The Providence Culinary Collective will return for its second year March 26-29, featuring an expanded lineup of chefs, wine experiences and culinary events at locations throughout the city.
Building on last year’s inaugural festival, which featured more than a dozen sold-out events, the 2026 edition adds new programming including an elevated wine tasting experience, award-winning chef dinners, spirited brunches and a father-son chef throwdown.
“Providence’s food scene has always been one of its greatest strengths, and the Providence Culinary Collective is a celebration of that,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of GoProvidence. “The response to last year’s inaugural festival affirmed what we’ve long known: Providence is a city with an extraordinary culinary story to tell.”
Last year’s debut drew attention from local, regional and national media. SAVEUR highlighted the “energy” and “enthusiasm” of the festival’s Rhode Island-themed closing party, and the Boston Herald called Providence “a foodie destination since way back.”
The festival is presented by GoProvidence in partnership with the Rhode Island Wine Experience, also known as Wine X.
“The goal of Wine X in partnership with GoProvidence and the Providence Culinary Collective has always been to create an experience that feels refined yet approachable,” said Rosanna Ortiz, founder of RMO PR and Wine X. “Welcoming industry leaders from Boston and New York only helps shine a brighter light on Providence, highlighting the city’s growing influence in food, wine, and culture.”
Highlights include a vintners dinner at The Reserve on Dorrance with Chef Derek Wagner, a 2026 James Beard Award Best Chef: Northeast semifinalist, and a dinner at Oberlin Restaurant, a 2026 James Beard Award Outstanding Restaurant semifinalist.
The festival will also feature a father-versus-son culinary competition between Chris Phillips, managing partner and former executive chef of Capital Grille, and Brandon Phillips, executive chef of Waterman Grille.
Other events include cooking classes at Johnson & Wales University, a grand tasting event at The Capital Grille featuring more than 30 wine vendors, champagne brunches at Bellini Providence, and a food truck drag brunch block party at The Dark Lady and The Alley Cat.
A multicultural benefit dinner titled “Seven Nations, One Table: Celebrating Culinary Futures” will support the Rhode Island Hospitality Association’s David DePetrillo Scholarship Fund.
The culinary collective runs concurrently with Lil Rhody Laugh Riot, a four-day comedy festival featuring John Mulaney, Chelsea Handler, Jay Pharoah and Andrew Santino.
Partners include RMO PR, Johnson & Wales University, Hope & Main, Food Trucks In, Rhode Island Hospitality and international media partner SAVEUR. The event is supported by Heritage Restaurant Group and the City of Providence.
Tickets and additional information are available at GoPVDEats.com.
