Austin’s food scene is built on more than great restaurants. It is built on mentorship, collaboration, and a steady pipeline of talent coming up behind the scenes. The 2026 Give Back Gig is putting that front and center.
The annual event from the Visit Austin Foundation returns on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, bringing together some of the city’s most respected chefs alongside students from the Austin ISD culinary program for a one night collaborative tasting experience.
This is not a typical food event. Give Back Gig is designed to highlight the relationship between established chefs and the next generation of talent, pairing them together to create a shared menu that reflects both experience and fresh perspective.
Guests can expect a curated tasting menu built through those collaborations, along with specialty beverages and live music that keeps the evening grounded in Austin’s culture. The event also serves a larger purpose, supporting organizations like Good Work Austin and Urban Roots, while reinforcing the role the hospitality industry plays in strengthening the local community.
The chef lineup this year reads like a snapshot of Austin’s current culinary leaders. Rick Lopez of La Condesa, Ali Clem of la Barbecue, Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Canje, Kevin Cannon of Barley Swine, Amanda Turner of Olamaie, and Mark Dayanandan of Hilton Austin are all participating, each bringing their own style and influence into the mix.
The evening will be hosted by Mando Rayo of United Tacos of America, adding a familiar voice to guide the night.
Music remains a key part of the experience. The VIP hour will feature a live set from The Watters, while the main event transitions into a DJ set from DJ Chorizo Funk, keeping the energy moving throughout the night.
The event takes place at SKYBOX on 6th, offering a downtown setting that fits the scale and feel of the evening.
VIP tickets are priced at $200 and include early access from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., exclusive bites from Chef Amanda Turner of Olamaie, a specialty cocktail, live music, and additional perks like complimentary parking and access to a VIP raffle. General Admission tickets are $150, with entry beginning at 6:30 p.m., and include access to the tasting menu, drinks, live entertainment, and raffle opportunities.
Give Back Gig runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. on April 29, 2026.