Vegas Unstripped Releases Confirmed Chef Line Up

Las Vegas food festival Vegas Unstripped is returning to Palms Casino Resort on Sunday, April 26, 2026, and organizers have released a preliminary list of confirmed chefs. Tickets for the annual chef-driven event are now on sale ahead of the one-night culinary showcase on the resort’s pool deck.

According to a press release from Vegas Unstripped, the event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature original dishes and cocktails created exclusively for the evening by participating chefs and bartenders.

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
• Dio Buan (Istorya)
• Dylan Jobsz (Esther’s Kitchen)
• Francisco Cortes (Alebrijes by Chef Paco)
• Gary LaMorte (Fortune Events)
• 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 
• Myrhissa 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)
• Tyler Vorce (Lilli)
• Yuka Takamizawa (Milk bread & Moignet)
• 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 make Las Vegas a foodie paradise. We look forward to an unforgettable night of flavors and experiences, and to 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.

National, regional, and local media coverage is invited. 

HI-RES PHOTOS/VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE Courtesy Vegas Unstripped 

About Vegas Unstripped and The Feast of Friends 

Vegas Unstripped is Las Vegas’s only festival by chefs, about chefs, and for the Vegas community. Participating chefs represent the cutting edge of independent talent in Las Vegas, and are challenged to create unique dishes for the night reflecting their culinary passions. The evening is augmented by beverages from Las Vegas’ best local bars, local musicians, local art, and more. Created in 2018 as a reaction to the Strip-focused Vegas Uncork’d event (now defunct), Vegas Unstripped initially invited only chefs working off-Strip, but now welcomes Vegas chefs regardless of where they cook, accepting open submissions. All necessary expenses of the independent chef/restaurateur are covered by event revenue to the extent possible, with net proceeds going to underserved local charities. To date, VU has donated nearly $52,000.

The Feast of Friends is a multi-faceted branding agency, incorporating brand development, traditional and digital marketing, media & influencer relations, social media, websites, and events based in Las Vegas and focused on independent food & beverage. 

About Palms Casino Resort

Palms Casino Resort is a trailblazer as the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe. With 766 hotel rooms and suites across two towers, Palms offers a dynamic mix of bars and restaurants, including the acclaimed steakhouse Scotch 80 Prime, the popular A.Y.C.E Buffet, and Michelin Star Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum restaurant. Recognized by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards as the Best U.S. Casino for two consecutive years, Palms is home to a redesigned 95,000-square-foot casino, live entertainment venues, a pool oasis, and unique lifestyle experiences. Amenities also include free valet and self-parking, The Pearl (a 2,500-seat concert theater), Ghostbar Rooftop Lounge, The Spa, the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema, over 190,000 square feet of meeting space, Til Death Do Us Part Wedding Chapel, and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums. Palms features innovative suites like the Hardwood Suite for basketball fans, the Kingpin Suite for bowling enthusiasts, and many more themed suites. The Sky Villa suites, with masterful artwork, private pools and terraces, and breathtaking views of the Strip, provide unmatched luxury for unforgettable experiences.

Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road, Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), an instrumentality of  Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. For more details, visit palms.com or the Palms Press Room