BurgerFest in Paradise – Englewood, Florida
A Local Burger Festival with a Competitive Twist
BurgerFest in Paradise is one of those events that keeps things simple but still draws a crowd. It’s usually set up around Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood Village, with local restaurants and vendors cooking up their best burgers while people walk through, sample, and hang out for a while.
It’s got that same easygoing Englewood feel—nothing overcomplicated, just good food and a reason to be outside.
Sampling and Picking a Favorite
It’s not just “best burger”—there are often multiple categories
Both restaurants AND food trucks compete
Winners change every year → keeps people coming back
There’s legit competition + bragging rights
What makes this one a little more interesting than a typical food event is that you’re not just eating—you’re judging. Vendors usually compete for the title of best burger, and people going through the event get a chance to try different options and decide for themselves who did it best.
You’ll find everything from straightforward, classic burgers to more creative builds with different toppings and flavors. Most people don’t stop at one—they’ll grab a couple samples, compare, and start forming opinions pretty quickly. It turns into a bit of friendly competition, both for the vendors and for the people walking around debating which one actually deserves the top spot.
Past Favorites and Local Competition
Over the years, certain local spots tend to stand out and build a reputation, and you’ll hear people talking about who won last time or who they think should win this year. That’s part of what keeps people coming back—there’s always a little curiosity about who’s going to take it this time.
Even if you don’t keep track of the winners, you’ll definitely hear people around you comparing notes and making their picks as they go.
The 2026 winners were:
Judges selection
SUP ENGLEWOOD
People's Choice
ABLE'S MARINE
More Than Just Burgers
Along with the food, there’s usually live music playing and vendors set up along the street, which gives it more of a full festival feel. You can grab a burger, listen to a band for a bit, then keep moving and try something else.
It’s easy to spend a few hours there without really planning to.
Location and Setup
BurgerFest in Paradise is centered around Dearborn Street, making everything easy to walk. You can move between vendors, music, and nearby shops without much effort, which makes it easy to turn it into an afternoon downtown.
Like most events in Englewood, it stays relaxed. People take their time, run into friends, and just enjoy the day. It’s not overly crowded or rushed—it’s more about hanging out than getting through a schedule.
It ends up feeling more like a community get-together than a formal event, which is why it fits so well here.
