What we’re looking forward to at Devour! The Sea
October 5, 2026
Words by Laura Oakley | Images by Michelle Doucette
We’re headed to Devour later this month for a number of events, workshops, and film screenings. The largest food film festival in the world (yes, you read that right), Devour is an annual weeklong event that transforms Wolfville, Nova Scotia, into a darling of the culinary world. Think Michelin-star chefs, celebrities, filmmakers, and plenty of people who just love food and learning about where it comes from. Here are a few of the events we’re excited about… most of which still have tickets available.
Opening Gala + Film
The hype is real at the Devour opening gala reception. Presented by Taste of Nova Scotia, guests can wander through Devour! Studios to try food from eight chef-led action stations (the bites are always next-level) and drinks from an additional eight producers (wineries, breweries, distilleries, etc.) for two hours. This is a true celebration of local food and drink, and yes, there are always oysters. The opening film is screened afterward at Acadia’s Denton Hall; this year it’s Bucks Harbour by Emmy Award-winning director Pete Muller.
Opening Night After Party
The party definitely doesn’t stop after the opening film – we’ll be heading back to the Devour! Studios to celebrate. Here you can rub shoulders with the filmmakers and visiting chefs, eat plenty more oysters, and discuss the themes of the film. This is when we like to show the festival’s special guests what partying on the East Coast is all about. (One year I got to meet Bill Pullman here, and he was introduced to the donair!)
Neptune Night Market
Presented by Nova Scotia Seafood, Devour! Studios will be “transformed into a bustling coastal night market” (per the event website) where 11 chefs will be cooking with local seafood. The chefs will each lead a station, giving guests the chance to taste and to chat. Featuring chefs from home and abroad, we’re super excited to see the different culinary takes using our incredible seafood as inspiration.
Tuna Culinary Workshop with Chef Joël Watanabe
While all the culinary and beverage workshops at Devour are amazingly informative, this year we’re extra pumped that Michelin-starred chef Joël Watanabe from Vancouver (Kissa Tanto) is at the festival showing us how to break down an entire bluefin tuna. This event also includes food samples! We can’t wait.
Chowder Smackdown
Chowder lovers unite! This is the only night of the year when you’ll get to try eight different chowders made by top-tier chefs, all competing for the crown. Both a People’s Choice Award and a Jury Award are handed out, meaning you get to cast your vote for the best chowder. This event is always a lot of fun, and you won’t leave hungry. Tickets are on sale here.
Seaside Foraging
The foraging events at Devour are always a fantastic way to get outside and explore part of the Annapolis Valley in the fall, share a rustic meal together made with wild foods, and, of course, learn! A personal favourite of Michelle, this year’s foraging excursion is along the coastline with chefs Stéphane Levac and Ethan Angnatok. This four-hour journey will include commentary on sustainable harvesting and both chefs’ approach to cooking with wild ingredients. Check out the seaside foraging we did with Gourmet by Nature (who have led foraging events at Devour many times) this past June.
Winery Luncheons
Each year at Devour there are gorgeous winery luncheons featuring visiting chefs. This year Benjamin Bridge will be hosting three chefs from Atlantic Canada – Renée Lavallée, Adam Loo, and Ken Pittman – for the Tide & Vine luncheon. Le Caveau at Grand Pré Winery will feature Inuit chef Ethan Angnatok for a three-course lunch menu, plus an additional event with chef Bill Osborne, which will feature three courses paired with premium Japanese spirits.
This list is by no means exhaustive – it’s a weeklong festival, after all, and we’ll be covering much more than what was just mentioned. There’s far too much happening at Devour to fit into one blog post, so check out the website for the full listing of events and films. Plus, check out our Instagram for live coverage during the festival, which is happening October 19-25
