This Sunday: AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival Returns for 51st Year

The 51st Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival is set to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. this Sunday, June 8, at a picturesque Private Residence in South Pasadena. This beloved community event brings together over 400 guests for an evening of culinary delights, live entertainment, and charitable giving, all in support of programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Co-chaired by Anita Lawler and Mary Spellman, with Nancy Longo serving as emcee, this year’s festival will honor those impacted by the recent Eaton and Palisades fires. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit AbilityFirst’s wide range of services, which empower individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. For nearly a century, AbilityFirst has provided essential programs that foster social connection, independence, and employment opportunities, including the historic Camp Paivika—one of the nation’s first fully accessible summer camps.

Guests will enjoy tastings from a diverse lineup of local culinary favorites, including Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery, Alexander’s Steakhouse Pasadena, Beard Papa’s Pasadena, Deluxe 1717, El Cholo Pasadena, Gale’s Restaurant, Kat’s Macarons & Stuff, Kensington Caterers, Lord Empanada, Neighbors & Friends Café, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Osa Rooftop, Pez Coastal Kitchen, Stems: Cheese, Charcuterie & Catering, Sweet Red Peach, Tam O’Shanter, and more.

The beverage offerings are equally impressive, featuring cocktails and spirits from Asombroso Tequila, Batch 22, Dulce Vida Tequila, Empress 1908 Gin, Gerlach’s, JuneShine, and Old Hillside Bourbon Company. Wine lovers can sample selections from Caymus Vineyards, Navarro Vineyards, and Riboli Family Wines, while non-alcoholic options will be provided by Celsius, Sanctuary Coffee, and Enable PepsiCo.

Tickets for the 51st Annual AbilityFirst Food & Wine Festival are available at abilityfirst.org/festival.