10 Chefs, 10 Musicians, One Unforgettable Night: Inside Omaha’s Best Fest
Story by Itzel Davila Torres
A one-night-only immersive dining experience is coming to Omaha, and it promises to be unlike anything the city has seen before. Best Fest, taking place June 20 at Heartwood Preserve, brings together cuisine, music, cinema, design, and storytelling for a one-of-a-kind evening where guests become part of the show.
Created by Omaha Magazine, Best Fest is designed to celebrate creativity through food, music, and culture while showcasing some of Omaha’s most talented chefs and musicians.
At the center of the experience is a stunning 120-foot communal table where guests will move through a series of curated culinary worlds. Throughout the evening, 10 chefs, 10 musicians, and immersive visual storytelling will come together to create a dining experience that engages all the senses. Massive video screens, live cameras, artistic table design, and live performances will transform dinner into an interactive production.
The event is hosted and curated by Tay Westberry, creator of the podcast Setting The Table: The Chefs of Best Fest. Through the podcast, Westberry introduces audiences to the chefs behind the event and explores the stories, cultures, and inspirations that influence their culinary creations. The goal is to give guests a deeper connection to the people behind each dish while celebrating the role food plays in bringing communities together.
Best Fest features an impressive lineup of local culinary talent, including:
Djamil Bah-Traore – House of Bah
Andrew Novak – All in Thyme Bakery & Cafe
Gerald Dimabuyu – The Fifth Taste
Wilson Calixte – Le Voltaire
Joel Hassanali – Salted Edge
Joel Walsh – Le Bouillon
Abe Vidaurre – Cattle Call
Mario Ochoa – Whispering Roots
Diwesh Bhattarai – Saffron
Clayton Chapman – The Grey Plume
Each chef has created a unique culinary experience that will be paired with live music performances from local artists. Guests can expect a diverse soundtrack featuring rock, hip-hop, Latin percussion, pop, country, and more, creating an atmosphere where every course tells a story.
What makes Best Fest truly unique is that attendees are not simply spectators. Five live cameras will capture the action throughout the evening, broadcasting chefs, musicians, guests, and performers onto large screens above the table. Every reaction, performance, and plated dish becomes part of the experience, blurring the line between audience and performer.
Whether you're a foodie, music lover, creative professional, or simply looking for a memorable night out, Best Fest offers something for everyone. It is a celebration of Omaha's thriving creative community and a chance to experience food and music in an entirely new way.
Cocktail Hour: 4:00 PM | First Dinner: 5:00 PM | Second Dinner: 6:30 PM
Tickets are available through the Best Fest website, with dining experiences beginning at $150. Guests can learn more and purchase tickets through Best Fest Omaha.