I go to Celebrate the Craft every year, and it remains one of the San Diego food events I most look forward to. The food is excellent, the outdoor setting at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is hard to beat, and one of my favorite parts is meeting and talking with so many of the chefs.
The 23rd annual Celebrate the Craft takes place Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. The outdoor festival brings together chefs, farmers, ranchers, vintners, brewers and artisans for an afternoon centered around California’s food and beverage community. You can get tickets and learn more on The Lodge at Torrey Pines website.
Celebrate the Craft 2026
Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla
Tickets: $375 plus tax and fees
VIP Enhancements: Additional $100 plus tax and fees
Age: 21 and over
This year’s theme of Celebrate the Craft is “Rooted in Craft,” and the chef lineup includes some of San Diego’s best-known names, including Eric Bost (Lilo), Jason McLeod, Brian Redzikowski (Kettner Exchange), Claudia Sandoval, Zuliya “Chef ZUZU” Khawaja, Travis Swikard (Callie), Oscar Torres (Animalón) and Owen Beatty of A.R. Valentien.
For me, the setting is a big part of what makes Celebrate the Craft so special. You spend the afternoon walking around the beautiful grounds of The Lodge, enjoying food and drinks with views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean
Participating Chefs
- Owen Beatty, Chef de Cuisine, A.R. Valentien
- Shihomi Borillo, Owner, Azuki Sushi
- Eric Bost, Chef and Owner, Lilo
- Drew Deckman, Michelin Star Chef and Owner, Deckman’s Restaurant Group
- Greg Frey Jr., Executive Chef and Farmer, Golden Door
- Eric Gallerstein, Chef and Owner, Mastiff Sausage Company
- Zuliya “Chef ZUZU” Khawaja, Winner, Bravo’s Top Chef Amateurs
- Esteban Lluis, Executive Chef, Kaluú
- Jason McLeod, Executive Chef, Ironside Fish & Oyster and Partner of CH Projects
- Juan Gonzáles, Chef and Owner, Mesa Agricola
- Jarrod Moiles, Owner, Moiles Culinary Consulting
- Benito Molina, Executive Chef and Owner, Manzanilla
- Moumen Nouri, Chef and Owner, Kous Kous Moroccan Bistro
- Brian Redzikowski, Executive Chef, Kettner Exchange
- Jojo Ruiz, Executive Chef and Partner, Clique Hospitality
- Eric Sakai, Executive Chef, The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Claudia Sandoval, Chef, Television Personality and Cookbook Author
- Vince Schofield, Executive Chef, Small Barn
- Ronnie Schwandt, Executive Chef, Blue Bridge Hospitality
- Alejandro Sicairos, Executive Chef, Bianchi Pizza & Pasta, Dockside 1953
- Bryan Stuppy, Executive Chef, Oceana Coastal Kitchen
- Travis Swikard, Chef and owner, Callie
- Oscar Torres, Chef, Animalón
- Brad Wise, Chef and Owner, Trust Restaurant Group
What's New at Celebrate the Craft
The 2026 Celebrate the Craft event adds several VIP enhancements for an additional $100. They include custom wine blending with Wine Militia, private tastings from OVID Napa Valley and Tequila Komos, and a floral station where guests can create their own bouquet. Artisan experiences will also include custom cowboy boots from Petite Paloma and live pottery demonstrations from The Wheel Stoneware.
The San Diego Food Bank is this year’s charitable partner, supporting its mission to end hunger in San Diego through food rescue.
If you have never been to Celebrate the Craft, I highly recommend giving it a try. For me, it is the combination of great food, an incredible setting, and the chance to meet the chefs that keeps me coming back every year.
One tip: Parking at Celebrate the Craft is limited, and The Lodge recommends rideshare or purchasing self-parking in advance.
