CIA Family Weekend
First annual Dish & Dash CIA Family Weekend—a flavorful fall celebration where students, family, and food come together for a weekend of fun.
Ready, Set, Register!
Dish & Dash—Family Weekend Awaits
October 10–12, 2025
Hyde Park, NY Campus
Early bird registration is now open—with limited spots available!
We’re turning up the heat this fall with our very first annual Dish & Dash CIA Family Weekend—a new tradition where food meets fun, and family is always on the guest list.
Join us October 10–12, as we cook up a weekend full of connection, competition, and celebration alongside the CIA students who make our campus sizzle.
As an early bird registrant, you’ll score an official Dish & Dash event tee—free with your ticket while supplies last!
Here’s what’s on the Weekend Menu
We’ve been cooking up something special—check out the full lineup of events for our Dish & Dash Family Weekend. From flavorful fun to campus traditions, it’s all on the schedule and ready to serve.
Dash into action with our legendary Run for Your Knives™ 5K scholarship race. See details below.
Dish things up at our crowd-favorite Chili Cook-Off.
Savor the thrill of the game and taste of the grill.
FAQs for Registration and Tickets
What’s included in the Family Weekend pre-sale tickets?
Your Family Weekend pre-sale ticket includes access to numerous events. Please note, a few of the events have limited space. Once the event is sold out via pre-sales, it will be removed from the registration page.
- Family Weekend Welcome Reception
- Forked documentary and Q&A with Chef Susan Feniger
- Educational Demo/Presentations (limited seats available)
- Lunch at the home Soccer Game
- ResLife Fall Fest
- CIA’s Got Talent Show
- Sunday morning Pancake Breakfast (limited seats available)
- 35th Annual Chili Cook-Off
A FREE Family Weekend t-shirt—one per paid registration—will be provided. Please note, this does not include students’ tickets. If you would like a Family Weekend t-shirt for your student, please purchase one.
Who needs to register and purchase tickets?
- Tickets are required for all family members age six (6) and over attending any Family Weekend event. Children aged five (5) and under are free to attend, no ticket is needed.
- Only one registration per family please—include everyone in your group on the same registration.
- Even though students don’t need to pay for a ticket, you should include them in your headcount when registering for events that require pre-registration.
- Example: If you, another family member, and your student plan to attend the Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, you should register for three (3) people.
- Students must show their student ID to access all events except for CIA’s Got Talent Show (see next section).
Can students attend the events?
- Students may attend the events with their CIA student ID and must be included in your headcount for pre-registration events (e.g., Pancake Breakfast).
- Students must get a FREE ticket in advance at the Student Recreation Center Front Desk the week before for CIA’s Got Talent Show.
What if I only want to attend the Chili Cook-Off?
- Chili Cook-Off single event tickets may be available starting at the end of September, depending on pre-sale turnout.
- Check the Family Weekend webpage for updates at that time.
What if someone cancels?
- At check-in each attendee (excluding your student) will receive a badge/lanyard.
- The badges/lanyards are required for entry to events and can be given to anyone you choose.
Can I get a refund?
- To help us plan the best possible experience, all Family Weekend ticket and merchandise purchases are non-refundable. We appreciate your support and understanding.
- CIA is a not-for-profit college, and more than 90% of our students receive scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Your patronage helps support this important priority, ensuring students can realize their dreams of attending the world’s premiere culinary college.
I have other questions, who can I contact?
Please reach out to us at [email protected].
Run for Your Knives 5K—Sign Up Now!
Note: This event requires a separate sign-up. Register at the link below. Space is limited for non-student participants.
Lace up and hit the pavement alongside CIA students in the Run for Your Knives 5K—a fun, high-energy race where every step supports student scholarships. Your entry fee goes straight to helping our future food leaders chase their dreams.
The race kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by the Knife Ceremony where student winners are celebrated and scholarships awarded. A light grab-and-go breakfast is included for race participants.
Not racing? No problem—no ticket needed to cheer from the finish line!
Plan Your Visit
Travel Directions
Our New York campus is located on the east bank of the Hudson River, just three miles north of Poughkeepsie and right off U.S. Route 9—midway between New York City and Albany. The campus is easily reached by plane, train, or car.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of great places to stay just minutes from our New York campus—perfect for your Dish & Dash Family Weekend plans. To help you get started, here are a few of our preferred hotel partners offering exclusive CIA discounts.
Off-Campus Exploration
Beyond campus, Dutchess County is packed with unforgettable experiences for the whole crew—think scenic hikes, apple and pumpkin picking, local craft beverage destinations, free things to do and fun for every member of the family.
Get a Taste of CIA—On-Campus Restaurants and Alumni Spots
Enjoy an unforgettable meal at one of our award-winning, on-campus restaurants, where our talented students bring their skills to the table. You can check availability by calling 845-905-4533 or emailing [email protected].
Prefer to explore the local scene? We’ve also rounded up some favorite local spots run by CIA alumni. Explore the full list (PDF), or pick a few and be sure to visit their websites for menus and hours.
Please note:
CIA is a cashless campus—credit/debit cards and mobile payment options are accepted.
To help us plan the best possible experience, all Family Weekend ticket and merchandise purchases are non-refundable. We appreciate your understanding!
CIA is a not-for-profit college, and more than 90% of our students receive scholarships and other forms of financial aid. Your patronage helps support this important priority, ensuring students can realize their dreams of attending the world’s premier culinary college.
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538