The downtown Las Vegas fall festival features a wide variety of unparalleled food and beverage experiences fit for all palates
The countdown clock is ticking. This fall the Life Is Beautiful festival will transform 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas into a thrilling celebration of music, art, food and comedy. The three-day festival — September 16-18 — just unveiled their diverse culinary program.
The food and beverage lineup features thriving culinary experts, chefs and mixologists from across the valley. By integrating engaging culinary activities and tasty bites, this element of the festival continues to embrace the local wine-and-dine industry.
“We are really excited to showcase and celebrate the Las Vegas culinary community for another year,” says Sharee Macy, director of food and beverage, in a statement. “We are beyond appreciative of the incredible chefs, mixologists and culinary professionals in our community who help us bring a uniquely Beautiful experience to our attendees.”
Over 70 chefs, bartenders, restaurants, food trucks, and mixologists will take part this year. Both general and exclusive culinary experiences will be available to festival-goers. Here is a quick breakdown of the food and beverage offerings at the fest.
Culinary Experiences with General Admission
Cocktail School returns to Life Is Beautiful. Guests may participate in a series of hands-on seminars and cocktail tasting sessions hosted by Gene Samuel of Peppermint Hippo and Joey Figeruoa of Herbs and Rye. Starboard Tack’s co-owner and bartender, Bryant Jane, will curate the lessons and special offerings.
The complimentary workshops will occur three times per day during the festival. No two seminars will be the same. Each session will explore a different cocktail trend, subject or spirit. Festival-goers that attend the seminars will enjoy samples of the drinks crafted in the class. Show up early because each session is on a first come, first seated basis.
Another interactive culinary experience included with general admission will be The Cookout. Guests may watch live fire cooking demonstrations while tasting morsels crafted by celebrated Las Vegas culinary experts. Chefs from José Andrés’ restaurants Bazaar Meat, China Poblano, and Jaleo, as well as the Whiskey in the Wilderness team, are scheduled to give food presentations.
It’s not really a party without pizza, right? The Pizzeria experience debuts for the first time this year. Curated by Vegas Pizza Fest and Good Pie creator, chef Vincent Rotolo, a special rotating menu of pies will be offered during the fall festival. Local pizza makers bringing savory slices this year include Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen, Metro Pizza, Old School Pizzeria, Pizza Forte, Pizza Rock, among others. A piece of pizza is the only love triangle worth the hype, sorry “Twilight.”
For guests seeking a more intimate feast, SecretBurger.com’s Jolene Mannina will curate the Omakase Cantina. Guests will dine omakase-style, which means dinner will be served in a Japanese-inspired style that highlights the chef’s unique vision and culinary talent. This unparalleled tasting event will feature Nicole Brisson of AMARI, Gina Marinelli of La Strega and Harlo Steakhouse and Bar, and Alan Mardonovich of Momofuku Las Vegas.
Culinary Experiences with Exclusive Pass
Want to elevate your food and beverage experience this year? VIP+ Happy Hour is the way to go. Sip on daily happy hour libations while noshing on grab-and-go style dishes crafted by distinguished chefs from Kusa Nori, Echo and Rig, and Mabel’s BBQ Las Vegas. Enjoy drinks and snacks while sitting comfortably on the VIP+ viewing deck facing the Downtown Stage. Avoid the packed crowds and long lines while still indulging in a unique festival experience. Pinkies up.
For concert-goers who secured an All-In ticket, sit back and relax at the Art Hospitality Lounge. International dining and nightlife consultants of English Hospitality Group will present a daily culinary pop-up menu with small bites and delectable surprises. The experience will feature a variety of dishes from popular Las Vegas-based restaurants, including The Pepper Club, Olives, and The Beast.
From high-profile celebrity chefs to creative hometown culinarians, here is the highly anticipated culinary program roster:
The Cookout
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
China Poblano by José Andrés
Jaleo by José Andrés
Whiskey in the Wilderness
VIP+ Happy Hour
Kusa Nori
Echo & Rig
Mabel’s BBQ Las Vegas
Community Curators Chef Justin Hall of Whiskey in the Wilderness Bryant Jane of Starboard Tack Vincent Rotolo of Good Pie Jolene Mannina of Secret Burger Omakase Cantina AMARI La Strega Harlo Steakhouse & Bar Momofuku Las Vegas |
Cocktail School Jaymee Mandeville of BACARDÍ® Adam Rains of The Golden Tiki Chase Gordon of The Sand Dollar Lounge Chris Militello of Monzu Italian Oven + Bar Javier Ramiez of Mabel’s BBQ Juyoung Kang of Here Kitty Kitty Lizter Van Orman of Milos Mauro Villalobos of Superfrico Tim Rita of T-Mobile Arena The Pizzeria Carmine’s Pizza Kitchen Esther’s Kitchen Good Pie Metro Pizza Old School Pizzeria Pizza Forte Pizza Rock Rebellion Pizza Yukon Pizza |
Artist Hospitality Pop Up The Pepper Club Olives The Beast |
General Restaurant Program Night + Market Shake Shack Café Lola Afters Ice Cream Cousins Maine Lobster Down 2 Earth The Black Pearl Secret Creamery Custom Pizza Truck |
To avoid FOMO, plan your Life Is Beautiful experience before the fall festival takes over downtown Las Vegas.