For one long weekend in June, Aspen becomes the center of the food and drink universe — a place where the country’s most influential chefs and wine pros trade ideas at altitude, reunion-style. Tickets to the 43rd annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen are now on sale for the festival’s return from June 19 to 21, bringing back what has become the most important gathering in American culinary culture.

The weekend will, of course, feature the legendary Grand Tasting Pavilion at the heart of downtown, where guests can explore five sessions showcasing the people defining what we drink and eat next. than 150 winemakers, distillers, and food professionals will be holding court and sharing their creations — from new releases and rare pours to restaurant-level bites and cutting-edge pantry finds. Attendees can sample wines, talk directly with producers, discover products before they’ve hit shelves, and cross paths with many of the personalities they’ve seen onstage. And beyond the Pavilion, ticket holders can book dinners, attend late-night parties, and join exclusive events throughout town.

Across the weekend, the Classic will feature cooking demonstrations and conversations led by Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, Tyler Florence, Stephanie Izard, Tiffany Derry, Claudette Zepeda, Chris Shepherdand Andrew Zimmernamong others — offering a close-up look at how these culinary leaders think about flavor, technique, and culture.

Wine and beverage lovers have just as much to look forward to. A deep roster of industry talent anchor the wine and spirits seminars, with sessions led by Andy Chabot, Arjav Ezekiel, Anthony Giglio, Ray IsleVictoria James, Carlin Karr, Wanda man, Amanda McCrossin, Mark OldmanFemi Oyediran, June Born, Bobby Stuckeyand Miles White. Expect spirited debate, guided tastings, and conversations built around the wines and cocktails shaping drinking culture right now — with the chance to taste alongside the experts who influence wine lists across the country.

“Since 1983, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen has set the stage for chefs, wine pros, and hospitality industry leaders to cook, pour, teach, taste, and gather in one of the most spectacularly beautiful towns in the country. I’m honored to play a role in continuing the legacy of this legendary event, and bringing this massive, one-of-a-kind celebration to life,” said Food & Wine editor-in-chief Hunter Lewis. “We’re excited to be back this June with all-new, unforgettable experiences, featuring culinary icons, breakout stars, and moments that will set the standard for what’s next. Trust us, you’ll want to be there.”

As part of the Food & Wine Gives initiative, the Classic will make a donation to the Southern Smoke Foundationwhich provides crisis support and mental health resources to hospitality workers, and to No Kid Hungrythe national campaign working to end childhood hunger in the U.S.

Be sure to buy your tickets here — and make sure to check back in for festival programming updates, travel information, our list of Food & Wine Favesand .