{"id":"f-445134d771-230022bb-eb60-5e31-8cba-a59117ea3404","title":"The Impact of Social Media on Food Festivals: A Shift in Culinary Culture","description":"The rise of social media has transformed food festivals, shifting attendee preferences from large events to intimate experiences with chefs, while established festivals like South Beach continue to thrive.","timestamp":1772344440,"category":"food_and_health","headline":"The Impact of Social Media on Food Festivals: A Shift in Culinary Culture","modifiedHeadline":"Food Festivals Evolve Amid Social Media Rise","subCategories":["scid_6bda76c2"],"subcategoriesName":["Top Story"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"ec0a7bc7-2b56-4d40-be8f-f6ca83231212","bundleTitle":"World on a plate","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"218","fcSummary":"the south beach wine & food festival endures despite shifts in the culinary world. social media has altered how people engage with chefs, favoring direct online interaction and localized events over large festivals. while established festivals remain popular, smaller, community-focused events are gaining traction, offering authentic experiences and personal connections that digital platforms can't replicate.","summary":"Social media shifts food festival focus to chef interactions, impacting large events while South Beach remains popular. #foodies","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/news/IN/en/timesnow/f-445134d771-230022bb-eb60-5e31-8cba-a59117ea3404","sourceUrl":"https://www.timesnownews.com/agency-news/the-impact-of-social-media-on-food-festivals-a-shift-in-culinary-culture-article-153687173","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/bhQ-S3MAykK0.webp","content":"

For nearly a decade, Lesley VanNess attended the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, a renowned event featuring celebrity chefs and culinary delights, attracting

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tens of thousands of participants each year. However, with the rise of social media, attendees like VanNess have shifted their focus from attending large-scale festivals to engaging directly with chefs online, raising questions about the relevance of traditional food festivals in today's culinary landscape.

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Changing Dynamics of Food Festivals

Last weekend marked the 25th anniversary of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which remains a staple alongside the New York City Wine & Food Festival and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Despite their enduring popularity, many smaller food festivals have vanished due to the pandemic, rising costs, and a lack of interest from chefs.\n
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\nMike Thelin, co-founder of the now-defunct Feast Portland festival, remarked, “South Beach and New York fill a niche and I can see them going on forever. But food events and festivals are evolving into a different direction.”\n
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Emergence of Localized Events

The decline of large festivals has led to the rise of smaller, localized events that emphasize regional specialties and community connections. Thelin noted that attendees now seek authentic experiences that reflect local culinary traditions rather than generic offerings.\n
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\nLois Cho, co-founder of the AAPI Food & Wine festival, stated, “The foodie scene has changed so much. Creating a different narrative and community where you can connect with people, those are the types of events we’ll see now.”\n
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Established Festivals Continue to Thrive

Despite the changing landscape, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival and its New York counterpart continue to draw large crowds. This year, tickets for nearly all of South Beach's 110 events sold out, showcasing the festival's lasting appeal.\n
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\nLee Schrager, the festival's founder, emphasized the unique experience that in-person events provide, stating, “There’s something very different about DM’ing Bobby Flay than going to an intimate dinner at a table of 10 that he’s doing that’s sold out in three days.”\n
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Culinary Experiences in a Digital Age

As social media continues to reshape the culinary landscape, chefs and food personalities are increasingly accessible online. VanNess expressed her preference for engaging with chefs through social media or visiting their restaurants instead of attending crowded festivals.\n
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\nRachael Ray, a long-time participant in these festivals, highlighted the importance of personal interaction, stating, “I love talking to people, being with people, having people climb all over you, hang on you, give you a compliment.”\n
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The Impact of Social Media on Food Festivals: A Shift in Culinary Culture

SUMMARY