More: MGM Resorts Announces Details for Inaugural Drink Las Vegas From Sept. 24-27

Posted at 6 a.m. 7/8/26; updated at 7:30 a.m. 9/21/26

Drink Las Vegas has added culinary talent, chef collaborations, programming and exclusive dining experiences, and new ticket options aim to give consumers and industry professionals flexibility in building their festival experience across MGM Resorts International properties. From weekend access to tasting packages and industry-exclusive passes, attendees can now curate their experience in Las Vegas.

New Ticketing Packages

The Standard Pass (GA) and Select Pass (VIP) provide broad festival access, while Signature Tastings packages allow guests to add on three premium experiences at a reduced rate. 

• Standard Pass (GA) – $1,530
• Select Pass (VIP) – $2,185
• Signature Tastings Package (GA) – $785 (Three Signature Tastings)
• Signature Tastings Package (VIP) – $975 (Three Signature Tastings)

Additionally, industry professionals can access the festival through The Inner Circle pass at $600.

• The Inner Circle (Industry Pass) – $600

To view and purchase all ticket package options, visit DrinkLasVegas.com/passes/ 

New Talent and Programming

New Talent

• Opening Night with Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Guest Shaquille O’Neal (pictured in the main photo): Drink Las Vegas kicks off with a marquee Opening Night hosted by legendary Chef Vongerichten joined by NBA Hall of Famer O’Neal. The evening sets the tone for the weekend ahead at the intersection of food, hospitality and entertainment. DrinkLasVegas.com/opening-night/ 

New Culinary Experiences: Chef-Driven Lunches

• Raw & Refined Lunch at Yellowtail With Diego Oka and Nando Chang: Peru and Japan meet at the table. Nando Chang – Miami-born chef behind the Itamae and James Beard Award-winning Itamae AO – joins Diego Oka, the culinary force behind Gastón Acurio’s La Mar restaurants, for an intimate Nikkei-inspired lunch featuring pristine seafood, bold Peruvian flavors, Japanese technique and spirited pairings. DrinkLasVegas.com/raw-and-refined-lunch/ 
• Elements of Agave Lunch With Daniela Soto-Innes and Laura & Sayat Ozyilmaz: Daniela Soto-Innes – Mexico City-born chef and the youngest recipient named World’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants – joins husband-and-wife duo Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz for a multicourse menu inspired by the flavors and traditions of Latin America paired with agave-forward pours. DrinkLasVegas.com/elements-of-agave/ 

New Winemaker’s Dinners *Extremely limited availability

DrinkLasVegas.com/events/?category=The%20Winemaker%27s%20Table 

• The Winemaker’s Table: An Intimate Dinner Hosted by Opus One: An exceptionally limited number of guests will join the Opus One winemaker for an intimate dinner featuring Carbone classics and distinguished Opus One wines – with the winemaker seated at the table throughout the evening.
• The Winemaker’s Table: An Intimate Dinner Hosted by Hundred Acre’s Jayson Woodbridge and Jean-Georges Vongerichten: Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Hundred Acre winemaker Jayson Woodbridge host an exceptionally private evening. Hundred Acre’s highly sought-after Napa Cabernets are paired with a Jean-Georges menu in an experience available to only a handful of guests.

New Panels, Seminars & Brand Experiences

DrinkLasVegas.com/events/?category=Panels%20%2B%20Seminars 

• The Jon Taffer Podcast: Live From Drink Las Vegas: Restaurateur, TV personality and hospitality authority Jon Taffer brings his podcast to life from the DLV stage. Expect candid industry stories, hard-earned lessons and sharp perspectives drawn from more than 30 years in the business.
• Guess the Glass: A Blind Tasting Experience: Momofuku Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann and Kabawa Sommelier Eitan Spivak host a lively, competitive blind tasting. Guests move through wine flights and an “A or B” elimination challenge with prizes for the last palates standing.
• Rated 100: An Exceptional Wine Tasting With Nicholas Walters: Eleven Madison Park Sommelier Walters guides guests through a tasting of wines that have earned a perfect 100-point score from Robert Parker spanning celebrated vintages, renowned regions and distinctive grape varieties.
• House of Pernod: A premium hospitality experience showcasing Pernod’s luxury portfolio through storytelling, tasting, and interactive brand engagements featuring Absolut x Tabasco, Elyx Single Estate Vodka, Código 1530 Tequila, Jefferson’s Bourbon, Perrier-Jouët Champagne and Château Sainte Marguerite Rose. DrinkLasVegas.com/house-of-pernod-thursday/ 

Drink Las Vegas brings together world-renowned chefs, acclaimed winemakers, master sommeliers, bartenders and hospitality leaders for an immersive celebration of food, wine, spirits and cocktail culture across the Las Vegas Strip. For tickets and the complete programming lineup, visit DrinkLasVegas.com.