Eat & Drink Up in Downtown Melbourne
After a successful launch in 2016, the Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is back for its second year. The annual event is gearing up to showcase some of Brevard County’s best food and drink establishments along with live entertainment, all set against the backdrop of historic Downtown Melbourne.
With more than 50 participating restaurants, wineries and breweries, the festival aims to highlight the many flavors available in Brevard and celebrate the growing culinary scene in our community. Guests will be able to enjoy downtown favorites like Backwater and Hell ‘n Blazes Brewing Company along with first-time participants like Rib City and The Salty Fox.
For Melbourne Main Street, the non-profit organization that works to revitalize Downtown Melbourne, hosting the festival is a way to showcase the area in a whole new way. With Downtown Melbourne as the centerpiece, the event will provide patrons a unique experience with beautiful market lighting, performance artists, music throughout the footprint and more.
Last year’s festival brought more than 1,000 people to Downtown Melbourne for an unforgettable evening of sampling and strolling. Tickets sold out months in advance. Proceeds from last year’s festival are being used to install blue uplights to beautify both entrances to Downtown.
“Downtowns are the centerpieces of our community, and with all of the growth happening in Brevard, we know Downtown Melbourne plays a key role in helping to attract and retain talent,” said Executive Director of Melbourne Main Street Jarin Eisenberg. “We want to provide an environment that gives community members opportunities to create meaningful memories in the place they live, work and play.”
The event is supported by presenting sponsor Melbourne BMW and partners such as Einstein’s Bagels and One Insurance Group. According to Eisenberg, telling the story of Downtown Melbourne and its impact well beyond the businesses that call it home is key for its development.
“We have established partnerships with businesses in the community that understand a vibrant downtown is a key indicator of the health of our community, and in return, their business, too,” Eisenberg said.
With many tickets sold already, the group is gearing up for another fantastic night in Downtown celebrating the arts, community, and of course, delicious food.
Tickets are limited and are on sale now for the Nov. 18 event at https://foodandwine.downtownmelbourne.com/ While Downtown Melbourne is open for business the night of the event, only patrons with a pre-purchased ticket will be able to sip and sample from participating restaurants, wineries and breweries.
Jarin Eisenberg is executive director of Melbourne Main Street, where she works to build public-private partnerships to revitalize Downtown Melbourne. She was the recipient of Lead Brevard’s 2016 4 Under 40 award, and the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Small Business of the Year Award. Jarin sits on the board of directors of weVENTURE, the Melbourne Regional Chamber, and is board chair of the Street to Home Movement.
Akili Phillips is the owner of sassy a la mode, an event-coordinating and branding company. She works with clients and small businesses to create cohesive, well-executed events and marketing. Akili is assisting with the event coordination of the Downtown Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and is a co-leader for the Rising Tide Society.
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