This October, the quiet town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, will transform into a bustling hub of culinary creativity and cinematic magic. From October 20–26, Devour! The Food Film Fest celebrates its 15th anniversary with an unforgettable lineup: 57 events, 47 films, 24 screenings, celebrity chefs, Montréal’s boldest culinary talent, Atlantic Canada’s finest producers, gala events, Taste of Nova Scotia Opening Gala, culinary workshops, foraging tours, bike rides, Chefs & Shorts Gala Dinner, Lunches at Le Caveau and Lightfoot & Wolfville, wine tastings and more.
Celebrity chefs include Danny Smiles of Le Violon (Canada’s #1 Best New Restaurant), Michelin-recognized Antonin Mousseau-Rivard of Le Mousso, Top Chef semi-finalist Massimo Piedemonte of Cabaret l’Enfer, Emma Cardarelli and Janice Tiefenbach, the team behind Nora Gray, Elena and Gia, as well as Ariel Schor of Beba, ranked # 7 on Canada's Top 100 list will be brining the best of Montreal to Wolfville in one unforgettable experience.
This year’s Festival boasts three new events: a Montréal Night Market, a Poutine Smackdown, and the Caban a Sucre Golden Tines Awards Brunch.
A Feast for All Senses
At the heart of Devour! is its mission to marry the worlds of food and film. For example, our Chefs and Shorts Gala is an event where we screen five short films and celebrity and local chefs create a 5-course dinner that brings the film to life on the plate. We also hold film screenings that are accompanied by small bites that help bring the film's theme to life for our guests.
For this year’s Opening Gala Film, Blueberry Grunt is a story of how a couple's seemingly innocent annual blueberry-picking trip goes awry. We will be serving this humble blueberry dessert to our guests after the live Q & A with the Newfoundland director, Sherry White and lead actor Joel Thomas Hynes.
Montréal’s food scene is bold, creative and inclusive—celebrating cultural diversity and surprising visitors at every turn. With nearly a quarter of the mentions on 2025 Canada's 100 Best list, 4,000 restaurants, 900 bars, 40 breweries, 20 public markets, and 30 culinary festivals, Montréal is a must for food lovers and we are thrilled to bring the best of Montréal to Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
This year, the festival introduces the Montréal Night Market, capturing the energy of Montréal’s legendary food scene. For $35, festivalgoers will sample 8–10 gourmet bites crafted by celebrated chefs like Danny Smiles (Le Violon), Antonin Mousseau-Rivard (Le Mousso), Massimo Piedimonte (Cabaret L’Enfer), and Janice Tiefenbach (Elena, Gia)—all in one buzzing, market-style atmosphere.
Then comes the Poutine Smackdown: Montréal vs. Atlantic. Eight to ten chefs put their own spin on Canada’s iconic comfort food, with guests tasting, voting, and joining a panel of judges to crown the ultimate poutine king.
Other highlights include:
- Cabane à Sucre Golden Tines Awards Brunch – A hearty Québécois feast by Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère (Cabane du Coureur Sugar Shack), celebrating the best of the festival’s films.
- Lobster Fais Do Do & Zydeco Beats – A Saturday night of Acadian and Louisiana traditions, lobster feasts, and Grammy-nominated zydeco music from Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers.
- Chefs & Shorts Gala – A five-course dinner where top chefs create dishes inspired by international short films.
Films That Inspire Action
Food lovers and cinephiles alike will be treated to a diverse lineup of films that spark discovery and conversation. Opening the festival is Blueberry Grunt, a gripping drama from Newfoundland director Sherry White (Maudie), followed by a live Q&A and—naturally—a serving of the classic dessert itself.
Other must-sees include:
- Ali Eats America – Following 17-year-old Ali Allouche, who, inspired by Anthony Bourdain, embarks on a culinary journey while battling cancer.
- Animals in War – Six true stories of animals caught in Ukraine’s conflict, with international artistic collaborations.
- Still Single – An intimate portrait of Chef Masaki Saito, Canada’s only Michelin Two-Star chef.
- Shelf Life – A whimsical dive into the artistry of cheesemaking.
From Local Roots to Global Spotlight
Devour! was born in Wolfville when Chef Michael Howell launched the first edition to spark business during the shoulder season. Partnering with film-industry veteran Lia Rinaldo, the festival quickly grew into a destination that has hosted legends like Anthony Bourdain, Jacques Pépin, Dominique Crenn, Phil Rosenthal, and more.
In 15 years, Devour! has:
- Welcomed over 99,000 attendees
- Served 75,000+ meals
- Screened 750+ films
- Showcased 525 Atlantic Canadian chefs and producers
- Provided hands-on experience for 750+ culinary students
As Howell reflects: “There isn’t a better way to celebrate our 15th anniversary than by showcasing Canadian talent and culinary traditions. Together, we’ve put Nova Scotia on the map as a top food destination.”
Why Devour! Matters
Every year, Devour! balances the joy of feasting with the deeper conversations around food: sustainability, culture, resilience, and discovery.
“Food is our love language, and for 15 years, we've crafted film programs highlighting its importance from various perspectives," says Lia Rinaldo, Managing Director, Devour! The Food Film Fest.
Whether it’s watching a heartfelt documentary, tasting an innovative dish, or learning in a workshop, attendees leave inspired—often ready to advocate for a cause, try a recipe, or book a table at a chef’s restaurant.
This fall, Wolfville becomes a stage where food tells stories, chefs push boundaries, and films ignite passion. For its 15th anniversary, Devour! is not just a festival—it’s a movement.
Ready to join the feast?
Explore the full program, book your tickets, and plan your trip at devourfest.com. Follow @DevourFest on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes chef stories, film spotlights, and mouthwatering sneak peeks leading up to October 20–26.
