Festival of Chefs: An Evening of Food, Wine & Giving
Updated: 4 days ago
This summer marked my third year attending Festival of Chefs, an annual culinary event that brings together Orange County chefs, restaurants, wineries, and supporters for an evening benefiting KidWorks.
Held outdoors on the lawn at Newport Beach Country Club, the event is as much about discovering the local culinary community as it is about the cause behind it. Guests move throughout the grounds sampling chef-prepared dishes alongside wine and spirits before gathering for a special presentation highlighting the work of KidWorks.
BEHIND THE EXPERIENCE
Festival of Chefs combines an open-air tasting experience with an evening of philanthropy. Chefs and culinary partners from throughout Orange County serve dishes throughout the grounds, creating an opportunity to experience a wide range of restaurants and flavors in one setting.
After the tasting portion of the evening, guests gathered for a presentation from KidWorks followed by live music and dancing with the Tijuana Dogs.
The event benefits KidWorks, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit serving children, teens, and families through academic, personal development, college and career readiness, and leadership programs. The 2026 Festival of Chefs raised more than $920,000 in support of the organization and its students.
After attending for three years, Festival of Chefs continues to stand out among Orange County culinary events, not only for the opportunity to experience so many chefs in one evening, but also for the community and purpose behind it.
