Who will make the best burger at the American River Burger Battle!
Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 5 PM – 8 PM at Discovery Park, 1600 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95833
Join us for Sacramento’s ultimate burger showdown! Sample mouthwatering burgers from ten chefs, sip on local brews, and decide who reigns supreme. Don’t forget to take notes – your vote counts! By participating, you’ll be directly supporting the American River Parkway Foundation and the impactful Parkway CONNECT program. May the best burger win the burger battle, and your taste buds!
Tickets are $75, which includes entry, unlimited burger samples, refreshments from the ARPF beer garden, and a vote for the People’s Choice winner. VIP Tickets are $150 and include all the standard perks + one-hour early entry at 4 pm, access to the VIP area, specialty cocktails, and a chance to hang out with the celebrity judges.
Meet our Burger Chefs
- Chef Pedro Depina, 7th Street Standard (reigning People’s Choice winner)
- Chef Sam Shafer, Kimpton Revival (reigning Judge’s Choice winner)
- Chef Santana Diaz, UC Davis Health
- Chef Michael Fagioni, Moksa Barrelhouse
- Chef Scott Ostrander, Gami Burger
- Chef Matt Brown, Husick’s
- Stepdad’s Chef
- Chef Gregory Desmangles, Good Neighbors
- Sacramento Metro Fire
- Sacramento City Fire
Meet our Celebrity Judges
- Food Aficionado Rick Mindermann
- PBS KVIE’s Abridged Writer Benjy Egel
- Mystery Celebrity Judge
- Mystery Celebrity Judge
Burger Battle FAQ
Expand each section below to view detailed answers to frequently asked questions
What is the American River Burger Battle?
The American River Burger Battle brings together top local chefs and fire departments for a head-to-head grilling showdown to determine who will take home the trophy for Best Burger on the Parkway! Every ticket purchase supports the American River Parkway Foundation and its mission to protect and conserve Sacramento’s most treasured outdoor space.
What is included in my ticket?
For $75, your ticket includes entry from 5 pm to 8 pm, unlimited burger samples, refreshments from the ARPF beer garden, and a vote for the People's Choice winner.
For $150, your VIP ticket includes all the standard perks + one-hour early entry at 4 pm, access to the VIP area, specialty cocktails, and a chance to hang out with the celebrity judges.
Do I need to buy my ticket before May 16th?
Yes. There are only a limited number of tickets available and once they sell out they are gone.
How does the Burger Battle tasting work?
Your ticket gives you unlimited samples of the burgers. Leave room to try them all, and make sure you eat them all before 7:15 pm when the votes will be tallied so the winner can be announced at 7:30 pm.
Where is the American River Burger Battle?
Discovery Park, 1600 Garden Hwy Sacramento, CA 95833 at the Oak Site Picnic Area. You can enter through the North or South entrance of the park to access this event.
What are the hours?
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, there will be vegetarian and gluten-free options. Not all 10 burgers will have vegetarian and gluten-free options, but there will be options for these dietary restrictions.
How does voting work?
People’s Choice: With your American River Burger Battle ticket, you will get one vote for best burger, and one chef will be the 2025 American River Burger Battle People’s Choice winner.
Judge’s Choice: We will have three celebrity judges, and one chef will be the 2026 American River Burger Battle Judge’s Choice winner.
How can I sponsor this event?
For details about sponsorship, contact Julia Cassill at jcassill@arpf.org or call our office at 916-486-2773
Are the tickets refundable?
No, tickets are not refundable. Every ticket purchase supports the American River Parkway Foundation
Are the tickets transferable?
Yes, tickets are transferable up to 24 hours in advance (12 pm on Friday, May 15th). Please call our office at 916-486-2773 or email us at info@arpf.org to transfer the name on your ticket, or give your ticket QR code to the person you want to transfer your ticket to.
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Parking is available in Discovery Park and normal Sacramento County Park fees apply.
Can I bring a pet?
We love our furry friends, but for the safety and comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted at the event. Only ADA compliant service dogs will be permitted inside the festival.
Thank you to our Sponsors
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In-kind Sponsors
