The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival returns this week with four days of food, wine and special events, and strong advance ticket sales have already filled several of the weekend's signature gatherings.

Saturday's Grand Tasting at Marktplatz remains the centerpiece of the festival, with more than 75 wine, food, beer and spirits tastings and more than 35 participating wineries.

The Grand Tasting runs from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. The event will also include live music, chef demonstrations, a beer garden, ros and sparkling wine areas, a silent disco and a shopping market.