Masters of Taste at Rose Bowl (Pasadena)

Masters of Taste is back on the Rose Bowl field in Pasadena on Sunday, April 19, with unlimited tastings tied to a homelessness fundraiser. (mastersoftastela.com) The event runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rose Bowl Stadium, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, and the official site lists it as a 21-and-over festival. (rosebowlstadium.com, mastersoftastela.com) Organizers say more than 100 chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries, spirit brands, and sweet makers are participating, with General Admission entry starting at 4 p.m. and VIP entry at 3 p.m. The ticket page lists General Admission at $199 and VIP at $225, while the homepage says VIP has sold out. (mastersoftastela.com, mastersoftastela.com) This year’s host chefs are Thomas Kalb and Vanessa Tilaka Kalb of Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery in Old Pasadena. Visit Pasadena says the couple were chosen for their role in Pasadena’s dining scene. (visitpasadena.com) The food festival also functions as a charity event for Union Station Homeless Services. The official event site and Visit Pasadena both say 100% of proceeds go to the nonprofit. (mastersoftastela.com, visitpasadena.com) Union Station says it works on housing solutions and supportive services for people experiencing homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley, and says it has operated for more than 50 years. Pasadena Now reported Sunday that Masters of Taste has raised more than $3.5 million over seven years for the group. (ushs.org, pasadenanow.com) This year’s return comes after the 2025 edition was postponed because of the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to Pasadena Now. The same report said Union Station converted its Adult Center into a distribution hub after the Eaton Fire in January 2025. (pasadenanow.com) Visit Pasadena says more than 3,000 attendees are expected, with pours from cocktail bars, wineries, breweries, juice brands, and coffee vendors alongside restaurant tastings. At the Rose Bowl on Sunday, the pitch is simple: eat on the field, and the money goes elsewhere. (visitpasadena.com, mastersoftastela.com)