Grand Rapids is gearing up for its 19th annual International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, a two-day tasting event that brings more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits together with dishes from the area's restaurants. The festival returns to DeVos Place, with the main event spread across Exhibit Halls A and B on Friday, November 20, from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, November 21, from 2 to 9 p.m.
The festival has been described as Michigan’s annual tasting event, according to michiganpublic.org, which notes the event is now in its 19th year and features offerings from around the world alongside creations from local restaurants. The weekend's festivities kick off a night early with Cheers for Charity, a Thursday, November 19 event running from 6 to 9 p.m. that benefits Hospice of Michigan, with proceeds specifically supporting Specialized Veteran Services, as reported by WOODTV.com.
A Charity Kickoff With Food, Drink and a Cause
Cheers for Charity takes place at the same DeVos Place address as the main festival, 303 Monroe Ave NW in Grand Rapids, and features restaurants and specialty food producers serving small plates alongside a curated list of beverages. Hospice of Michigan describes the event as raising critical funds to ensure veterans and their families receive the specialized, compassionate care they deserve, per the station's report.
Guests at Cheers for Charity receive 150 tasting tickets good for beverage and food samples usable throughout the festival weekend, according to WOODTV.com's account. The charity event has previously included live entertainment and auction offerings, according to the Hospice of Michigan page, which thanked attendees for joining the 2025 edition of the fundraiser.
What to Expect at the Main Festival
Once the main festival opens Friday, attendees can look forward to small plates, curated tasting sessions and featured experiences spread across the DeVos Place exhibit halls. The event draws beverage offerings from around the globe, paired with dishes from some of the area's top restaurants, per the same account from Michigan Public.
Both the festival and the Cheers for Charity kickoff share the same DeVos Place address, making it easy for attendees to plan a visit around either the Thursday charity night or the full Friday-Saturday festival weekend. Per WOODTV.com's earlier coverage, Cheers for Charity raises funds for veteran care.
