Los Angeles knows how to throw a party, but once a year, it dials the glamour down and turns the generosity up. L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade—the annual chef-studded cookout benefitting pediatric cancer research—returns for its 13th edition on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at UCLA’s Royce Quad. Tickets are now available online, and the event is expected to sell out.
A Festival with Purpose
Part fundraiser, part community celebration, the event has become one of L.A.’s most beloved culinary traditions. Founded by Suzanne Goin, David Lentz, and Caroline Styne in collaboration with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, the cookout has raised more than $11 million to date. Last year alone, the event brought in over $1.6 million—all to fund cutting-edge research into pediatric cancer.
At the heart of it all is the memory of Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a young girl who, while battling cancer herself, set up a lemonade stand to help other kids. Before her death at age 8, Alex raised $1 million. Her legacy has since grown into a nationwide movement supporting more than 1,500 research projects across North America.
A Star-Studded Chef Lineup
The 2025 roster includes a powerhouse mix of local legends, out-of-town stars, and emerging voices in the culinary world. Guests can expect everything from handmade pasta and wood-fired flatbreads to Oaxacan mole and fine-dining desserts—all prepared by chefs donating their time, ingredients, and heart.
This year’s headliners include:
- Nancy Silverton (Mozza)
- Chris Bianco (Pizzeria Bianco)
- Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (Jon & Vinny’s)
- Michael Cimarusti (Providence, Connie and Ted’s)
- Bricia Lopez (Guelaguetza)
- Ori Menashe (Bestia)
- Ludo Lefebvre (Petit Trois)
- Marc Vetri (Vetri Cucina)
- Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken (Socalo)
- And yes—even Shake Shack is in the mix
From coast to coast, the chefs span hometown favorites to James Beard winners, all showing up with sleeves rolled and dishes ready.
A Day of Food, Family, and Giving Back
Beyond the bites, L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade offers a laid-back, open-air experience where the culinary community comes together in full force. The event draws both die-hard food lovers and first-time attendees, all sharing a common goal—to help fund better treatments and brighter futures for children with cancer.
If You Go
The event takes place Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Royce Quad on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles.
General admission and VIP tickets are available now at alexslemonade.org.
To learn more about the Kids Campaign and how families can get involved, visit the official campaign page.
