Vegas Unstripped has released the preliminary list of confirmed chef participants for this year’s event. The city’s celebrated chef-driven food festival will return to the Palms Casino Resort pool deck on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are now on sale.
Produced by Eric Gladstone and Chef James Trees, the annual event brings together many of Las Vegas’ most acclaimed and inventive chefs and bartenders for a one-night-only culinary showcase. Each participant debuts an original dish or cocktail created exclusively for the evening, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience the city’s culinary talent in a single, immersive setting.
Confirmed chef participants for this year include:
- Adam Rios (Timeless Hospitality Portfolio)
- Alec Paki (Sparrow & Wolf, Spaghetti On The Wall Hospitality)
- Anthony Carron (Alexxa’s)
- Brian Howard (Sparrow & Wolf, Spaghetti On The Wall Hospitality) James Beard Semi-Finalist
- Bruce Kalman (SoulBelly BBQ, Perfect Bite Productions) James Beard Award nominee and “Chopped” winner
- Dylan Jobsz (Esther’s Kitchen)
- Gary LaMorte (Honest Hospitality)
- Gina Marinelli (La Strega, Harlø Steakhouse), a James Beard Award Semi-Finalist
- Jackson Stamper (Ada’s Food + Wine)
- Jake Yergensen (Timeless Hospitality Portfolio)
- James Trees (Timeless Hospitality Portfolio), a James Beard Award finalist
- Joe Swan (High Steaks Vegas)
- Joe Valdez (Basilico Ristorante Italiano)
- John Arena (Metro Pizza, Truly Pizza) World Pizza Champions member
- Johnny Church (Johnny C’s Catering) “Chopped” winner
- Kari Garcia (TSP Bakery)
- Marty Lopez (Scotch 80 Prime)
- Matt Meyer
- Mhyrissa Bautista (SoulBelly BBQ, Burgersmith)
- Oscar Amador (Amador Cocina Fina)
- Oulay Fisher (Calabash African Kitchen)
- Rang Tan (Rang’s Cocina Moderne)
- Sean O’Hara (Timeless Hospitality Portfolio)
- Yuri Szarzewski (Partage, Le Club)
More chefs as well as bartenders and beverage partners will be announced in the weeks to come. Set against the backdrop of the Palms’ outdoor pool deck, Vegas Unstripped has become known for its collaborative spirit, creative freedom and high-energy atmosphere, drawing food lovers, industry insiders and visiting tastemakers alike.
“We are truly proud to see the local Las Vegas culinary scene begin to get the worldwide recognition we have always sought to spotlight,” said Gladstone. “Thanks to such a vibrant and passionate community, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.”
“At Palms, we are thrilled to host Vegas Unstripped once again, a truly exceptional celebration of culinary talent. This event brings together some of the most innovative chefs and bartenders in Las Vegas, each showcasing their creativity and passion for food and drink,” said Greg Van Stone, VP of Food & Beverage at Palms Casino Resort. “It’s a privilege to be part of an event that highlights the artistry and talent that makes Las Vegas a foodie paradise. We look forward to an unforgettable night of flavors and experiences, and celebrating the culinary brilliance of these talented chefs.”
Other unique elements of Vegas Unstripped:
Vegas Unstripped is an independent, not-for-profit event focused on promoting local chef talent (vs. particular restaurants or brands).
Participating chefs are chosen to represent the cutting edge of talent in Las Vegas and challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions.
Named chefs are requested to attend and serve guests personally.
Tickets are priced affordably to encourage participation from all food fans.
Virtually all expenses of the independent chef/restaurateurs are covered by event revenue. Most principal staff are volunteers. Chefs and their staff donate their time.
Net proceeds donated to underserved local charities. To date, Vegas Unstripped has donated over $70,000 locally (details on the vegasunstripped.com website).
The event has grown in size every single year.
Ticket price has remained the same and fees have actually been reduced from last year.
Ticket Information:
General Admission tickets are now available, remaining at the pre-inflation price of $150 plus the lowest fees possible, via vegasunstripped.com. All attendees must be 21+. A small number of tickets will be available on the day of the event for a higher price.
(Top Photo Credit: Vegas Unstripped)