VIP Welcome Guide
We are so happy you will be joining us at Auditorium Shores at Austin Food & Wine Festival. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about the VIP program, plus other important festival policies. Please be sure to read through it and to send it to everyone in your group so they are also in-the-know. We can't wait to see you!
Prior to coming to the festival, read and reference the following information.
- Bring your festival wristband
- Please remember our Bag Policy and NO liquids are allowed to be brought into the festival.
- Review our Allowed & Prohibited Items list for information on what you can/can't bring into the festival.
How to Dress & What to Bring
Dress for comfort and be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out the door. The festival grounds are mostly on grass so choose your footwear accordingly. We recommend a hat and sunglasses.
Will Call
Wristband Activation
Wristband activation ensures a smooth process when entering the festival each day and allows you to add emergency contact information to your wristband. All you need to do is enter your wristband ID number (located on the inside of your wristband) and contact info to activate. Activate your wristband!
Austin Food & Wine Festival takes places at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas.
- Dates & Hours of the Festival
- Getting to the Festival
- Look for a dedicated VIP lane at the gates
- VIP patrons can enter the festival 30 minutes early on Saturday & Sunday!
Your VIP ticket includes access to a VIP-only lounge with dedicated tastings, shaded seating and premium restrooms. For an exact location, check out the Festival Map.
Saturday & Sunday Daytime Festival Access includes:
- NEW for 2026! VIP Saloon at the Fire Pit
- Enjoy rotating access to a honky-tonk private bar, shade, seating, a direct view of the fire pits, and bites right off the flames
- NEW for 2026! Rotating access to the VIP Mezcal Speakeasy Lounge.
- Bites in the VIP Grove
- Enjoy specialty food & drink you won’t find at the Grand Taste served daily between 1:30 - 4:30pm
- 30-minute early entry to daytime festival
- Dedicated VIP lane into the festival
- Access to VIP-only Grove with shaded seating and premium restrooms
- Food from 50+ Top Restaurants
- Wine, beer and spirit selections from 25+ Top Makers per day
- Cooking demos with the industry's most innovative and engaging chefs
- Guided tasting sessions from master sommeliers, mixologists, winemakers and brewmasters
- Hot bites served by pitmasters at the interactive live fire pit
Made In Texas – Friday Evening Event Access - Your VIP ticket includes exclusive access to Made In Texas, a special Friday night kickoff event at The Long Center from 7:00–9:30 PM.