RARE STEAK CHAMPIONSHIP MAKES ITS PHOENIX DEBUT AT SALT RIVER FIELDS

More Than 25 Phoenix Restaurants Compete for Top Honors During an Evening of Unlimited Tastings, Signature Cocktails and Live Entertainment

PHOENIX, AZ – [ANNOUNCEMENT DATE], 2026 – The RARE Steak Championship is making its Phoenix debut. On Thursday, November 12, 2026, Salt River Fields [at Talking Stick] will host more than 25 of Phoenix’s best steakhouses and restaurants as they compete in one of the country’s premier culinary competitions.

Presented by Buckhead Meat & Seafood and produced by DiningOut Media + Events, the RARE Steak Championship is a national food and beverage festival that brings together restaurants, chefs, premium proteins, craft cocktails and culinary talent in major U.S. food markets.

Tickets are on sale now, with a very limited number available at special introductory pricing. Guests can purchase General Admission, First Taste and VIP Experience tickets at phoenix.raresteakfest.com before prices increase or the event sells out.

Taking place from 6pm to 10pm at Salt River Fields, RARE invites guests to sample unlimited steak tastings, enjoy premium spirits and signature cocktails, experience live entertainment from [LIVE ENTERTAINMENT / BAND – TO BE ANNOUNCED] and help crown the city’s steak champions.

More than 25 restaurants will compete across two categories – Traditional Steak and Creative Steak – showcasing both classic cuts and innovative interpretations. Participating restaurants can also choose to create a signature cocktail pairing designed to complement their dish.

A portion of proceeds from RARE Steak Championship Phoenix will benefit Musically Fed, whose mission is to mobilize the music industry in the fight against hunger. 

Event highlights include:

• Unlimited steak tastings from more than 25 participating restaurants
• Signature cocktails and premium spirit samples
• Live music and entertainment from [BAND – TO BE ANNOUNCED]
• The VIP-exclusive Surf Seafood Challenge (TBD)
• People’s Choice voting and Judge’s Choice
• A portion of proceeds benefiting Musically Fed.

Tiered ticket options and pricing available at phoenix.raresteakfest.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION — [PRICE RANGE]

Entry starting at 7pm.

FIRST TASTE — [PRICE RANGE]

Exclusive early entry beginning at 6pm.

VIP EXPERIENCE — [PRICE RANGE]

Includes 6pm entry plus access to the VIP-exclusive Surf Seafood Challenge, premium spirits and cocktails, private lounge areas, dedicated bars and VIP restrooms.

The VIP-exclusive Surf Seafood Challenge showcases some of Phoenix’s top seafood-focused restaurants in a separate culinary competition available only to VIP guests. The experience includes chef demonstrations, premium tastings, specialty cocktails and exclusive lounge access.

The following Phoenix restaurants are currently confirmed to compete, with additional participants to be announced:

• [RESTAURANT LINEUP – TO BE CONFIRMED]



Buckhead Meat & Seafood serves as the exclusive protein partner of RARE Steak Championship Phoenix. Founded in 1983 and now part of the Sysco family of companies, Buckhead is a provider of premium meat and seafood products and is recognized throughout the hospitality industry for quality, consistency and innovation.

ABOUT DININGOUT MEDIA + EVENTS

DiningOut is a producer of culinary festivals, restaurant competitions and food-and-beverage experiences that celebrate independent restaurants and local dining communities across the United States. Its portfolio includes RARE Steak Championship, Burger Brawl, Chicken Fight, Top Taco and Surf, all of which showcase culinary talent, hospitality and local food culture. Through nationally recognized experiences, DiningOut connects chefs, restaurants, beverage brands and food enthusiasts through memorable live events that attract thousands of guests annually.

MEDIA CONTACT

Shalisa Pouw

spouw@diningout.com