Malibu Food & Wine Festival serves up country cookout

By Barbara Burke · Mon Sep 07 2026

The event will highlight local chefs, including Malibu’s Ace Adler, 12, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Malibu Boys & Girls Club

All ages are welcome at the Malibu Food & Wine Festival’s Country Cookout on Sept. 20, when locals and visitors alike can come and indulge in delicious fare, fine wines, and non-alcoholic activations.

“Our Country Cookout is a laid-back celebration of live fire cooking, bold barbecue flavors, chef-driven experiences, and exceptional wine,” said Lauren Rae Levy, co-founder of the festival.

Attendees can cheer on young Ace Adler of Malibu. Ace is 12 years old and is a former contestant on Season 9 of "MasterChef Juniors." He will have a great moment to shine as a Malibu local and up-and-coming chef as he creates somegreat fare alongside Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey.

“As Ace’s parents, we’re thrilled he’s being featured alongside such an incredible lineup," Barbara Adler, Ace’s mother, shared. "Ace has had formal culinary training, and he started cooking alongside me from a young age. Cooking is his real passion. As his parents, Cisco and I couldn’t be prouder — watching Ace pursue this with so much heart and discipline at his age has been such a joy, and we’re excited for the community to see what he’s been working on.” 

Noting that the Malibu Boys & Girls Club is the festival’s nonprofit partner for the last two days of the event, Levy provided some highlights for the Sunday experience, stating, “Throughout the afternoon, guests will experience a dynamic lineup of live culinary demonstrations led by some of the country's most celebrated chefs and pitmasters. From mastering the art of low and slow barbecue and live fire cooking to sharing the techniques behind beloved comfort food and elevated country cookout favorites, each presentation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity and craftsmanship that define today's culinary landscape.”

Along the way, guests can indulge in unlimited tastings, thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from celebrated regions including Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Santa Ynez, and Malibu, creating a one-of-a-kind food-and-wine experience. 

Guests will also enjoy an all-star lineup of culinary talent, including Malarkey, Top Chef finalist, restaurateur, and Food Network personality; Carlos Anthony, celebrated Top Chef competitor; Claudette Zepeda, James Beard Award semifinalist and Top Chef Mexico finalist; Elizabeth Falkner, acclaimed chef, author, and Iron Chef America and Tournament of Champions competitor; Lee Anne Wong, Top Chef finalist and winner of Food Network's "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing," Season 3; Matt Pittman, founder of Meat Church BBQ, bestselling cookbook author, and official pitmaster for the Dallas Cowboys; Rhoda Magbitang, winner of "Top Chef" Season 22 (2026); Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef finalist, restaurateur, and television personality; Viet Pham, James Beard Award nominated chef and two-time winner on "Beat Bobby Flay"; Vinnie Cimino, Executive Chef of Cordelia and three time James Beard Award nominee.

Both Saturday and Sunday of the three-day festival feature the same chefs and vendors, Levy noted, stating that the event will feature the Just Ice Tea Lounge and the Gaia Herbs® Non-Alcoholic Mixology Experience as well as the Sandy Brew Beer Garden founded by Kelly Furano of Aviator Nation Dreamland to honor her mother. 

“Guests can also step into a one-of-a-kind experience, offering the Truffle Club, where they can indulge in decadent truffle and caviar bites, sip premium cocktails crafted with Cazcanes Tequila, a verified additive-free tequila, and enjoy Capri Gelato & Coffee’s Espresso Martinez, Frozen Palomas, affogatos, and artisan gelato with luxurious toppings including shaved truffles and caviar," Levy added.

With all food and beverages included in the ticket prices, guests can relax, sip, sample, and enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with live music, culinary storytelling, and family friendly fun," Levy explained. “Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast, wine lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable Sunday outing, this event offers the perfect blend of exceptional food, entertainment, and community.”

Aviation Nation Dreamland, an iconic music venue and restaurant in Malibu, will power the festival's Main Stage with an exciting lineup of live music, DJs, and immersive entertainment, keeping the energy high from day into the evening.

The Sunday experience will begin at noon for those paying for early admission and at 1 p.m. for those paying for general admission. Attendees under 12 enjoy free admission. The event will end at 5 p.m. Locals can enjoy a 15% discount by entering LOCALS15 when purchasing tickets at malibufoodandwine.com/sunday-1.