NATCHEZ — Visitors and locals can get a real taste of Natchez this weekend during the 18th annual Natchez Food and Wine Festival at the Natchez Convention Center.

The kick off of the festival will be a “Tastings on the River” event 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Natchez Convention Center, where talented chefs from Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana will serve specialty dishes, festival organizer René Adams said.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at natchezfoodandwinefest.com for $70 each or at the door for $85, she said.

Ticket costs also include admission to the “Chef’s Party,” which features live music entertainment at 9 p.m. Friday at Bowie’s Tavern.

Adams said Lyn Fortenbery, the assistant general manager at Dunleith Historic Inn, is responsible for bringing amazing chefs from across the region to Natchez.

“I’m so proud of how we’ve grown the festival over the past 18 years,” Adams said. “Fortenbery has single-handedly brought amazing chefs from all around.”

Adams said the Natchez Food and Wine Festival also is partnering with the Natchez Bed and Breakfast Association to host a progressive luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Magnolia Cottage, Garden Song and The Guest House ticketed at $60 per person.

The luncheon Saturday includes appetizers, lasagna with a wilted spinach salad and assorted cheesecakes and cookies.

Dinner and a show from 4 to 6 p.m. at Bowie’s Tavern are also on Saturday’s agenda, featuring drinks, burgers and blues music.

Rolling River Bistro on Main Street is jazzing up brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

Adams said proceeds would contribute to the hospitality scholarship program through a partnership with the Mississippi Tourism Association.

“Our intent is to bring people to Natchez during the normally slow times of the year. Without the help of our many supporters, we wouldn’t be able to do that. We want to thank everyone who participated.”

Individual tickets, prices and events can be found at natchezfoodandwinefest.com.