Popular food and wine festival returns to Washington for Spring 2026

One of Washington’s most anticipated culinary weekends is returning to Seattle March 21-22, inviting visitors to sip, sample and explore the flavors that define the Pacific Northwest.

The Grand Tasting, created by Taste Washington, is one of Seattle’s largest food and wine festivals, bringing together hundreds of wineries and some of the region’s most recognized chefs for an immersive tasting experience designed for foodies and longtime wine lovers.

The event features 200 Washington wineries offering award-winning wines grown east of the Cascades and more than 75 restaurants with chef-driven cuisine inspired by local farms and ingredients.

Here’s how much tickets cost and how to attend.

What can visitors expect at the ‘Grand Tasting?’

Guests can move freely through the event, tasting pours from more than 200 Washington wineries while sampling bites prepared by dozens of restaurants and culinary partners.

Winemakers and chefs are also on hand throughout the experience, giving visitors a chance to learn the stories behind the bottles and dishes while discovering new favorites along the way.

Where and when

The Grand Tasting takes place March 21 and 22, 2026, at the Lumen Field Event Center in Seattle.

The indoor venue allows guests to comfortably explore tastings regardless of the weather. Its location near Pioneer Square places visitors within walking distance of restaurants, waterfront views, and several downtown hotels.

How to get tickets

Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Taste Washington website at tastewashington.org/the-grand-tasting.

One-day general admission tickets begin at $177.65 per person and run from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Two-day tickets begin at $246.75.

VIP ticket holders receive early entry beginning at 1 p.m. VIP tickets begin at $294.23.

The event is strictly for guests 21 and older, and admission includes food and beverage tastings throughout the event window.

Parking

Parking can be difficult as the stadium district can fill up quickly, so organizers recommend arriving by public transit or rideshare when possible.

Lumen Field is accessible via Seattle’s Link light rail system, making it easy for visitors staying downtown or near the airport to attend without driving.

Places to stay

Many attendees choose to stay nearby to fully enjoy the weekend atmosphere. Hotels close to the event include:

Embassy Suites: A hotel found in Seattle’s Downtown Pioneer Square, just steps from the venue and is one of the most convenient options for festivalgoers.

The Silver Cloud Hotel: A charming hotel in Seattle that sits across the street from Lumen Field, offering stadium views and easy access to the surrounding neighborhood.

The Arctic Club: A historic hotel in downtown Seattle that is just a 15-minute walk away from Lumen Field and that offers guests a unique blend of history and modern comfort.

Lotte Hotel Seattle: For travelers seeking a more upscale experience, the hotel offers modern accommodations close to events happening throughout the city during Taste Washington week.