More: Drink Las Vegas Expands Lineup With Talent, Programming + Ticketing

Posted at 6 a.m. 5/21/26; updated at 7:30 a.m. 9/18/26

Set to debut Sept. 24-27, the inaugural Drink Las Vegas has unveiled its first wave of star-powered programming, bringing world-class culinary and beverage talent to the Las Vegas Strip. Hosted by MGM Resorts International and produced by a21, the four-day spectacle joins icons, tastemakers and talent at more than 30 venues.

Aria, Bellagio, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Park MGM will set the stage, 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 ages 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 MGM Resorts Chief Content, Hospitality & Development Officer Aria Kastrati.

“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.

Global culinary leaders include Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Prime, Jean Georges Steakhouse); Michael Mina, James Beard Award-winning restaurateur pictured in the main photo (Michael Mina, Bardot Brasserie, Orla); godfather of L.A.’s food truck movement Roy Choi (Best Friend); Wolfgang Puck (Spago); Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto); Tom Colicchio (Craftsteak); and Mary Sue Milliken (Border Grill, BBQ Mexicana).

They are alongside a new wave of influential voices including Tiffany Derry, “Top Chef” alumna and “MasterChef” judge; Maneet Chauhan, Food Network star and James Beard winner; Eric Adjepong, a “Top Chef” finalist and host; Karen Akunowicz, James Beard winner; Ayesha Nurdjaja, Food Network star; and Michelle Bernstein, James Beard winner.

Also: Paul Carmichael, the chef behind Kabawa, named #1 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, plus Anthony Carron, David Nayfeld, Gabe Bertaccini, Jamie Bissonette, Kelsey Murphy, Robbie Felice, Timothy Hollingsworth and Tristen Epps-Long.

Leading cocktail figures include Christine Kim of Service Bar, a North America’s 50 Best Bars standout; Rio Azmee of Stone & Soil; Jason Asher of Juniper & Jigger Hospitality Co., a force behind Arizona’s renaissance; Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room and Dear Irving in New York; Lynnette Marrero, an industry pioneer; Jeremy Barrett of Lemon; and Frank Maldonado of Employees Only.

Wine programming includes Master Sommelier Michaël Engelmann, with more than two decades of experience; Master Sommelier Jason Smith, VP of Global Strategy for Constellation Brands and formerly with MGM Resorts International; Amy Racine, JF Restaurants partner; and Master Sommelier Jesse Becker of The German Wine Collection and Rockwerk Grüner Veltliner co-owner.

The multivenue 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, 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 James Beard Foundation at Yucca Pool 
• Timeless Taste: Celebrating the Legacy of Las Vegas at 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
• 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 on Instagram at @drinklasvegas.