Events, things to know about the 24th SOBEWFF

• All proceeds from the festival go to Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism, which has received more than $40 million during the life of the partnership.

The festival starts Thursday, so tickets are limited. But here's a rundown of what to watch for — even if that means avoiding the traffic in and around Miami Beach.

• The four-day festival runs through Sunday, with events planned across South Florida and the main headquarters on the sands of South Beach.
• Check out the full list of events and see bundle offers.

Food and drinks included unless otherwise noted

Grand Tasting Village: The festival's marquee event, which takes up three city blocks on the sands of South Beach, invites attendees to sample bites from 30 South Florida restaurants, sip on refreshing libations and enjoy musical performances from Flo Rida and DJ Irie.

• $279.
• Sunday, 12pm-5pm.

Burger Bash: TV chef Rachael Ray hosts one of the festival's premier events, with attendees judging over 30 burgers and potato-based side dishes.

• $325 each.
• Thursday, 7:30pm-10:30pm.
• At the North Venue on South Beach.

Alex vs. Miami: Food Network chefs Alex Guarnaschelli and Eric Adjepong host this walk-around tasting where chefs compete to make the best dish.

• $155 each.
• Thursday 10pm-1am.
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Tournament of Champions: The Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, hosts this culinary competition featuring four teams of six chefs battling for the People's Choice Award.

• $215 each.
• Friday, 7:30pm-10:30pm.
• North Venue.

Empanada-Making Master Class: Writer and entrepreneur Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, son of "Griselda" actor Sofía Vergara, will teach you how to make the South American staple.

• $135 each.
• Saturday, 10am-12pm.
• SGWS Wynwood.

Drag Brunch: "The View" co-host Ana Navarro and "Queer Eye" star Antoni Porowski celebrate good food and the LGBTQ community at the Miami Beach Bandshell.

• $95 for drinks and a show, $185 with food included.
• Event runs Saturday from 12pm-3pm, beginning with brunch. (Show begins at 1pm.)
• Athena Dion, host and producer of the drag brunch at R House Wynwood, is joined by Meatball and Alexis Michelle from "RuPaul's Drag Race."

The Cookout: James Beard Award-winning chef, author, and TV personality JJ Johnson celebrates African American cuisine at Eden Roc Miami Beach.

• $175 each.
• Saturday, 4pm-7pm.

FoodieCon: James Beard Award-winning TV chef Andrew Zimmern and celebrity food reviewer Keith Lee headline this year's FoodieCon, a celebration of culinary content creators featuring cooking demonstrations, complimentary bites and more.

• $100.
• Saturday, 12pm-6pm.
• Mondrian South Beach.

Noche Cubana: Miami chef and restaurateur Michelle Berstein and partner David Martinez — who own and run local gems like Cafe la Trova and Sweet Liberty — are throwing a Cuban party with a local crew of food giants.

• They include Martha Cardenas from El Mago de las Fritas, Suzanne Batlle from Azucar Ice Cream and Daniel and Rosa Figueredo from Sanguich, among many others.
• $155 each.
• Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel.
• Saturday, 10pm-1am.

Sweet & Savory Brunch: Enjoy freshly baked breakfast sandwiches and a sparkling mimosa in the lush tropical gardens of The Palms Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach.

• Zak Stern of Zak the Baker is joined by a who's who of Miami's bakery scene: Jesus Brazon (Caracas Bakery), Cindy Kruse (Cindy Lou's Cookies) and Matteson Koche (El Bagel), among others.
• $139.
• Sunday, 11am-1pm.

Overtown Gospel Brunch: Award-winning chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson, of Red Rooster Overtown, is hosting a community brunch with great food and live gospel music from the Florida Fellowship Super Choir.

• He will be joined by his chef friends, including Amaris Jones (Chick N Jones), Travis Reece (Chef Reece Kitchen) and Derek Turton (World Famous House of Mac), among others.
• $199.
• Sunday, 11am-1pm at Red Rooster.