Festival Experiences & Daily Schedule
September 24-26, 2026
TICKET EXPERIENCES
GENERAL ADMISSION
Single day and weekend passes available.
Experiences included with all tickets.
Grand Tasting
The festival's signature experience features Michelin-starred chefs, acclaimed restaurants, premier wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers from across North America.
The Culinary Stage
Hosted throughout the day by Chef Ming Tsai, featuring live cooking demonstrations with Michelin-starred chefs and celebrated culinary talent.
VIP PAss
Single day and weekend passes available.
Includes all General Admission experiences, plus:
VIP Grand Tasting
Enjoy 30-minute early access to each Grand Tasting before General Admission.
EXCLUSIVE LOUNGEs
Sample a rare selection of wines at The Reserve Wine Lounge. Slip into the Please Don't Tell Speakeasy, an intimate cocktail lounge celebrating exceptional spirits and handcrafted cocktails by award-winning mixologists.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Daily Festival Schedule
Friday & Saturday, September 25–26, 2026
Big Sky Events Arena
11:00 AM
Festival gates open
Festival grounds open with live music throughout the venue.
11:00 AM
VIP Grand Tasting Opens
VIP guests enjoy exclusive 30-minute early access.
12:00 pM & 1:45 PM
The Culinary Stage
Two 45-minute demonstrations per day hosted by Chef Ming Tsai, featuring Michelin-starred chefs and celebrated culinary talent.
11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Montana Mixology Tent
Montana craft spirits and Crafted Zero Proof cocktails.
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
The Reserve
Exclusive wine lounge featuring exceptional wines, including rare and large-format selections, paired with small bites from Michelin-starred chefs.
12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Please Don't Tell Speakeasy
Premium spirits, rare pours, and handcrafted cocktails presented by award-winning mixologists.
Throughout the Day
Live Music
Performances featuring many of Nashville's best emerging artists.
4:30 PM
Grand Tasting Concludes
Festival programming transitions to evening experiences.
evening
Featured Chef Dinners & Exclusive Culinary Experiences
Intimate chef dinners, winemaker dinners and exclusive culinary experiences throughout Big Sky (ticketed separately).
LIVE MUSIC
Continuous live performances throughout the day featuring many of Nashville's best emerging artists, including headlining musicians Brittney Spencer and Haffway.
BRITTNEY SPENCER
Brittney Spencer is a genre-defying singer-songwriter from Baltimore, known for blending life, truth, and imagination into her songwriting. Dubbed “Nashville’s new star” by CBS Mornings, she has earned praise from The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Variety, Billboard, Consequence, and more. Check out Brittney on Spotify.
HAFFWAY
HAFFWAY is the artist project of producer and songwriter Sam Westhoff, creating what he describes as “folkternative” — a blend of cinematic folk, alternative soul, and raw storytelling. What began as a personal creative outlet during a period of burnout has grown into one of the most compelling emerging artist stories in recent years. Check out HAFFWAY on Spotify.
EVENING OFFERINGS
evening offerings
Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evenings
Throughout the festival weekend, guests will have access to a curated collection of intimate, ticketed experiences hosted across Big Sky's most distinctive venues. From exclusive chef-led dinners and culinary collaborations to rare tastings and special events with acclaimed chefs, winemakers, and beverage partners, these experiences offer deeper access to the talent and flavors that define the festival. Ticketed separately.
FAR EAST HEADS TO THE WILD WEST
Friday, September 25, 2026, 6:30 PM
Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back and Iron Chef Ming Tsai bring the Far East to Big Sky for a one-of-a-kind culinary collaboration. The longtime friends pair their signature energy and creativity with a menu spanning sashimi and dim sum to A5 wagyu and pork secreto, complemented by exceptional selections of wine including Dom Pérignon, Krug and Pichon Baron.
A Night of Valle at Montage Big Sky
Friday, September 25, 2026, 6:00 PM
Experience a one-night-only culinary collaboration featuring award-winning Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle. Set beneath the sweeping Spanish Peaks, this exclusive dining experience showcases a five-course tasting menu that brings together the vibrant flavors of Baja Mexico with the alpine setting that defines Big Sky.
To further elevate the experience, guests may choose to add an optional curated wine pairing featuring selections from Montage Big Sky’s award-winning cellar. Throughout the evening, Chef Alcocer and Montage Big Sky’s culinary team will share the stories, ingredients, and inspiration behind each course.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou at One&Only Moonlight Basin
Friday, September 25, 2026, 6:00 PM
For more than three centuries, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou has stood among the most prestigious estates of Bordeaux's famed Saint-Julien appellation. Revered for its remarkable terroir and timeless elegance, the estate produces wines of exceptional refinement, structure, and longevity that have captivated collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Master of Wine Vanessa Conlin, North American Ambassador for Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, will guide you through a side-by-side tasting, sharing the stories behind the estate and its celebrated winemaking. The thoughtfully curated dinner is expertly paired by One&Only Moonlight Basin's Head Sommelier Patrick Reynaud, who leads Wildwood's award-winning wine program. This exclusive evening offers a rare opportunity to experience one of France's most celebrated wine estates.
Reservations are required. Seating is limited.
The Big Night at Tips Up
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Join renowned chefs Nancy Silverton and Marc Forgione for an unforgettable Italian feast at Tips Up, cooking outside under the Big Sky. "The Big Night" brings together two culinary icons for a family-style Italian Table spread, including hearth-baked pizzas, house-made pastas, and fire-roasted meats, paired with a curated selection of benchmark Italian wines.
Throughout the evening, these beloved chefs will share the stories, techniques, and traditions behind the dishes, offering guests a rare chance to experience two celebrated culinary voices cooking together under the Big Sky.
Chef Closing Party at Buck's
Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9:00 PM
The perfect way to close out an amazing weekend of food, wine and cocktails at the inaugural Big Sky Food & Wine. Celebrate with us, mingle with festival chefs, winemakers and more. Join us for a night of food, music and fun and embrace the magic of Montana at Buck's.
Omakase Experience at Montage Big Sky
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Discover an intimate evening of Japanese culinary artistry during the inaugural Big Sky Food & Wine Festival with an exclusive Omakase Experience at Montage Big Sky. Hosted in Backcast and featuring acclaimed chef Wei Chen, this extraordinary 18-course tasting experience is guided by the traditions of omakase, with each course thoughtfully crafted and presented in the moment to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients through precision, technique and storytelling.
Throughout the evening, guests will experience a progression of expertly prepared courses, from pristine seafood to meticulously composed bites, while Chef Chen shares the inspiration, philosophy and craftsmanship behind each creation. The experience is complemented by a curated sake pairing, thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavors of each course and create a truly immersive journey through the artistry of Japanese cuisine.
![OmakasePhoto[2].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3d9412_e54fe9d9297741008797f4cfdaeea9a6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/OmakasePhoto%5B2%5D.jpg)
faqs
How will I receive my tickets?
Tickets and entry details will be shared with guests as the event date approaches. We’ll provide full instructions to ensure a seamless check-in and admission process.
Age Requirements
Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or use a ticket. No one under 21 (including infants or children in strollers) will be admitted to any session unless otherwise specified. A valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) may be required for entry.
Will tickets sell out?
Event capacity is limited to ensure an elevated guest experience.
Refunds, Exchanges, & Transfers
All ticket sales are final: no refunds or exchanges. If the event is cancelled (and not rescheduled) by the organizers, a refund to the original method of payment may be issued. Tickets are for personal use only and may not be resold or transferred. Tickets purchased on the secondary market may be void and may not be honored at entry.
What can I expect at the Big Sky Food & Wine Festival?
A weekend of elevated dining, mountain air, and unforgettable wine pairings. Enjoy chef-led demos, curated wine experiences, live music, and scenic gatherings under a starry September sky. Each ticket includes access to select tastings, entertainment, and event programming.
Where is the festival held?
Our festival will take place at the Big Sky Events Arena in Big Sky, Montana.
Are children or pets allowed?
This is a 21+ event. No minors (including infants) are permitted to attend. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
Will the event be held rain or shine?
Yes — the festival will proceed rain or shine. Please come prepared for Montana’s mountain weather, which can vary throughout the day. In case of severe weather, safety updates will be communicated via email and social media.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Many participating chefs and vendors will offer vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, though availability may vary. If you have specific allergies or restrictions, please notify vendors directly at the event.
Will there be non-alcoholic options?
Yes! We’re proud to offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages curated by our partners.
Can I leave and re-enter the event?
Re-entry policies vary by event. For most sessions, re-entry is permitted with your valid wristband or digital ticket, provided it remains intact and scannable.
Accessibility Support
If you require accessibility support, please email us info@bigskyfw.com so we can make your experience seamless.
Can I volunteer or get involved?
Absolutely! We rely on local partners, volunteers, and sponsors to make the festival possible. Please reach out to info@bigskyfw.com to learn more about opportunities.
Can my restaurant or winery participate in the festival?
Applications for the 2026 festival are now closed. We anticipate opening applications for the 2027 festival later this year. Please keep an eye on our website for more details.
More event information will be added to our website as it becomes available. We appreciate your patience.
Still have questions?
Please reach out to us at info@bigskyfw.com and we will be happy to assist you.
