A Taste of Mardi Gras, this year’s Food and Wine Tasting Festival benefiting the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs, will feature live jazz, tastings of more than 40 wines, local craft beers, and samples of cuisine from area restaurants. Participating eateries include Aegean Greek Restaurant, Cafe Bienville, Magnolia Grill, Peppers Mexican Cantina, Papa’s Smokehouse, Olive Garden, Twisted Grape Wine Bar and several others.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Raider Central (Building 400) on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Guests can also browse a silent auction featuring a variety of items, including gift cards, art, pottery, jewelry and themed gift baskets.
Sponsored by the Northwest Florida Symphony Guild, A Taste of Mardi Gras raises funds to support the Symphony’s youth initiatives, including the annual John Leatherwood Concerto Competition.
Tickets are $65 and may be purchased by calling the Mattie Kelly box office at 850-729-6000 or online at MattieKellyArtsCenter.org.
