Give Back Gig 2026

Food is Community, the great equalizer, and a powerful vehicle for connection. While Give Back Gig is rooted in cultivating the next generation of chefs, our greater mission is growing connection through the joy of cooking, coming together through shared experiences and around the table, and encouraging continued curiosity and appreciation for cultural diversity that exists through the language of food.

Give Back Gig celebrates Austin's Chefs as essential leaders, mentors and storytellers. This event honors Austin's culinary community for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, supporting local farmers, strengthening food systems, nourishing our community, and our Chef's deep-rooted desire to pour their passion into the next generation of culinary experts.

Food is Community - and we are honored to celebrate it!

Join us as Austin's hottest chefs team up with up-and-coming talent from our local Travis Early College High School culinary program for a unique tasting experience. Highlights include a special tasting menu, developed in collaboration with the chefs and students, specialty beverages, and live music from local Austin musicians.

Chefs include:
Executive Chef Rick Lopez | La Condesa
Executive Chef Ali Clem | la Barbecue
Executive Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph | Canje
Chef de Cuisine Kevin Cannon| Barley Swine
Executive Chef Mark Dayanandan | Hilton Austin

With special guest and emcee for the evening, Mando Rayo of United Tacos of America.

The Visit Austin Foundation proudly supports culinary workforce development and recognizes that restaurants are vital to Austin's identity and economy. Proceeds from the event will support the Visit Austin Foundation, Good Work Austin, and Urban Roots.

Registration Rates:
VIP Registration - $200
**VIP Reception from 5:30 - 6:30 pm includes exclusive bites prepared by Give Back Gig Alumni Chef Amanda Turner of MICHELIN-Starred Olamaie, live music from local Austin musicians, specialty craft cocktail, complimentary self-parking, and a chance to win an exclusive VIP raffle item. All GA benefits apply as well.

General Admission - $150
**Enjoy live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and drinks, participate in the event raffle and prize drawings, and help celebrate Austin’s next generation of culinary talent. General Admission experience begins at 6:30 pm.

Contact the organizer to request a refund prior to 4/22/26. After this date, all sales are final. Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Technology Sponsor: Dell Technologies

Culinary Sponsor: Hilton Austin

Gold Sponsors: JW Marriott/Downtown Marriott | The Westin Austin at the Domain | Limitless Lights and Sound | Renaissance Austin Hotel

Photography Sponsor: BoothEasy

Thanks to Our Event Supporters

SKYBOX on 6th | Freeman | Jordan Flowers & Events | Made In Cookware | NCT Culinary

Sponsorship opportunities available—join us and make an impact, contact us at hhamilton@visitaustin.org today!