Los Angeles’ most anticipated culinary celebration is officially set to return. Masters of Taste, the city’s premier outdoor luxury food and beverage festival, has announced that its eighth annual event will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the field of the iconic Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium. Known for combining world-class cuisine with meaningful philanthropy, the event once again promises an unforgettable afternoon of indulgence, entertainment, and community impact.
Since its inception, Masters of Taste has distinguished itself not only as a showcase of Southern California’s finest culinary talent, but as a festival with purpose. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event directly benefit Union Station Homeless Services, a nonprofit organization that has provided housing and supportive services to thousands of individuals and families for over five decades.
Celebrated Host Chefs for 2026
This year, Masters of Taste proudly introduces its 2026 Host Chefs, the acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Old Pasadena. Widely respected for their refined, ingredient-driven approach, the Tilaka Kalbs have become central figures in Pasadena’s modern dining scene.
At Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, the couple has built a devoted following for elevated Californian comfort food grounded in classic American regional cooking. Their culinary philosophy centers on seasonality, farm-to-table sourcing, and partnerships with local farmers and artisans. Their mastery of cheese and their commitment to exceptional hospitality have earned them critical praise and industry admiration.
As Host Chefs, Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb bring both culinary excellence and leadership to the 2026 festival. Their presence signals a continued commitment to quality, creativity, and community engagement, making them a natural and exciting choice to guide this year’s event.
A Culinary Playground for 3,000 Guests
Following the tremendous success of the 2024 event, which sold out and garnered widespread media attention, Masters of Taste 2026 is expected to draw more than 3,000 food and beverage enthusiasts. The festival transforms the Rose Bowl field into an immersive tasting experience featuring over 100 top Culinary Masters and restaurants.
Guests can expect an extraordinary range of offerings. L.A.’s leading Sweet Masters will present decadent desserts, while top Beverage Masters will showcase handcrafted cocktail tastings from more than 25 spirit brands and premier cocktail bars. The event also features select wineries, local craft breweries, cold-pressed juices, cold brew coffee, and an array of specialty beverage experiences.
Beyond the tastings, live entertainment and interactive elements create a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the artistry and passion of the culinary world. Masters of Taste is more than a festival; it is a gathering of chefs, mixologists, artisans, and guests united by a shared appreciation for excellence.
A Festival with a Mission
What truly sets Masters of Taste apart is its unwavering commitment to social impact. Every dollar raised supports Union Station Homeless Services, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness through permanent housing solutions and comprehensive support services.
Over the past seven years, Masters of Taste has raised more than $3.5 million to support Union Station’s work. The impact has been significant. Union Station has achieved an impressive 97 percent success rate in permanently housing individuals and families.
Serving communities across the San Gabriel Valley for over 52 years, Union Station coordinates homeless services across 36 cities, from Pasadena to Pomona. As the lead agency for Service Planning Area 3, the organization focuses on four key pillars: Outreach, Interim Housing, Permanent Housing, and Community Integration. Their guiding belief is simple yet powerful: Homes end homelessness.
By attending Masters of Taste, guests are not only indulging in an extraordinary culinary experience but also contributing directly to meaningful change within their own communities.
The Setting: Pasadena Rose Bowl
The Pasadena Rose Bowl Stadium provides a stunning and iconic backdrop for the festival. Hosting the event directly on the field creates a unique, open-air environment that blends elegance with energy. As the sun sets over the San Gabriel Mountains, guests can sample dishes and drinks while enjoying panoramic views and the excitement of being in one of Southern California’s most historic venues.
The combination of luxury cuisine, outdoor ambiance, and a philanthropic mission makes Masters of Taste one of Los Angeles’ most distinctive annual events.
Ticket Information and Event Details
Masters of Taste 2026 is a 21 and over event. The VIP Hour runs from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, offering early access to tastings and an exclusive experience before General Admission begins at 4:00 PM and continues until 7:00 PM.
Early Bird tickets are currently available exclusively through the official Masters of Taste App on the App Store and Google Play. General ticket sales are now open, and demand is expected to be high given the event’s history of selling out.
Mark Your Calendar
Masters of Taste 2026 promises an afternoon of exceptional flavors, inspired chefs, and heartfelt community support. With Chef Thomas and Chef Vanessa Tilaka Kalb leading the culinary celebration and Union Station Homeless Services benefiting from every dollar raised, this year’s event once again blends indulgence with impact.
On April 19, 2026, the Rose Bowl field will become a stage for generosity, artistry, and the power of food to bring people together for a greater cause.
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