Kalahari Resorts & Conventions to Bring Highly Successful Kalahari Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival to Sandusky, Ohio This August

Following massive success at other properties, the premier culinary event makes its highly anticipated Ohio debut on August 29th with a "Stars, Stripes, and Spurs" theme.

SANDUSKY, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Food and beverage enthusiasts are securing their spots for the Ohio debut of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ most successful and anticipated culinary tradition.

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio will host its popular Kalahari Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival for the first time this year, bringing the acclaimed culinary experience to a new Kalahari destination on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., marking the event’s Ohio debut. The event is open to the public. After building a loyal following and driving incredible demand at other locations, the festival is expanding to the Sandusky resort. Tickets are available now for both General and VIP admission, and the inaugural Midwest expansion is already pacing toward a swift sell-out.

Shores & Islands Ohio joins the inaugural Ohio festival as a valued sponsor, supporting the celebration of the region’s vibrant culinary scene and local experiences. The festival features:

• 50+ Vendors: A curated selection of local and national breweries, wineries, and distilleries, including a souvenir wine glass for every guest.
• 30+ Unique Dining Stations: A grand culinary journey across three of Kalahari’s premier signature restaurants - the authentic flavors of Sortino’s Italian Kitchen, the vibrant spirit of Cinco Niños, and the masterfully crafted offerings of B-LUX Grill & Bar, and even more bites and sips from the resort's wide array of onsite eateries along the way.
• Live Entertainment & More: Interactive cooking demonstrations, live music, raffles and giveaways, and a silent auction benefiting our partnership with charity: water.

This year's event takes on a ruggedly refined "Stars, Stripes, and Spurs" theme, immersing guests in an authentic Americana-inspired atmosphere filled with rustic western decor and patriotic ambiance. To fully lean into the spirit of the evening, guests are invited to dress up in their best western flair and/or patriotic attire. Against this vibrant backdrop, attendees will enjoy award-winning cuisine, a premium selection of cocktails and mocktails, endless Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and live entertainment resort-wide.

"The Kalahari Food & (Not Just) Wine Festival has become a massive success and a signature tradition for our brand, and we are absolutely thrilled to bring that exact high-energy experience to our Sandusky, Ohio property for the first time ever," said Bill Reed, General Manager of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky. "We've seen incredible demand since tickets launched, and we want to ensure our local fans can secure their tickets before this inaugural Ohio event officially sells out."

For guests looking to elevate their experience, the VIP package includes a chef-curated brunch buffet and exclusive entertainment, early event access, a welcome gift, priority seating at cooking demos with Kalahari chefs, and access to the VIP lounge.

Tickets can be purchased at kalahariresorts.com/festival. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Additionally, attendees looking to extend their experience can purchase the “Sip & Stay” Festival Package, offering discounted rates on an overnight stay plus VIP tickets to enjoy the event. More details on this package can be found at kalahariresorts.com/ohio/special-offers/food-wine-offer.

ABOUT KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, founded by Todd and Shari Nelson, is home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, and offers an unmatched mix of all-under-one-roof experiences for families, vacationers, and meeting attendees. With locations in Wisconsin Dells, WI; Sandusky, OH; Pocono Mountains, PA; Round Rock, TX; and a new resort opening in 2026 in Spotsylvania, VA, each property draws inspiration from the rich culture and vibrant landscapes of Africa. Recognized by USA TODAY’s 10BEST for Best Indoor Water Park and Best VR Water Slide, Kalahari continues to set the standard for family entertainment and hospitality. Across its growing collection of resorts, guests can expect well-appointed accommodations, signature dining, unique retail, expansive indoor and outdoor waterparks, immersive adventure parks, and state-of-the-art convention centers. In 2026, Kalahari introduced its Treehouse Adventures, luxury treehouses located on the shores of Lake Delton in Wisconsin Dells. Select locations also feature full-service spas and wellness destinations, creating the ultimate all-in-one getaway. For the latest news and media resources, visit kalaharimedia.com.