CIA Family Weekend

Dish & Dash CIA Family Weekend is back—a flavorful fall celebration where students, family, and food come together for a weekend that’s pure CIA energy.

Register Now
Image of CIA students competing in the chili cook-off, run for your knives 5k race, and a chili pot running as the logo of CIA Family Weekend
Image of CIA students competing in the chili cook-off.

SOLD OUT

Thank you to all the families who have bought tickets for Family Weekend. At this point, we are SOLD OUT and at capacity. You are still welcomed to visit with your students and take advantage of all that the Hudson Valley has to offer.

86 the Fee! Apply Free! This March, your application fee is on the house. Don’t miss out.

Apply Now
Image of a chili pot with a smiling face on it running a 5k race. CIA Family Weekend Dish and Dash logo.

Save the Date: Dish & Dash—CIA Family Weekend 2026

October 9–11, 2026
Hyde Park, NY Campus

Back by popular demand for its second year running, Dish & Dash CIA Family Weekend returns this fall.

This is your chance to show your family what life at CIA really looks like—on the line, on the field, and across the campus you now call home.

Join us October 9–11, 2026, for a weekend packed with connection, competition, and celebration alongside the classmates who make this place sizzle.

Bring them into your world. Let them see the kitchens, meet your friends, feel the energy, and experience the pride you carry every day in your chef whites.

Registration opens mid-May 2026—stay tuned!

Register Now
Have questions? Check out our FAQs

What’s on the Weekend Menu?

Here’s a preview of the events we’re serving up for Dish & Dash Family Weekend. From high-energy competitions to campus-wide celebrations, the full weekend menu (aka schedule) will be served up in June.
Image of CIA students celebrating with medals after the Run for Your Knives 5k scholarship race.

Dash into action with our legendary Run for Your Knives™ 5K scholarship race.

Image of CIA students giving a thumbs up at CIA’s Chili Cook-Off on CIA's New York campus.

Dish things up at our crowd-favorite Chili Cook-Off.

Image of CIA mascot Sting cheering on CIA’s soccer team on the sidelines with spectators.

Savor the thrill of the game and taste of the grill.

Family Weekend Schedule and Information

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 10—Arrival and Kickoff

4–7:30 p.m. (Post Road Brew House)
Check-In—Wine and Cheese
Grab a glass and a bite to eat while you pick up your welcome materials.

6–8:30 p.m. (Multiple Venues)
Restaurant Reservations
Enjoy a delicious evening at CIA’s award-winning on-campus restaurants—where the kitchen is the classroom!

Additional Separate Cost Icon
Pre-Registration Required Icon

7–9 p.m. (Marriott Pavilion, Ecolab Auditorium)
Feature Film and Q&A: Forked with Susan Feniger ’77
Screening of this culinary documentary, followed by Q&A with alum and food icon, Susan Feniger.

Saturday, October 11—Dash into the Action

7 a.m.–Noon (Post Road Brew House)
Check-In for Those Arriving Saturday
Pick up your welcome materials and lanyards.

7–11 a.m. (The Egg)
Run for Your Knives 5K
Cheer on runners (and walkers!) as they race for a coveted victory knife—all in support of student scholarships. The race kicks off at 9 a.m., followed by the Knife Ceremony where winners are celebrated and scholarships awarded. A light grab-and-go breakfast is included for race participants.

9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Multiple Venues)
CIA in Action: Demos, Tours, and Tastings
Dive into the CIA experience through engaging chef demos, campus tours, tastings, and interactive sessions. Space is limited.

Pre-Registration Required Icon
Tasting Element Icon

• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Garden and Food Studies Tour
Outside The Egg. Take a walking tour through CIA’s edible campus and rooftop garden with food studies faculty.

• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | The Power of a Chef
Danny Kaye Theater (140 seats). Join culinary faculty for an inspiring look at the influence of chefs on culture, cuisine, and community.

• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Taste Like a Sommelier
Wine Spectator Classroom (60 seats). Learn the basics of food and wine pairing in this flavorful session with our expert beverage faculty.

Age 21 and Over Icon

• 10 a.m. and Noon | Baking and Pastry Arts Demo
Admissions Ecolab Theater (80 seats). Baking and pastry arts faculty serve up sugar, spice, and everything nice in this sweet showcase.

• 10 a.m. and Noon | Culinary Arts Demo
Blackberry Farm Theater (70 seats). Watch our expert culinary arts faculty bring the art of cooking to life in an inspiring culinary demo.

11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. (Multiple Venues)
Restaurant Reservations
Enjoy a delicious lunch at CIA’s award-winning on-campus restaurants—where the kitchen is the classroom!

Additional Separate Cost Icon
Pre-Registration Required Icon

1–3:30 p.m. (Soccer Field)
Home Soccer Game and Campus Cookout
Cheer on the Steels and enjoy a bite from the campus grill during the game!

Food/Meal Served Icon

4–6 p.m. (Sage Way)
ResLife Fall Fest
Carnival games, music, fall treats, and family fun.

6–8:30 p.m. (Multiple Venues)
Restaurant Reservations
Enjoy a delicious dinner at CIA’s award-winning on-campus restaurants—where the kitchen is the classroom!

Additional Separate Cost Icon
Pre-Registration Required Icon

8–10 p.m. (Marriott Pavilion, Ecolab Auditorium)
CIA’s Got Talent
Celebrate the talents of fellow families, students, faculty, and staff while they compete for prizes!

Sunday, October 12—Dish Up Some Fun!

9 a.m.–Noon (Post Road Brew House)
Check-In for Those Arriving Sunday
Pick up your welcome materials and lanyards.

10 a.m.–Noon (Farquharson Hall)
ResLife Pancake Breakfast (350 Seats)
Fluffy pancakes and tasty toppings—served fresh by the CIA Housing Team!

Food/Meal Served Icon
Pre-Registration Required Icon

1–4 p.m. (Anton Plaza)
Chili Cook-Off
Sample and vote on chili entries by CIA student competitors. Proceeds support scholarships.

Tasting Element Icon

1–4 p.m. (Post Road Brew House)
Biergarten
Discover your favorite CIA student-brewed flavor!

Additional Separate Cost Icon
Age 21 and Over Icon

Legend:

Additional Separate Cost Icon

Additional separate cost

Pre-Registration Required Icon

Pre-registration required

Age 21 and Over Icon

Age 21 and over

Food/Meal Served Icon

Food/meal served

Tasting Element Icon

Tasting element

Download Printable Schedule
Download Printable Campus Map

Schedule of Events

Legend: $ Additional separate cost | * Pre-registration required | 21+ Age 21 and over | % Food/meal served | ^ Tasting element

Friday, October 10—Arrival and Kickoff

4–7:30 p.m.
Post Road Brew House		Check-In—Wine and Cheese
Grab a glass and a bite to eat while you pick up your welcome materials.
6–8:30 p.m.
(Multiple Venues)		Restaurant Reservations $ *
Enjoy a delicious evening at CIA’s award-winning on-campus restaurants—
where the kitchen is the classroom!
7–9 p.m.
Marriott Pavilion
Ecolab Auditorium		Feature Film and Q&A: Forked with Susan Feniger ’77
Screening of this culinary documentary, followed by
Q&A with alum and food icon, Susan Feniger.

Saturday, October 11—Dash into the Action

7 a.m.–Noon
Post Road Brew House		Check-In for Those Arriving Saturday
Pick up your welcome materials and lanyards.
7–11 a.m.
The Egg		Run for Your Knives 5K
Cheer on runners (and walkers!) as they race for a coveted victory knife
—all in support of student scholarships. The race kicks off at 9 a.m.,
followed by the Knife Ceremony where winners are celebrated and
scholarships awarded. A light grab-and-go breakfast is included for race
participants.
9 a.m.–1 p.m.
(Multiple Venues)		CIA in Action: Demos, Tours, and Tastings * ^
Dive into the CIA experience through engaging chef demos,
campus tours, tastings, and interactive sessions. Space is limited.
• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Garden and Food Studies Tour
Outside The Egg • Take a walking tour through CIA’s edible campus and
rooftop garden with food studies faculty.
• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | The Power of a Chef
Danny Kaye Theater (140 seats). Join culinary faculty for an inspiring
look at the influence of chefs on culture, cuisine, and community.
• 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Taste Like a Sommelier 21+
Wine Spectator Classroom (60 seats). Learn the basics of food and wine
pairing in this flavorful session with our expert beverage faculty.
• 10 a.m. and Noon | Baking and Pastry Arts Demo
Admissions Ecolab Theater (80 seats). Baking and pastry arts faculty
serve up sugar, spice, and everything nice in this sweet showcase.
• 10 a.m. and Noon | Culinary Arts Demo
Blackberry Farm Theater (70 seats). Watch our expert culinary arts
faculty bring the art of cooking to life in an inspiring culinary demo.
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
(Multiple Venues)		Restaurant Reservations $ *
Enjoy a delicious lunch at CIA’s award-winning on-campus
restaurants—where the kitchen is the classroom!
1–3:30 p.m.
Soccer Field		Home Soccer Game and Campus Cookout %
Cheer on the Steels and enjoy a bite from the campus grill during the game!
4–6 p.m.
Sage Way		ResLife Fall Fest
Carnival games, music, fall treats, and family fun.
6–8:30 p.m.
(Multiple Venues)		Restaurant Reservations $ *
Enjoy a delicious dinner at CIA’s award-winning on-campus
restaurants—where the kitchen is the classroom!
8–10 p.m.
Marriott Pavilion
Ecolab Auditorium		CIA’s Got Talent
Celebrate the talents of fellow families, students, faculty,
and staff while they compete for prizes!

Sunday, October 12—Dish Up Some Fun!

9 a.m.–Noon
Post Road Brew House		Check-In for Those Arriving Sunday
Pick up your welcome materials and lanyards.
10 a.m.–Noon
Farquharson Hall		ResLife Pancake Breakfast (350 Seats) % *
Fluffy pancakes and tasty toppings—served fresh by the CIA Housing Team!
1–4 p.m.
Anton Plaza		Chili Cook-Off ^
Sample and vote on chili entries by CIA student competitors.
Proceeds support scholarships.
1–4 p.m.
Post Road Brew House		Biergarten $ 21+
Discover your favorite CIA student-brewed flavor!

Legend: $ Additional separate cost | * Pre-registration required | 21+ Age 21 and over | % Food/meal served | ^ Tasting element

Download Printable Schedule
Download Printable Campus Map

FAQs for Registration and Tickets

What’s included in the Family Weekend tickets?

Your Family Weekend ticket includes access to numerous events.

  • Family Weekend Welcome Reception
  • Forked documentary and Q&A with Chef Susan Feniger
  • Lunch at the home Soccer Game
  • ResLife Fall Fest
  • 35th Annual Chili Cook-Off
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.
  • You do not need to purchase a ticket for your student.
  • 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].

Image of CIA students and alumni at the start line for Run for Your Knives™ with CIA President Michiel Bakker.

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.

Register Now

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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

[email protected]