This year’s Austin Entertains event is 7–10 p.m. on Thursday, March 2 at The Junior League of Austin’s (JLA) Community Impact Center (CIC). Austin Entertains has served as the spring fundraising event for JLA since 2016 and has become the “who’s who” for women in the Central Texas food and beverage scene.

This unique culinary event features female chefs, bartenders, spirit purveyors, and industry leaders from the Austin area’s most recognized and awarded restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, and distilleries. You can expect to see chefs like Allie McMillan from ATX Cocina, Kavyn Pacheco from Olamaie, and Carol Huntsberger from Quality Seafood, as well as amazing cocktails and beverages served by Austin Beerworks, Ranch Rider Spirits, and Dulce Vida Tequila.

Austin Entertains is also proud to spotlight one of JLA’s signature programs, Food In Tummies (FIT), which combats food insecurity in the Austin area. Additionally, Austin Entertains awards a Culinary Fellowship prize each year—a large monetary grant and professional services package to help develop and further the winner’s career in the culinary field. Learn how to apply to become a culinary participant.

Get Involved

Whether or not you are a part of Austin’s culinary community, there are still multiple ways to get involved with this year’s event:

• Become an Austin Entertains Sponsor: Contact the Fund Development VP or Austin Entertains Chair
• Donate to our Silent Auction & Raffle: Contact the Auction Chair
• Attend the event and purchase your General Admission or VIP tickets online: The VIP Experience opens at 6 p.m. with special tastings in the VIP Experience Lounge. Your ticket includes complimentary valet parking, live music with Julia Ward, signature VIP cocktails, a robust food- and beverage-focused swag bag, permanent jewelry with Lisa Crowder, and a complimentary raffle ticket for the Austin Weekend Getaway package.

Can’t make the event, or plan to leave the kids with a babysitter while you attend? Make sure you “Take Home A Slice of Austin Entertains” with fun take-home pizza kits donated by Suds Monkey Brewing. The kit includes a movie rental, cookie-decorating kits, drinks, activities, and more! Kits are $35 and are available to buy starting January 23.

We can’t wait to see you on March 2!

About the Writer: Julie Hagen is a fifth-year member of The Junior League of Austin. She does social media for a state agency and is looking forward to applying those skills as a LeagueLines writer. She was born and raised in Austin and is a third-generation JLA member.