Ritz-Carlton Sets Dates and Opens Ticket Sales for Cayman Cookout 2026
Marking the resort’s 20th anniversary, the 2026 Cayman Cookout features Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, and other chefs for a week of demonstrations, dinners and excursions.
Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will open ticket sales Oct. 1 for its 17th annual Cayman Cookout, scheduled for Jan. 14–19, 2026. The event coincides with the resort’s 20th anniversary and continues its role as one of the Caribbean’s leading culinary festivals.
Founded with Chef Eric Ripert, the Cookout has grown into a five-day program of chef-led dinners, cooking demonstrations, and off-property excursions. This year’s lineup features Ripert, José Andrés, Andrew Zimmern, Stephanie Izard, Carla Hall, Elena Reygades, and Christophe Bellanca, among others, across more than 60 scheduled events.
Programming for 2026 adds several new elements. Zimmern will lead a health-forward panel featuring Gavin Kaysen and Gregory Gourdet; Gourdet and Ming Tsai will present demonstrations inspired by Haitian and Chinese cuisine; and Reygades will showcase her ingredient-driven approach to modern Mexican cooking. Andrés will record a live episode of his Longer Tables podcast during the festival.
Headline events include the Grand Opening “Epicurean Eve” presented by Forbes Travel Guide; Ripert’s Wheels Up day trip to GoldenEye in Jamaica; Stephanie Izard’s one-night beachfront dinner; and the Grand Finale multi-course dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert, the resort’s Five-Star signature restaurant. Returning favorites such as the Barefoot BBQ and Rum & Robusto will also anchor the week.
Packages tied to the Cookout start at $2,600 per night for two guests, exclusive of tax and fees, with a five-night minimum stay. The package includes accommodations, daily culinary amenities, and access to signature events.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is currently the only Forbes Triple Five-Star property in the Caribbean and completed a full renovation in 2021. Its facilities span 144 acres from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, including six dining venues, the Ritz-Carlton Spa, and the island’s largest ballroom. The resort hosts the Cookout annually with Ripert as culinary director, bringing an international roster of chefs to Grand Cayman while also incorporating local initiatives such as a Meals on Wheels community event.
