Come hungry, Baton Rouge. One of the Capital City’s biggest nights for food and wine is almost here.

The 19th Annual Fête Rouge returns Thursday, August 27, bringing some of Baton Rouge’s top chefs, restaurants and wine purveyors together at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge for a night dedicated to eating, sipping and celebrating the local culinary scene.

Hosted by the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Fête Rouge is much more than your average food festival. Guests will have the opportunity to make their way through creations from 30+ restaurants while tasting 250+ wines from around the world.

And you’ll want to save room because there’s a little friendly competition involved.

Who Will Take Home Best Dish?

One of the highlights of Fête Rouge is its annual chef competition, where participating local chefs bring their best and compete for the title of Best Dish.

That means attendees aren't simply stopping by restaurant booths for samples. They get a chance to experience some of the creativity coming out of Baton Rouge kitchens all in one room while chefs battle it out for bragging rights and cash prizes.

Last year's Best of Show went to Patrick Trahan of Ruffino's for his Blue Crab Gnocchi. Who takes the title in 2026? You'll have to be there to find out.

And Then There’s the Wine...

Food may get you through the door, but wine lovers have plenty to look forward to, too.

Fête Rouge will feature hundreds of wines from around the globe, giving guests the chance to taste familiar favorites, discover something completely new and find the perfect sip to pair with all those dishes.

There will also be a wine pull, plus a live DJ keeping the energy going throughout the evening.

Eating for a Good Cause

The best part? All that eating and drinking supports something much bigger.

Proceeds from Fête Rouge support the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society's work in childhood nutrition and health initiatives, educational programs and scholarships throughout the Capital Area.

The organization brings together chefs, restaurateurs, food suppliers, wine purveyors and other members of Baton Rouge's hospitality community with a mission of strengthening both the city's culinary culture and the community it serves.

Know Before You Go

What: 19th Annual Fête Rouge
When: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 6–10 p.m.
Where: L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge, 777 L’Auberge Ave.
What to expect: 30+ restaurant creations, 250+ wines, chef competition, wine pull and live entertainment
Tickets: $100 through August 23; prices increase to $125 beginning August 24. No tickets will be sold at the door.

If trying dishes from some of Baton Rouge’s top culinary talent, discovering a new favorite wine and supporting a good cause sounds like your kind of Thursday night, Fête Rouge deserves a spot on your calendar.

Come hungry. Come thirsty. And maybe don't make dinner plans beforehand.