitality industry.”
Fall Event Lineup
Industry Insights (NEW)
Launching this fall, the Foundation’s new bi-monthly lunch & learn series is designed specifically for food and beverage professionals. The inaugural session, AI on the Menu: A Starter Guide, will feature Lydia Traina of The Elements Group speaking on how AI tools can support hospitality businesses. The series will provide expert-led conversations to help working professionals grow their skills and strengthen industry connections.
Details:
- September 29, 2025 | 12–1 PM | The Magnolia (1101 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth)
- Registration: Free for industry professionals (limited spaces)
Shooting with the Chefs (RETURNING)
A fan-favorite event pairing sporting clays with chef camaraderie, this day offers a rare chance to connect with top culinary leaders in a fun, competitive setting while raising funds for Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation scholarships and grants.
Details:
- October 19, 2025 | 9 AM–2 PM | Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch (8270 Aledo Rd, Fort Worth)
- Registration: $600 per team of four; $30 spectator (includes lunch and entertainment)
The Napa Valley Wine Experience (NEW)
Presented with the Napa Valley Vintners Association, this one-night-only tasting features 36 acclaimed wineries, with winemakers, proprietors, and estate principals pouring in person. Earlier in the day, a private session will give local sommeliers the chance to learn directly from Napa’s experts — fostering education and professional growth alongside an extraordinary evening experience.
Details:
- October 23, 2025 | 6–8:30 PM | The Ostreum (108 South Fwy #130, Fort Worth)
- Tickets: $159 per person
Night Market (RETURNING)
The lively open-air street market returns, transforming Panther Island Pavilion into a global culinary hub as 17 culinary concepts and 16 beverage participants from across Dallas/Fort Worth cook up tasty dishes and sling delicious cocktails. Guests will experience flavors inspired by destinations from Mumbai to Mexico City, alongside craft cocktails and live music, all while discovering emerging culinary talent from North Texas. Proceeds support FWFWF’s scholarship and grant programs, ensuring the next wave of chefs and restaurateurs have the resources to succeed.
Details:
- November 13, 2025 | 5:30–9 PM | The Shack at Panther Island Pavilion (395 Purcey St, Fort Worth)
- Early Entrance (5:30 PM): $89 | General Admission (6:30 PM): $65
Tickets for all fall events are available now at fwfwf.org.
