Community reacts to Food & Wine Festival’s cancellation
Audiences packed Main Street during the 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Festival, the event’s final edition after organizers announced it will not return in 2026. | Photo courtesy of Highlands Food and Wine
The Highlands Food and Wine Festival announced March 4 that it will not return in 2026 after 10 years. The news drew mixed reactions throughout the Town of Highlands. Community leaders and business owners shared mixed reactions to the news.
Mayor Patrick Taylor offered an optimistic view for the future, saying, “The cancellation of the Food and Wine Festival is surprising for many people. With its cancellation there will be opportunities for stakeholders to creatively process new strategies for support of downtown and local businesses.”
Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Johanna Fein expressed disappointment at the cancellation of the festival, while recognizing the complexity of producing an event of that scale and offering appreciation to the organizers for providing a high-quality experience.
“As the largest sponsor, and like many in our community, we were very disappointed to learn that Highlands Food & Wine will no longer take place,” said Fein. “The event generated tens of millions of dollars in economic activity over the years while filling our lodging properties, restaurants, and shops. Because it was intentionally held during the shoulder season, it provided important revenue that helped many local businesses prepare for the slower winter months, and its absence will certainly be felt.”
The Bascom Executive Director Billy Love said he was surprised by the news and noted the organization may see a “slight dip” in foot traffic in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. However, he remains hopeful that the awareness the event generated has left a lasting impression on potential visitors.
“The Bascom had a wonderful relationship with HFW,” said Love. “Hosting festival activities on our campus was a great way to welcome new audiences during what had historically been a quieter time of year. We always loved seeing our grounds transformed into a vibrant gathering space — it brought real energy to the campus in a way that was exciting for everyone involved.”
Marti Lay of Lulu Bleu said she was shocked by the announcement, but noted that her business did not see as much of a positive impact from the festival as other businesses. She added that the event displaces other customers not involved in the festivities, but said it may have helped “put Highlands on the map” in the long term.
“Folks who are coming to do normal Highlands things can’t do anything because it’s so congested,” said Lay. “And we have a limited amount of hotel space and restaurants.”
Richard Delaney, president and managing director of Old Edwards Hospitality Group Inc., strongly opposed the cancellation, noting that OEI has contributed several hundred thousand dollars in sponsorship support for the event. He said the town saw a significant positive financial impact and questioned why other towns can successfully host similar events while Highlands cannot.
“There are hundreds of towns like us across the United States that would beg and die for an event as successful as Highlands Food and Wine,” said Delaney. “I know for a fact that four or five people who came to this event for the first time ended up buying homes in Highlands, spending millions of dollars on homes and supporting the tax base.”
Kay Craig, owner of The Ugly Dog Pub, said the festival helped bring in customers during the slower season and expects business to decrease, though she added she could be wrong until the time comes.
“I’m disappointed it’s not going to be happening, but I’m hoping in the future that will be something that we can bring back,” said Craig.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com