Supporting entrepreneurs and innovative women in the culinary arts by showcasing the Austin area’s top chefs and bartenders while benefiting The Junior League of Austin (JLA).

Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now! 

Austin Entertains Returns March 5, 2026

​AUSTIN ENTERTAINS
Thursday, March 5, 2026
VIP entry at 6 p.m.
General Admission entry at 7:30 p.m.
The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center
5330 Bluffstone Ln, Austin, TX 78759

Now in its tenth year, Austin Entertains continues to serve as a cornerstone of The Junior League of Austin’s mission-driven fundraising efforts — celebrating women in Austin’s vibrant culinary scene while raising vital funds for JLA’s Signature Impact Programs, including Food In Tummies (FIT), a program dedicated to eliminating weekend hunger for children in the Austin community. We’re thrilled to celebrate a decade of Austin Entertains on March 5, 2026!

Highlights from Austin Entertains 2025:

• Raised more than $77,000 to support JLA’s community programs
• Welcomed a full house with 33 unique culinary participants, 25 beverage sponsors, and 20+ VIP swag bag donors
• Culinary Fellowship winners:
  • 1st Place ($10,000): Kendall Antonelli, Antonelli’s Cheese Shop
  • 2nd Place ($2,500): Sushmita Malakar, Sushmita Malakar Mobile Bartending
  • Professional Services Award (valued at $7,500+): Tara Godby, Teakeasy
• Guests also voted on Fan Favorites, awarding:
  • Enma Lopez, ABW-Cantina — Best Savory Bite
  • Patricia Bedford, Suga’s Cakery — Best Sweet Bite
  • Naijean Bernard, Jeany’s Caribbean Elixirs — Best Sip

Thank you to all who attended and supported our event in 2025. Explore the Austin Entertains 2025 “Where to Buy” Guide. 

For a taste of our Austin Entertains 2026 Main Tasting and VIP experiences with more being announced soon…

Early Bird tickets for Austin Entertains 2026 are on sale now. Ticket options include General Admission, VIP, and the return of our ticket bundle for two guests — Tapas for Two — to the General Admission or VIP experience.

Join us on the General Admission floor for a fun night of food, cocktails, and live music as we support Austin’s most talented female chefs, winemakers, brewers, and spirit purveyors.

VIP includes all of the fun of General Admission but adds an extra 1.5 hours in the VIP exclusive lounge with VIP-only food and beverage tastings, live entertainment and activities, and open bar with signature VIP cocktails.

Purchase your tickets during Early Bird and save $5-20 before regular pricing kicks in on Feb. 4.

Tastemaker Tickets are also available for purchase. This ticket package includes two VIP tickets, Austin Entertains 2026 commemorative 10 year merchandise items, one raffle ticket, special recognition signage at one chef or beverage table at the event, one-on-one time with a participant before General Admission opens, and the participants’ first bite or sip of the night!

Purchase Your Austin Entertains Tickets!

Austin Entertains is a food and beverage event that raises money for fellowship award winners and JLA’s signature programs. The event attracts chefs, beverage and spirit purveyors, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, and other culinary and beverage participants to showcase their craft. Austin Entertains 2026 anticipates a sold-out event with 500 guests and more than 35 culinary and beverages participants.

Your support of Austin Entertains will increase your organization’s visibility to thousands of potential customers, including JLA members, community partners, and supporters through social media, website recognition, print and digital publications, and event attendees. 

Interested in learning more about participating, sponsoring, or donating a silent auction item? 

Contact our Austin Entertains Chair

Photos from Austin Entertains 2025:

AE 2025 Recap Website Photo Gallery by Austin Entertains Chair