Presented by Kroger · July 31 – August 1
Crave Kitchen Stage
Live demos from Kentucky’s favorite chefs, bourbon education, the Burger Battle, and interviews between acts — a full weekend of programming at the heart of Crave.
Hosted by Food Network star Jason Smith, with Kroger’s Chris Blandford leading conversations between acts. Live demos, bourbon education, the Burger Battle, and more, all weekend long on the Kroger Kitchen Stage.
Presented by Kroger
Stage Schedule
Friday · July 31
- 5:00 PM
Murray’s Cheese Charcuterie with Delicato Wine Pairing Happy Hour
Hosted by Murray’s cheesemonger with Kroger Wine & Spirits’ Chris Blandford, featuring Delicato.
- 6:00 PM
Happy Hour Appetizers Made Easy with Chef Jason Smith
Featuring Strawberry Basil Cheese Toast Points.
- 7:00 PM
Raise a Glass: Happy Hour Bourbon Education
Hosted by Kroger’s Chris Blandford.
- 8:00 PM
Save Room for Dessert with Chef Jason Smith
Summer Peach Bourbon Tiramisu.
Saturday · August 1
- 12:00 PM
Hoecake Hoedown with Chef Ouita Michel, Chef Paula Endara & Chef Cole Arimes
Hosted by Ouita Michel, the Hoecake Hoedown is a lively culinary celebration honoring Appalachian culture and the griddle cakes made famous in Lexington, Kentucky.
- 2:00 PM
Sip of Summer
Cool off with the flavors of the season as Kroger’s Adult Beverage Expert Chris Blandford and Food Network star Chef Jason Smith mix up a Spicy Spanglish Margarita and Bourbon Peach Lemonade, perfectly paired with Bourbon Peach BBQ and candied peaches.
- 3:00 PM
In Season with Chef Jason Smith
Grilled Watermelon Steak with Fresh Corn Relish.
- 4:00 PM
Lexington Burger Week Burger Battle
The Top 3 fan-favorite burgers from Lexington Burger Week 2026 battle it out live. A panel of celebrity judges crowns the 2026 CRAVE Burger Battle Champion.
- 5:30 PM
CRAVE Kinder’s Wing Frenzy
Race against the clock as fearless wing lovers devour as many wings as possible to claim wing-eating glory.
- 7:00 PM
Meet the Chef, Jason Smith
Chat and sip a signature Burnt Tavern cocktail. Snap a photo, get an autograph, and enjoy a little Southern hospitality as Jason signs books and greets fans.
Schedule subject to change.
Saturday · 4:00 PM
Burger Battle
The Top 3 fan-favorite burgers from Lexington Burger Week 2026 battle it out live on stage. A panel of celebrity judges crowns the 2026 CRAVE Burger Battle Champion, hosted by Chef Jason Smith.
Pull up a chair, bring your appetite, and come cheer on your favorite.
Raise a Glass
Bourbon Education with Chris Blandford
Kroger’s Adult Beverage Expert Chris Blandford leads the Friday Happy Hour Bourbon Education session, with more tastings in between the acts on Saturday afternoon.
Come for the demos, stay for the bourbon flight.
Between Musical Acts
On-Stage Interviews
Chris Blandford catches Kentucky’s food, drink, and arts voices for fast-paced conversations between music sets, a long-running Crave tradition.
Friday · July 31
- 6:15 PM
John Lackey
Artist
- 8:00 PM
David Helmers
Distilled in Kentucky
Saturday · August 1
- 1:30 PM
Annie Rouse
CannaBuzz Owner
- 3:00 PM
Erin Goins
Bites of the Bluegrass
- 4:30 PM
Leandra Forman
Food Chain Co-Executive Director
Tickets · July 31 – August 1
Get Your Tickets
$15 weekend pass · $10 single-day pass · Kids 10 & under free. Two days of food, music, and good times at Gatton Park in downtown Lexington.
Get Tickets