Thank you for attending the American River Burger Battle!
May 17th, 2025, 12PM– 4PM at Discovery Park, 1600 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA 95833
We had a blast at Sacramento’s ultimate burger showdown! Congratulations to 2025’s Burger Battle Champions:
People’s Choice Winner: Chef Pedro Depina from the 7th Street Standard
Judge’s Choice Winner: Chef Sam Shafer from the Kimpton Sawyer
Second Place Judge’s Choice: Chef Adam Pechal
Third Place Judge’s Choice: Chef Santana Diaz from UC Davis Health and the Sacramento City Fire Department
We will see you next year!
Meet our Burger Chefs
- Curvey Brown, Stones Gambling Hall
- Chef Santana Diaz, UC Davis Health
- Chef Adam Pechal
- Chef Pedro Depina, The 7th Street Standard
- Chef Sam Shafer, Kimpton Sawyer
- Chef Patricio Wise, Nixtaco
- Sacramento City Fire Department
Meet our Celebratory Judges
- Food Aficionado Rick Mindermann
- Assemblywoman Maggy Krell
- MMA legend Urijah “The California Kid” Faber
- Local Attorney Ann Phoong
The American River Parkway Foundation has partnered with SacRT to offer free rides to the American River Burger Battle. To ride free, simply print or screenshot this Free Ride Flyer and present it to the bus operator upon boarding or have ready for fare inspector on light rail.
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 8 burger samples, 3 beer samples, and a vote for the People’s Choice of Best Burger.
Do I need to buy my ticket before May 17th?
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?
You’ll receive your Burger Battle passport when you check in at the event entrance, just show your ID. Use your Burger Battle passport to try one delicious slider from each competitor. Get it stamped at every booth—one sample per person keeps it fair (and leaves enough for everyone to enjoy).
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?
12 pm-4pm on Saturday, May 17th, 2025
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, there will be vegetarian and gluten-free options. Not all 8 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 2025 American River Burger Battle Judge’s Choice winner.
How can I sponsor this event?
For details about sponsorship, contact ntanimoto@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 (12:00PM on Friday, May 16.) Please call our office at 916-486-2773 or email info@arpf.org to transfer your ticket.
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. We are also partnering with SacRT to offer free rides to the Spring Recreation Fair. To ride free, simply print or screenshot the Free Ride Flyer from our website and present it to the bus operator upon boarding. Click here to see how to access the Parkway using SacRT.
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 2025 Sponsors
In-kind Sponsors
