Carmel Students Team With Local Chefs for the 8th Annual Cheftacular

Cheftacular returns to Carmel for 2026 with a new host of partnered chefs and students lining up to show what they’re made of. Happening April 27th from 6:30 to 8:30p.m. at the Carmel High School Fieldhouse, this ticketed tasting event and culinary competition will feature over 16 local chefs and restaurants working side by side with Carmel High School culinary students to bring together their mouthwatering creations.

This year, participating local businesses include Harry and Izzy’s North, 1933 Lounge Carmel, Kahn’s Catering at Montage, 101 Craft Kitchen, Ritz Charles, Woodland Terrace, Pizzology,

The Stratford , Vyne at the Tallison Hotel, Freeland’s, The Angry Donkey, The Barrington, Chef B’s Wraps, Hanami Sushi and Sake, and Thai Prime. 

The annual culinary showdown is not only an opportunity for culinary students to qualify for the Cheftacular Scholarship, it also doubles as a fundraiser for Carmel Culinary Boosters and the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank. Each student team is paired with a local chef to transform a mystery ingredient into a signature dish. Attendees vote on an Audience Choice Award, and a panel of judges chooses the overall winner. 

Carmel Culinary Boosters, the organization behind the event, is a parent and community led non-profit organization that supports the Culinary Arts Program in Carmel’s Schools. They also raise funds for the Cheftacular Scholarship, which is awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of the competition. Last year, Cheftacular helped to raise funds for 160+ custom embroidered chef’s coats for CHS students, in addition to event costs and the scholarship fund. Also, 10% of ticket sales were donated to the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, a cause that is coming back for 2026. 

Tickets start at $45 and include tasting of 16+ small plates. More information and tickets are available here.