Carmel Education Foundation announces ticket sales for Taste of Carmel

Signature event returns Aug. 27 in celebration of CEF’s 60th anniversary

Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) invites the community to celebrate the return of Taste of Carmel on Thursday, Aug. 27, at 502 East Event Centre.

As one of Carmel’s signature community events and the largest indoor tasting event in Hamilton County, Taste of Carmel will bring together more than 40 local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, caterers, and beverage partners for an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and community impact.

This year’s “Touch of Class” theme celebrates Carmel Education Foundation’s diamond 60th anniversary. Guests are encouraged to embrace the occasion with elevated attire and a touch of sparkle, shimmer, or diamond-inspired bling as the community comes together. The event’s move to August intentionally aligns Taste of Carmel with the excitement of the new school year, reinforcing CEF’s connection to strong schools, student success, and the future of the Carmel community.

“Taste of Carmel is a celebration of what makes Carmel such a special place to live: excellent schools, incredible local businesses, and a community that truly believes in supporting students and investing in the future of Carmel,” CEF CEO Jennifer Penix said. “As we celebrate CEF’s 60th anniversary, we’re excited to bring people together to celebrate the start of the school year while helping create opportunities for students to grow, thrive, and prepare for their future.”

Taste of Carmel supports CEF’s work to provide classroom innovation grants, student-led grants, career, and workforce readiness programming, community and wellness initiatives, advocacy and districtwide experiences such as JA BizTown. Funds raised help bridge critical funding gaps and create meaningful opportunities for students across Carmel Clay Schools.

The adult-only event will include two ticketed experiences. First Taste VIP guests will enjoy early access from 5:30 to 7 p.m., reserved table seating, a signature cocktail experience, enhanced atmosphere and entertainment, first access to food and beverage offerings, and full access to all event features through 9 p.m. General Admission will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. as guests enjoy full access to all food, beverage, and entertainment offerings.

Tickets are now available online. General Admission Early Bird tickets are $125 through July 4, with standard pricing beginning July 5 at $150. A limited number of First Taste VIP individual tickets are $200, along with a select number of reserved VIP tables for eight guests at $1,500. A limited teacher ticket option is available for $45 with a Carmel Clay Schools email address.

Guests are encouraged to purchase early, as reserved tables traditionally sell out. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses interested in connecting with more than 1,000 attendees while supporting public education and community impact.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and full event details, visit TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com.