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A Culinary Celebration for a Cause
An immersive culinary experience showcasing artisanal food makers and the best of Texas’ chefs, restaurants, culinary artists, and mixologists, creating a flavor-filled event that supports the Aransas County Meals on Wheels and the RFISD Culinary Arts Programs. Co-hosted by Pik-Nik and the Rockport Cultural Arts District, this event celebrates the region’s vibrant culinary scene while bringing together talented chefs, local makers, and food enthusiasts for an unforgettable experience.
- Support nutritional access for seniors
- Contribute to professional training for local youth
Meet the Master of Ceremonies: Chef Rosh
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience! We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural Texas Culinary Arts Show will be hosted and judged by culinary icon Chef Roshni Gurnani (Chef Rosh).
As our official Master of Ceremonies, Chef Rosh will be bringing her world-class expertise, fiery passion, and star power straight to the main stage all weekend long.
About Chef Rosh
The Accolades: James Beard Certified Executive Chef, Nominee, and officially named one of the Top 5 Indian Chefs in the United States.
As Seen On TV: A household name for food lovers, Chef Rosh is a Food Network Chopped Champion, and has faced off on “Beat Bobby Flay,” “Alex vs. America,” and FOX’s legendary “Hell’s Kitchen.”
Enjoy with Us
The Main Stage Event: The "Texas Best" Culinary Competition
This isn’t just a tasting—it’s a high-stakes battle for culinary supremacy.
Out of all the incredible, hand-selected culinary artisans at the show, only three elite partners will be chosen to step onto the main stage for the live “Texas Best” Culinary Competition.
What to Expect as a Spectator:
Live Action: Watch three of the region’s top chefs cook live in front of the festival audience.
Elite Judging Panel: Chef Rosh delivers live, unfiltered commentary and critiques alongside our local City and County “Celebrity” Judges.
Unprecedented Prestige: Witness history in the making as one chef is crowned the absolute “Texas Best,” taking home ultimate bragging rights and regional prestige.
The Best of the Best: A Curated Culinary Lineup
We are vetting every single application to ensure that TCAS features only the true artisans of the food and beverage world. From master mixologists and boutique wineries to elite scratch-kitchen chefs, you will be tasting creations from culinary creators who are at the absolute top of their game.
Experience it from the Front Row: Upgrade to a VIP Ticket for early venue access and exclusive, a private kitchen demonstration where you can see the magic happen up close!
Vendor Partners
The Texas Culinary Arts Show is more than a traditional trade show—it’s a curated, immersive experience designed around vision, craftsmanship, and detail. With a modern coastal aesthetic, every partner is carefully selected to create a cohesive and sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can expect engaging presentations, live techniques, and inspired tasting culinary experiences throughout the event.
We are seeking chefs, culinary artists, mixologists, wineries to partner with.
2026 Sponsors
Texas Culinary Arts Show
Sip. Savor. Wander. Discover the Coast Reimagined.
Along the shimmering shores of Aransas Bay, where coastal elegance meets artistic soul, a new signature experience is arriving to the Texas coast.
Welcome to the Texas Culinary Arts Show — an immersive celebration of fine cuisine, curated artistry, coastal culture, and refined seaside living inspired by the timeless charm of Rockport.
Set against the backdrop of salt air, waterfront sunsets, and the vibrant creative spirit of the Rockport Cultural Arts District, this premier festival invites guests to indulge in an unforgettable elevated culinary experience, chef showcases, curated wine and spirit tastings, artisan markets, and coastal entertainment, set among premier art installations. Rockport’s long-standing reputation as an artistic and culinary destination provides the perfect setting for a luxury coastal experience.
Rooted in the artistic heritage and laid-back luxury that define Rockport, the Texas Culinary Arts Show blends the beauty of the sea with the creativity of culinary and visual arts. The region’s thriving arts culture, waterfront lifestyle, and growing reputation for elevated food experiences make it a natural destination for discerning travelers, collectors, food lovers, and creatives alike.
More than a festival, this is a destination experience — where fine taste, coastal beauty, and artistic expression come together in one unforgettable celebration.
Coming from out of town?
Book a room with one of these venues:
One of Rockport’s fantastic short-term rental properties with Love Rockport.
Or at Rockport’s newly renovated Hampton Inn.
Check out the Visit Rockport-Fulton Website to see other offerings available in Rockport Fulton
Events
Saturday October 24th
Subject to change
2:00 pm
VIP Welcome
2:30 PM
VIP Private Chef Demonstration (Kitchen)
3:00 PM
All Guests Welcome
3:30 PM
First Open Chef Demonstration
4:00 PM
Opening Remarks and Band (Set 1 - 1 hr)
5:00 PM
VIP Private Chef Demonstration (Kitchen)
5:30 PM
Second Open Chef Demonstration
6:00 PM
Mixologist Demonstration and DJ Showcase (outside)
6:30 PM
Third Open Chef Demonstration
6:30 PM
VIP Private Chef Demonstration (Kitchen)
7:00 PM
Band (Set 2 - 1 hr)
7:30 PM
Mixologist Demonstration and DJ Showcase (outside)
8:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Sunday October 25th
Bubbles & Brunch
11 am
Doors Open
11:15 am
Brunch Service & Beverage Stations Activate
1:30 PM
Final Coastal Toasts & Festival Close
2:00 PM
Event Concludes
FAQ
What should I expect from Texas Culinary Arts Show?
The Texas Culinary Arts Show (TCAS) is a fully immersive, experiential showcase celebrating every aspect of the modern food and beverage landscape. Spanning both indoor and outdoor spaces, the weekend features live music, exclusive chef and
mixologist demonstrations, curated tasting samples, and vibrant artisanal vendors. It’s designed to be a true sensory celebration where
you don’t just taste the finest culinary creations—you experience the craft behind them.
Where and when is the event taking place?
The inaugural TCAS is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026. The festival will take over the Rockport Conference Center (ROCC), utilizing its state-of-the-art indoor hall and beautifully landscaped outdoor grounds to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
What are the exclusive perks for VIP ticket holders?
VIP guests enjoy an elevated, front-of-the-line festival experience, which includes:
Early Access: Enter the venue ahead of the general public to explore tastings stations without the crowds.
Private Chef Demonstrations: Gain exclusive access to intimate, culinary demonstrations hosted inside the venue’s kitchen, bringing you face-to-face with premier culinary talent.
Dedicated Amenities: Enjoy premium beverage pairings, and upgraded festival swag
What are the parking options at the venue?
To ensure a seamless arrival, premium valet parking will be available directly at the front entrance of the Rockport Conference Center. Additional self-parking options and nearby lots will also be accessible for all attendees, with directional signage and parking attendants on-site to guide you.
What does a General Admission ticket include?
All general admission tickets grant you full access to the festival grounds, live musical performances, and our main-stage chef and mixologist demonstrations. You’ll also have access to our vast selection of food and beverage partners, artisanal vendors, and interactive brand experiences.
Will there be food and drinks available for purchase, or are tastings included?
TCAS features a dynamic mix of both! Your ticket grants you access to various complimentary curated tasting experiences, brand activations, and beverage samplings throughout the venue. Additionally, our incredible lineup of featured regional chefs, pop-up kitchens, and elite signature menu items available for purchase so you can curate your own culinary journey.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes! Thanks to our incredible venue setup at the Rockport Conference Center, TCAS is uniquely equipped to handle the coastal weather. With massive, air-conditioned indoor exhibition halls alongside our festive outdoor scape, the show will go on beautifully, rain or shine.
Are children allowed, or is this a 21+ event?
TCAS is a community-forward celebration, and the main festival grounds are open to food lovers of all ages! However, please note that any
alcoholic beverage tastings, mixology demonstrations, and specific evening pavilions will strictly require a valid government-issued ID showing you are 21+ to enter or participate.
What is included in the Sunday Brunch?
The Ultimate Sunday Finale: Wrap up an incredible weekend of flavor with the ultimate coastal culinary experience. Join us Sunday morning for a laid-back, upscale brunch designed to ease you into the day with a perfectly chilled-out vibe. Sip on hand-crafted favorites from our interactive, fully stocked Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar, where you can customize your morning libations with premium mixers, fresh artisanal garnishes, and crisp sparkling pours. Set to a soundtrack of live, acoustic music, it’s the perfect setting to relax, recap your favorite festival moments, and indulge in an elevated morning menu.
Space is limited—add this exclusive experience to your weekend pass at checkout.
Sip. Shop. Savor.
Join us for two unforgettable days of sips, shopping, and savoring at the first annual Texas Culinary Arts Show.