Set to debut September 24–27, the inaugural Drink Las Vegas unveiled its first wave of star-powered programming, bringing an unprecedented assembly of world-class culinary and beverage talent to the Las Vegas Strip.
Hosted by MGM Resorts International and produced by a21, an experiential event agency, this four-day spectacle will bring together industry icons, global tastemakers and landmark talent across more than 30 venues. The city’s most iconic food and beverage venues within ARIA, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Park MGM will set the stage, firmly establishing MGM Resorts as a driving force in the global culinary and cocktail scene.
Tickets and VIP passes are on sale now and can be purchased at Drink Las Vegas online. Ticketholders must be 21+ to attend. Guests interested in accommodations may reserve rooms by visiting MGM Resorts online.
“The programming for Drink Las Vegas captures the pulse of MGM Resorts—bold, energetic and constantly evolving,” said Ari Kastrati, chief content, hospitality and development officer at MGM Resorts. “It’s where innovative beverage experiences collide with world-class entertainment, cuisine and hospitality, creating moments that feel fresh, immersive and distinctly MGM. The excitement comes from pushing boundaries and giving audiences something they can’t experience anywhere else.”
Drink Las Vegas is a new experiential festival celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality on the Las Vegas Strip. From intimate chef dinners and cocktail masterclasses to large-scale tasting parties and industry panels, the event offers ticketed experiences at every level, giving guests the chance to eat, drink and connect with the world’s leading culinary and beverage talent. Globally recognized culinary leaders include Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Prime, Jean Georges Steakhouse); Michael Mina, a James Beard Award-winning restaurateur synonymous with innovation in fine dining (Michael Mina, Bardot Brasserie, Orla); celebrated chef, restaurateur, author and the godfather of LA’s food truck movement Roy Choi (Best Friend); the iconic Wolfgang Puck (Spago), internationally acclaimed Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto), Tom Colicchio (Craftsteak) and Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, BBQ Mexicana), alongside a new wave of influential voices including Tiffany Derry, a Top Chef alumna and MasterChef judge; Maneet Chauhan, a Food Network star and James Beard Award winner for Best Chef Southeast; Eric Adjepong, a Top Chef finalist and host; Karen Akunowicz, a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef Northeast; Ayesha Nurdjaja, Food Network Titan and James Beard Award nominee; Michelle Bernstein, a James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur and TV host; Paul Carmichael, the trailblazer and chef behind acclaimed Kabawa, named number one restaurant in New York City’s East Village by The New York Times and Bar Kabawa, recognized as one of PUNCH’s best new bars in 2025. Additional culinary personalities span Anthony Carron, David Nayfeld, Gabe Bertaccini, Jamie Bissonette, Kelsey Murphy, Nyesha Arrington, Robbie Felice, Timothy Hollingsworth and Tristen Epps-Long.
Interwoven throughout the program are leading figures from the cocktail world including Christine Kim of Service Bar, a North America’s 50 Best Bars standout; Rio Azmee of Stone & Soil, known for his sustainability-driven approach; Jason Asher of Juniper & Jigger Hospitality Co., a driving force behind Arizona’s cocktail renaissance; and Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room and Dear Irving, a defining figure in New York’s modern cocktail movement, Lynnette Marrero, an industry pioneer and one of the country’s most influential female mixologists, alongside Jeremy Barrett of Lemon and Frank Maldonado of Employees Only. The wine programming is equally distinguished, bringing together some of the industry’s most respected sommeliers, including Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann, with over two decades of experience working in restaurants and hospitality groups across the world; award-winning Master Sommelier Jason Smith, currently serving as Vice President of Global Strategy for Constellation Brands and former Executive Director of Wine for MGM Resorts International; Amy Racine, partner and beverage director of JF Restaurants; and Master Sommelier Jesse Becker, of The German Wine Collection and co-owner at Rockwerk Grüner Veltliner.
The multi-venue event will spotlight a curated lineup that reflects the full spectrum of modern hospitality. The programming will continue to build, with additional talent to be announced.
Highlights include:
- Industry Panels & Seminars span immersive consumer brand activations, in-depth industry seminars and dynamic storytelling panels led by industry leaders.
- Exclusive VIP & Signature Tasting Experiences celebrating excellence in food, beverage and hospitality.
- Opening Night Party at ARIA Yucca Pool
- 24K: Caviar & The Classics at The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars, Bellagio
- In the Mix: Music Meets Mixology at On The Record, Park MGM
- A Night of Excellence with the James Beard Foundation at ARIA Yucca Pool
- Timeless Taste: Celebrating the Legacy of Las Vegas at ARIA Yucca Pool
- Daytime Seated Lunch Experiences
- Elements of Agave: A Cocktail & Culinary Lunch at Amaya, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Curtain Call: A Spirited Performance Lunch at The Mayfair Supper Club, Bellagio
- Contemporary Classics Lunch at Spago, Bellagio
- Lunch at CARBONE Riviera, Bellagio
- Experience-Forward Collection of Seated Dinners
- The Zodiac Dinner at Blossom, ARIA
- In Rare Form: A Spirit-Aged Steak & Cocktail Dinner at Westoria, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Time & Terroir: A Vintage Wine + Culinary Dinning Experience at Westoria, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
- Palate & Pour: An Elevated Dinner Affair at Sadelle’s, Bellagio
a21 Founder and CEO Brett Friedman said, “As leaders of hospitality on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts embarks on the next great chapter for live culinary experiences in the U.S. With the inimitable focus on pairing world-class mixology with iconic restaurateurs, Drink Las Vegas is poised to lead the industry in a progressive transformation as only Las Vegas can do.”
Drink Las Vegas is benefiting Keep Memory Alive, supporting the funding of research, treatment and care for brain disorders at Cleveland Clinic Nevada.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit drinklasvegas.com and follow along on Instagram at @drinklasvegas.
