The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, November 15–16, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of culinary talent for Southern California’s largest international food and wine celebration. Festival Executive Producer Jeff Hocker promises a weekend of bold flavors and world-class experiences, featuring chefs whose influence spans continents and cuisines.
Among the headliners is Susan Feniger, whose acclaimed Border Grill empire—co-founded with Mary Sue Milliken—continues to redefine Modern Mexican cuisine. Their growing portfolio includes BBQ Mexicana, Socalo, and Pacha Mamas, with their newest venture, Alice B, already open inside the LGBTQ+ senior community Living Out in Palm Springs. Inspired by the life and legacy of Alice B. Toklas, the restaurant offers seasonal California cuisine with vibrant Mediterranean influences and a rotating art gallery featuring LGBTQ+ and female artists.
Joining the roster is Nik Sharma, a James Beard finalist and bestselling author known for blending food science with storytelling. His work has appeared in major publications, and his blog Nik Sharma Cooks continues to inspire home cooks and professionals alike.
Multitalented performer and chef Andy Allo brings her Cameroonian fine dining concept Aköne to the festival, showcasing her unique fusion of culinary artistry and cultural heritage. Known for her roles in Upload and Chicago Fire, Allo’s culinary voice is as bold and expressive as her performances.
Joe Sasto, a fan favorite from Top Chef and Food Network’s Chopped, will share his signature pasta creations and preview his upcoming cookbook. His viral culinary content and innovative snack line, TANTOS, have earned him a devoted following. Sasto’s appearances on Guy’s Grocery Games and Tournament of Champions have cemented his status as a dynamic force in the food world.
Rounding out the lineup is Elizabeth Falkner, a trailblazer in both savory and pastry arts. Known for her globally inspired cuisine and competitive spirit, Falkner brings decades of experience and a passion for culinary fitness to the festival stage. Her appearances on Iron Chef, Top Chef Masters, and Next Iron Chef have made her a familiar face to food lovers nationwide.
The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival is made possible through generous support from the City of Palm Springs, All-Clad, US Foods, Beck Development, Stella Artois, Maker’s Mark, Prime Time Produce, Stolzle Lausitz, Chill Bar Palm Springs and Reforma, Town Real Estate, Stars Travel, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, AAA, Costco Wholesale, Palm Springs Disposal, Gravitas Wine Company, Ingleside Estate, Avalon Palm Springs, Bright Event Rentals, Mike Thompson RV Super Stores, and many more.
Media partners include Los Angeles Magazine, Locale Magazine, KCBS 740 AM, KESQ News Channel 3, MeTV Radio 103.1 FM, KGAY 106.5 FM and 92.1 FM, Gay Desert Guide, Desert Charities News, CV Independent, Desert Sun, Marker Broadcasting, Alpha Media, The Standard Magazine, Desert Business Association, Visit Palm Springs, Visit Greater Palm Springs, and more to be announced.
For tickets and full event details, visit www.PalmSpringsFoodandWine.org.