The Award-Winning Festival Returns October 9–11, 2026 with Signature Dining Events, Newly Renovated Hotel Spaces, and Expanded Chef Lineup Headlined by Celebrity Chef Shota Nakajima
June 9, 2026 (Spokane, WA) — Davenport Hotels is proud to announce the return of the Pacific Northwest Food & Wine Festival, taking place October 9–11, 2026 across its iconic downtown Spokane properties. Voted one of the Best New Festivals in the country by the USA Today 10Best 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, this year’s festival deepens its exploration of the Pacific Northwest’s rich culinary and wine culture through a weekend-long celebration of tastings, chef-led dinners, cooking demonstrations, and lively late-night gatherings. The festival showcases regional chefs, winemakers, purveyors and artisans, all set against the backdrop of Spokane’s vibrant riverfront and mountain skyline.
“The Inland Pacific Northwest has developed a distinct food culture shaped by its agriculture, winemaking and collaborative culinary community,” says Melissa Green, Vice President and Area Managing Director of Davenport Hotels. “We built this festival to bring those voices together in one place, from nationally recognized chefs to local producers, while giving visitors the opportunity to experience Spokane through food, wine and hospitality. We are thrilled to bring this festival to life for the second year and continue shining a light on this vibrant destination.”
Building on its celebrated debut, the festival returns with an expanded roster of chef-driven programming. This year’s featured culinary talent will be headlined by the acclaimed Seattle-based chef Shota Nakajima, who is celebrated for his appearances on “Iron Chef Gauntlet”, “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Top Chef: Portland” and is spearheading the vision for Friday and Saturday’s events. Additional participating chefs include Adam Hegsted, chef, restaurateur and James Beard Award semifinalist behind Spokane’s Eat Good Group; Tony Reed, Executive Chef of Spokane-based Spiceology; and Alicia Armour, Executive Pastry Chef at Davenport Hotels. To give back to the community who cultivate Spokane’s food and beverage culture, the festival will also provide support to Big Table, a nonprofit organization that assists restaurant and hospitality workers in crisis by providing emergency assistance, mentorship and community-based care.
“The beauty of the Pacific Northwest is that we have farmland, mountains and ocean, and endless incredible local ingredients, from Dungeness crab to foraged mushrooms,” says Shota Nakajima. “This festival is our opportunity to showcase what the area has to offer, connect with the community and support each other.”
A sampling of signature events include:
Friday, October 9:
- Grand Tasting: An al fresco welcome evening of elevated sips, gourmet bites, and a vibrant ambiance on The Davenport Grand Terrace, showcasing fine wines from across the Pacific Northwest alongside a variety of culinary creations.
Saturday, October 10:
- Sweet Pairings: Bubbles & Ice Wine Panel: An intimate guided tasting and panel discussion exploring the artistry behind sparkling and ice wines, each pour thoughtfully paired with handcrafted dessert creations from the Davenport Hotels pastry team.
- Cocktail Class with Master Mixologist: This hands-on class will teach the expert techniquesbehind three signature cocktails in the Davenport Hotel’s Marie Antionette Ballroom.
- Meet & Greet with Shota Nakajima: This VIP event offers a rare opportunity to spend quality time with one of the area’s most celebrated chefs over champagne and small bites.
- An Evening Under the Chandeliers: 5-Course Dinner: The crown jewel of the festival — an exclusive five-course dinner designed by Chef Shota Nakajima, all set in Davenport Hotel’s historic Grand Pennington ballroom brimming with live music.
Sunday, October 11:
- Jazz Brunch: A sophisticated send-off featuring elevated brunch classics, sparkling mimosas, and local flavors, as well as the smooth sounds of live jazz in the Davenport Hotel’s magnificent Isabella Ballroom.
- Afternoon Tea: A graceful close to the weekend in the Davenport Hotel’s historic Palm Court Grill. Enjoy premium loose-leaf teas and sparkling wines paired with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and decadent pastries in the elegant Spanish architecture-inspired lobby.
The festival unfolds across Davenport Hotels’ collection of properties in the heart of downtown Spokane, offering guests a distinct stage for every event, from grand ballrooms to intimate rooftop terraces. This year, the collection arrives with fresh energy: Davenport Hotel, originally opened in 1914 and one of the West’s first luxury hotels, has completed the latest milestone of a sweeping multi-phase renovation with refreshed 284 guest rooms that honor its storied character. The adjacent Davenport Tower is also debuting a renovated lobby and guestrooms this spring which reimagine its original safari-inspired aesthetic. Rounding out the collection is The Louie, a Davenport Hotel, a 48-key boutique property that opened in 2025, inspired by the private residences of Louis Davenport himself. Festivalgoers can also dine at Lilac & Pine, the new restaurant at the Davenport Grand, whose menu celebrates local flavors and ingredients, including a signature Davenport spice blend developed in collaboration with Spiceology.
All events are individually ticketed, starting at $35 per person. An All Weekend VIP Pass is available at Early Bird pricing of $475 through July 1 (standard pricing: $510). Guests can extend the festival experience with a two-night VIP Festival Room Package (available to book here) or enjoy 20% off guest rooms with the purchase of any à la carte event ticket. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit davenporthotelcollection.com/experiences.
About Davenport Hotels
Set in Downtown Spokane, Washington, Davenport Hotels includes five hotels renowned for their world-class service and luxury guest experience. Originally opened in 1914 by Louis Davenport and designed in the mold of Europe’s grand hotels, The Davenport Hotel quickly became a favored Inland Northwest luxury destination. Davenport Hotels has since grown to include four additional hotels: The Louie at Davenport Hotel, the Davenport Tower, the Davenport Grand and The Centennial Hotel – all of which are operated by Davidson Hospitality Group, an award-winning, full-service hospitality management company. Across the portfolio, the properties offer 1,787 guest rooms, nine restaurants with al fresco dining options, exquisite ballrooms and meeting space, and luxury amenities including an award-winning spa, fitness facilities, pools and a home store. For more information, visit davenporthotelcollection.com.
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About Pivot
Pivot is the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group. With a deep-rooted passion for continuous innovation, Pivot offers exceptional service delivery, revenue generation, integrated marketing and financial responsibility. Constituted by some of the most accomplished leaders in lifestyle hospitality, Pivot caters to today’s independent, adventure-minded traveler through approachable design, locally-inspired food and beverage, intuitive, heartfelt service and authentic experiences at each of its properties. For more information, visit www.davidsonhospitality.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidsonHospitality. Follow us on Instagram: @davidsonhospitality. #PivotHotels
