New Culinary Event 'Forest to Fork' Coming to Traverse City

The inaugural springtime gathering will feature foraging, vineyard walks, cooking classes, and seasonal dinners.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A softly blurred, impressionistic photograph in warm, earthy tones depicting a basket filled with freshly foraged mushrooms, herbs, and berries set against a backdrop of lush, verdant foliage, conceptually representing the seasonal bounty and farm-to-table focus of the 'Forest to Fork' culinary event.The 'Forest to Fork' event in Traverse City celebrates the vibrant flavors of springtime through immersive foraging and farm-to-table experiences.Traverse City Today

Traverse City Tourism is launching a new four-day culinary event called 'Forest to Fork: A Springtime Gathering' from May 14-17, 2026. The event will showcase seasonal foods and pairings through collaborations between local chefs, farmers, artisans, and producers, with activities like foraging excursions, vineyard walks, cooking classes, and multi-course dinners.

Why it matters

The new 'Forest to Fork' event is part of Traverse City's broader annual Food & Wine festival, aiming to highlight the region's vibrant culinary culture and natural bounty. By focusing on springtime flavors and locally sourced ingredients, the event celebrates the connection between the local land, community, and culinary traditions.

The details

The inaugural 'Forest to Fork' event will feature over a dozen events and experiences across the Traverse City region, including 'Foraging and Found: A Wild Food Dinner Experience,' 'Vines and Forest Finds,' 'An Edible Container Garden Demonstration,' and 'Morels in Season: An Old World, New World Wine Tasting.' The event will also include a preview of the new Bohemian Cellars vineyard in Leelanau County.

  • Ticket sales for 'Forest to Fork' began on April 6, 2026.
  • The event is scheduled to take place from May 14-17, 2026.

The players

Traverse City Tourism

The organization producing the 'Forest to Fork' event as part of the broader Traverse City Food & Wine festival.

Whitney Waara

The chief operating officer of Traverse City Tourism.

Mike Kent

The public relations manager for Traverse City Tourism.

Bohemian Cellars

A new vineyard in Leelanau County that will be featured during the 'Forest to Fork' event.

4Front Credit Union

The presenting sponsor of the Traverse City Food & Wine festival.

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What they’re saying

“This is a tribute to the connection between the land, our culinary culture and the community. In the springtime, with the longer days and the flora waking up around us, the flavors are vibrant and alive. We are excited to bring people together to enjoy some of the unique wild and cultivated foods growing around the region.”

— Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer, Traverse City Tourism

“There's nothing like the experience of foraging for the freshest ingredients and tasting them moments later. We have an incredible bounty growing here and experts who know how to bring the flavors and textures together perfectly.”

— Whitney Waara, Chief Operating Officer, Traverse City Tourism

What’s next

Organizers stated that further details for the broader Traverse City Food & Wine festival, scheduled for August 19-23, 2026, will be announced soon.

The takeaway

The new 'Forest to Fork' event highlights Traverse City's commitment to celebrating its local food culture and natural resources, bringing together the community to enjoy the vibrant flavors of springtime through unique culinary experiences.