LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL Music & Art Festival continues to expand and evolve.
Now in its seventh year the festival takes over Downtown Las Vegas from Sept. 20-22 with headliners Chance the Rapper, Black Keys, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, and Vampire Weekend.
The festival has unveiled its most robust culinary program yet, featuring Eataly, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Jaleo by José Andrés, Mabel’s BBQ, Momofuku, The NoMad, Kogi BBQ and more than 80 of Las Vegas’ preeminent chefs and mixologists.
The 2019 event also boasts curated dining experiences led by the stars of Las Vegas’ food and beverage scene.
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These intimate activations not only celebrate the entertainment capital’s world-renowned restaurant community, but do so in a unique environment that can’t be replicated anywhere else.
“The strength of our culinary program relies on the generous contributions of the Las Vegas community. Their willingness to step out of their element to create something unique is what makes the experience special,” Lee Flint, Director of Food and Beverage said. “By working side by side with community curators to seek out the best talent, both well-known and new to the scene, we’re able to create opportunities for our guests to make discoveries at the festival and for the restaurants to make meaningful connections with fans.”
Among the curated experiences are:
The Omakase Cantina, an exclusive dining experience featuring two different chefs each night. Curated by Secret Burger’s Jolene Mannina, guests will be seated at the chef’s table where they’ll get to witness each step of preparation. Participating chefs include Roy Ellamar of Harvest, Jennifer Murphy of Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, and Josh Smith of Bardot Brasserie, among others. Tickets will be pre-sold through SecretBurger.com and limited to only 12 guests per seating, with three different seatings offered each night.
The Farm Stand, a vegan experience featuring chefs in collaboration with local farms. Participating chefs will create unique dishes using the freshest ingredients possible. Diana Edelman, founder of Vegans, Baby and curator of international vegan dining events, leads the program.
The Cookout, a campfire feast led by chef Justin Kingsley Hall. A crowd favorite from last year, The Cookout will showcase talent from some of Las Vegas’ most famed dining institutions, including José Andrés’ Jaleo and China Poblano and Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ.
Cocktail School, a series of interactive seminars and tastings hosted by local mixologists Bryant Jane and Lyle Cervenka of Starboard Tack and Hardway 8. Each session focuses on a different cocktail trend and spirit. Among the participants are mixologists from Herbs & Rye (named Best American Bar Team at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards), Atomic Liquors, Velveteen Rabbit, Sand Dollar Lounge, and more. Attendance is first-come, first-seated.
Each of the experiences are available to all festival guests. For higher-tier ticket holders, Life is Beautiful continues to create the most luxe festival experience possible. The All In Brunch will feature an exclusive culinary program from two Las Vegas local favorites, Honey Salt and DW Bistro. Each will host multicourse brunches complete with cocktails that will be held before the festival gates open.
The VIP+ Happy Hour features pop-up services from Eataly, Gordon Ramsay Steak, and Caviar Connection. Service takes place on the exclusive VIP+ viewing deck, which overlooks the Downtown Stage.
The Park Las Vegas’ Sake Rok will provide the bites inside the Artist Hospitality Lounge, complete with an enticing daily menu and sushi made to order.
The festival vendor lineup features more than 50 acclaimed restaurants, including Eataly, The NoMad, Kogi BBQ, EDO Street, Locale Italian Kitchen, and more from Las Vegas’ best eateries and beyond. The vast selection encompasses a variety of cuisines and offerings to suit any diet, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. For the first time at the festival, all ticket holders will be able to order ahead through Postmates and skip the lines via dedicated Postmates Pickup windows.
“We make it our goal to create an environment at the festival where each and every fan can have an amazing culinary experience, even when they’re not looking for it. If a local can try a new dish from one of their favorite restaurants or a visitor can discover one of our hometown talents, we consider that a success,” Flint said.
