Overview Masters of Taste is a walk-around food and drink festival laid out on the field of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and 100% of its net proceeds go to Union Station Homeless Services. Guests move between stations at their own pace, tasting from restaurants, cocktail bars, wineries, breweries and dessert makers; the 2026 edition listed more than 100 chefs and restaurants and over 25 spirit brands. Each year a Host Chef anchors the day. Union Station has served people experiencing homelessness in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley for more than 50 years, with housing, case management, health services and a culinary training program. On site The Rose Bowl's own field is the floor. Guests come in through entrance tunnels, and branded wine barrels and tables stand among the stations. A stage, a DJ booth and demonstration areas run through the afternoon, and Host Chefs have given on-field interviews to the press. Separate VIP and Sponsor lounges sit off the floor, the field screen carries sponsor display ads, and the festival runs its own event app. Around the main day sit a Media Night for the press, with dishes from the chefs, and an invite-only Masters Afterparty. Audience The festival says many of its guests have come back every year for years, and describes them as educated professionals who like to be in the know about what is new in Los Angeles. Entry is 21 and over, and a ticket covers unlimited tastings across the field. Talent and Influencers Host Chefs have included Michael Hung of The Colony Club in 2019, Vanda Asapahu of Ayara Thai in 2022, Michael and Kwini Reed of Poppy + Rose in 2023, and Bret Thompson and Lucy Thompson-Ramirez of Pez Cantina in 2024. Thomas and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery in Old Pasadena hosted in 2026. Past participants include Bone Kettle, Drago Centro, Gracias Madre, Kato, Rappahannock Oysters, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, Porto's Bakery and Sidecar Doughnuts. Track record The 2026 edition was the eighth, and by then Masters of Taste had raised more than $3.5 million for Union Station over its first seven. The 2024 festival sold out. Maker's Mark was a sponsor in 2023. Brand presence The one Presenting sponsor carries its name on all event materials and the stage. Other partners can put their names on the VIP Lounge, the Sponsor Lounge, the app, the DJ booth, the demo areas, the entrance tunnels or the afterparty, run an on-field activation with data capture, or take shaded table space on the field as an event within the event. Union Station's own team shoots and writes sponsor content, and a partner can fund a piece of equipment the charity needs and use the story in its own marketing.