March 22, 2026 the 16th Annual Pacifico Paella Challenge and 14th Annual H-E-B High School Challenge hosted by Chef Johnny Hernandez

When the quintessential dish of Spain and culinary all-stars from across the country and Mexico come together, you know it’s time for the return of the 15th Annual Pacifico Paella Challenge and 13th Annual H-E-B High School Challenge hosted by Chef Johnny Hernandez, benefitting Kitchen Campus.

This March 23th, join fellow epicureans for a beautiful afternoon featuring distinguished chefs from San Antonio, across the United States and Mexico, live entertainment, wines from Spain, and sangria on the grounds of Mission County Park from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Watch as chefs go head-to-head in a competition to create the most impressive and tasty paella dishes cooked right before your eyes. Local high school teams will also compete in the H-E-B High School Paella Challenge for an opportunity to win a trip to the Culinary Institute of America in New York City! All proceeds will benefit Kitchen Campus programming.

Visit www.paellachallenge.com for more event information, participating chefs, and a photo gallery from last year's event. This event does take place RAIN OR SHINE and is outdoors, therefore please come prepared. On-site parking is available and is free of charge.

As this is a fundraiser for our culinary youth program, there are no refunds on ticket sales. ***Children 6 years of age and younger get free admission and do not require a ticket.***

General Admission 21 and Older Ticket Information:

The ticket price is ALL-INCLUSIVE which includes:

Entry into the event

Sampling of over 40 amazing Paellas and other Chef prepared appetizers.

Beverages (Beer, Wine, Sangria, Sodas & Water)

Entertainment for the day

General Admission under 21 Ticket Information:

Entry into the event

Sampling of over 40 amazing Paellas and other Chef prepared appetizers

Beverages (Sodas & Water)

Entertainment for the day

Vip Ticket Experience (Herradura VIP Margarita & Paella Tent):

Interested in elevating your Paella Challenge Experience? Upgrade to a VIP ticket which includes access to the benefits below!

Access to Chef Johnny’s Exclusive Paella Station

Sampling of over 40 amazing Paellas and other Chef prepared appetizers

Live Entertainment

Exclusive beverages

Access to La Gloria Specialty Margarita Bar

Tented lounge area with private seating

No-wait VIP entrance

This event does sell-out and when tickets are gone, they're gone! ID must be presented at check in for guest 21 and older

About Kitchen Campus:

Kitchen Campus is a non-profit organization established in 2014 by Chef Johnny Hernandez. The organization’s mission is to connect today’s youth to culinary opportunities through education and advocacy.

Kitchen Campus is an out-of-school program that provides students from high school with an opportunity to learn about food, nutrition, and cooking while exploring careers in the culinary industry. Activities include hands-on cooking classes, lectures, field trips, and guest chef workshops. Kitchen Campus works on behalf of local students who may not otherwise have the funds, access to resources, or the mentors necessary to help guide them to financial success through the culinary arts.

The vision of Kitchen Campus is financial success through culinary arts. Program graduates will thrive—prepared to succeed with basic cooking skills and nutrition education, knowledge of the food industry, and leadership experience that empowers them to make a difference in their community.