Cost: $250 ($500 VIP package); buy tickets here

Organizer: Common Threads

What to expect: A chef-heavy celebration of the food, drinks and culture of countries around the world at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Why to go: It's like the best day ever at Whole Foods; sample stations everywhere you turn!

Additional info: Participants include nationally known chefs Michelle Bernstein, John Besh, Tyler Florence and Ming Tsai, plus locals Art Smith (Table Fifty-Two), Malika Ameen (Aigre Doux), Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven), Graham Elliot Bowles (Graham Elliot), David Burke and Rick Gresh (Primehouse), Christophe David (NoMi), Kendal Duque (formerly of Sepia), Gale Gand and Meg Galus (TRU), Stephanie Izard (Top Chef Chicago winner), Radhika Desai (Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge), Koren Grieveson (Avec), Chris Nugent (Les Nomades), Mindy Segal (Hot Chocolate) and others. The Honorary Chair and Mistress of Ceremonies is Gail Simmons from Food & Wine and Bravo’s Top Chef.

VIPs are treated to an early reception at the MCA and an invitation to an exclusive after-party at the James Hotel, which will feature a surprise musical guest.

Centerstage Reviewer: Ben Rubenstein