Quick Summary
Cayman Cookout 2027 returns to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, from 14–17 January 2027, with Chef Eric Ripert as host. Celebrating its 18th year, this popular culinary festival brings together celebrated chefs like José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, and Emeril Lagasse for standout dinners, beachside celebrations, and cooking demonstrations. Individual event tickets range from $90 to $625 per person, and guests must be 18 or older to attend. With several events already sold out, booking early is a smart move. If you’re planning to stay on Seven Mile Beach during the festivities, be sure to reserve your vacation rental well in advance, too.
What Is the Cayman Cookout?
The Cayman Cookout is Grand Cayman’s premier food and wine festival, held each January at The Ritz-Carlton on Seven Mile Beach. Hosted by Chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin, this four-day celebration brings together top chefs, incredible food, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Guests can enjoy everything from intimate chef-led dinners and wine tastings to cooking demonstrations and lively beach parties.
The 2027 festival marks its 18th year, with over 40 experiences planned throughout the event. While most activities take place at The Ritz-Carlton, some venture beyond the resort, including a beach party at Rum Point and a special dinner at The Brasserie in Cricket Square.
Rather than purchasing a single festival pass, guests can choose and book individual events. This makes it easy to tailor your experience to your interests and budget, whether you’re looking forward to a memorable dinner with a favourite chef or a fun afternoon of food and drinks by the sea.
When and Where Is Cayman Cookout 2027?
Cayman Cookout 2027 takes place from Thursday, 14 January to Sunday, 17 January 2027, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, located at 1066 West Bay Road on Seven Mile Beach. While most of the festivities happen at the resort, a few special events take guests to other island favourites, including Rum Point and The Brasserie.
The festival officially begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday and wraps up at 8:00 PM on Sunday. According to The Ritz-Carlton, the three signature celebrations are scheduled for:
- Thursday, 14 January: Barefoot BBQ
- Friday, 15 January: Grown in Cayman
- Saturday, 16 January: After Glow Celebration
Beyond these signature events, guests can choose from a variety of cooking demonstrations, tastings, and special dining experiences throughout the weekend. The official Cayman Cookout website now provides event listings organised by day, making it easier to plan your visit.
January is also a lovely time to enjoy Grand Cayman. With an average temperature of 78.8°F (26.0°C), it’s typically the island’s coolest month, offering comfortable weather for exploring during the day and enjoying outdoor celebrations in the evening.
Who Is Cooking at Cayman Cookout 2027?
Chef Eric Ripert returns as host of Cayman Cookout 2027, bringing together an impressive line-up of celebrated chefs, including José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Clare Smyth, and Andrew Zimmern. Local talent is also part of the celebration, with Grand Cayman’s own Dean Max of The Brasserie joining the festivities alongside renowned sommeliers and bartenders.
Some of the highlights from the official chef line-up include:
- Clare Smyth of Core in London
- Daniel Boulud of Daniel in New York
- Emeril Lagasse and E.J. Lagasse of Emeril’s in New Orleans
- Michael Cimarusti of Providence in Los Angeles
- Nok Suntaranon of Kalaya in Philadelphia
- Stefano Secchi of Rezdôra in New York
- Eunji Lee of LYSÉE in New York, who will also be hosting a special pop-up pastry shop for the 2027 festival
There’s plenty for wine and cocktail lovers to look forward to as well, with acclaimed sommelier Aldo Sohm of Le Bernardin, Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and award-winning bartender Charles Joly joining the line-up.
How Much Are Cayman Cookout Tickets?
Cayman Cookout 2027 tickets are sold individually, allowing you to choose the experiences that interest you most. Prices range from $90 to $625 per person, with cooking demonstrations starting at $150, signature celebrations ranging from $220 to $490, and exclusive chef-hosted dinners reaching $625.
Here’s a look at some of the 2027 signature events, with prices from the official festival listings as of 9 October 2026:
| Event | Time | Venue | Price (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barefoot BBQ (Thursday) | 7:00–9:30 PM | The Ritz-Carlton Beach | $440 |
| Grown in Cayman (Friday) | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | The Great Lawn | $285 |
| After Glow with Moët Hennessy (Saturday) | 9:30–11:45 PM | Harbour Club Pool | $325 |
| The Beach Bash, with catamaran transfer | 9:00 AM–1:30 PM | Rum Point | $490 |
| The Beach Bash, event only | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM | Rum Point | $305 |
| Spain, His Way with Chef José Andrés | 10:00–11:00 AM | Bon Vivant Beach Pavilion | $250 |
| The Cookout Celebration Brunch | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM | Cayman Islands Ballroom | $350 |
| Ripert & Pétanque | 2:30–5:30 PM | Andiamo Circolo Sportivo | $220 |
Beyond the signature celebrations, you can enjoy culinary demonstrations with acclaimed chefs like Clare Smyth and Michael Cimarusti for $150 each. Chef-hosted dinners range from $275 to $625, while smaller resort experiences start at just $90.
Our tip: With so many tempting events, it’s worth choosing your favourites and setting a budget before booking. For example, a couple attending the Barefoot BBQ, a $330 dinner, and a $150 cooking demonstration would spend $1,840 on tickets alone. Pick the experiences you’re most excited about first, then build the rest of your Cookout weekend around them.
How Do You Buy Cayman Cookout Tickets, and Do They Sell Out?
Cayman Cookout tickets can be purchased online through the official ticketing website, with each event booked separately. Popular experiences can sell out well in advance, so it’s worth securing your favourites early. By 9 October 2026, four events had already sold out, more than three months before the festival!
The following 2027 events were listed as sold out:
- Caviar & Sparkling Morning Club (breakfast)
- Southern Soul by Chef E.J. Lagasse (dinner)
- Armand de Brignac presents Tokyo Unveiled (dinner)
- A Gathering of Culinary Icons (dinner at Blue by Eric Ripert)
Before purchasing your tickets, there are a few important details to keep in mind:
- All sales are final: Tickets are non-refundable, so make sure your travel plans are confirmed before booking.
- Guests must be 18 or older: Bring a valid photo ID, especially for events serving alcohol.
- Each event requires a ticket: There’s no general admission pass, so you’ll need to book each experience you’d like to attend.
Is There a Cayman Cookout Package?
Yes! The Ritz-Carlton offers a special Cayman Cookout accommodation package for stays of three to seven nights between 11 and 19 January 2027. It’s a convenient option for guests who want to stay close to the festivities while enjoying several of the festival’s signature experiences.
The package includes:
- Two tickets each to Barefoot BBQ, Grown in Cayman, and Saturday’s After Glow Celebration
- Two tickets to five culinary demonstrations (excluding José Andrés’ Spain, His Way)
- Daily breakfast for two at Seven Restaurant
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Early access to secure additional event tickets
Three-night packages have been advertised from approximately US$3,200, including the resort fee, with taxes and service charges additional. Rates and availability may vary, so check the latest details before booking.
You can explore the package and available dates directly through The Ritz-Carlton’s booking page.
Where Should You Stay for the Cayman Cookout?
Staying on or near Seven Mile Beach is your best bet for enjoying Cayman Cookout 2027. With The Ritz-Carlton located right on West Bay Road, a nearby condo or villa makes it easy to attend festival events while enjoying everything this beautiful stretch of coastline has to offer. If you’re travelling with friends or family, a private luxury home can also provide a comfortable retreat between celebrations.
Cookout week falls in Grand Cayman’s peak season, so booking your accommodation early gives you the best selection. Here are a few options to consider:
- Seven Mile Beach condos: Ideal for couples who want to stay close to the festivities while enjoying easy beach access, nearby restaurants, and sea views. Explore our Seven Mile Beach rentals for comfortable condos along this popular coastline.
- Private luxury homes: A great choice for friends or families travelling together who appreciate a little extra space and privacy. Many properties offer multiple bedrooms, private pools, and fully equipped kitchens for relaxed mornings before the day’s events. For larger groups, Black Urchin Resort is a beachfront estate east of Bodden Town; it’s a drive from The Ritz-Carlton, so plan taxis for evening events. Browse our Grand Cayman luxury homes to find the right fit for your group.
Planning a longer stay? Why not turn Cayman Cookout into an extended winter escape? Our Grand Cayman snowbird guide covers everything from seasonal weather and visitor requirements to finding a comfortable long-term vacation rental.
Minimum stay requirements and nightly rates vary by property, so we recommend checking availability early. Our team can also help you find a vacation rental that suits your group, travel dates, and preferred location near The Ritz-Carlton.
Where Should You Eat Between Cookout Events?
Between Cayman Cookout events, take some time to explore Grand Cayman’s local food scene. January falls during conch season, making it a great opportunity to sample traditional Caymanian dishes alongside the festival’s fine dining experiences. Mixing a few special Cookout events with casual meals at local restaurants and beach bars is also a great way to enjoy the island’s culinary variety.
Known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”, Grand Cayman has a thriving food scene with more than 200 restaurants, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. From fresh seafood to traditional island favourites, here are a few local dishes worth trying:
- Conch stew: A flavourful Caribbean favourite made with conch, traditionally enjoyed during the November–April season.
- Cayman-style beef: Tender, slow-cooked beef seasoned with a delicious blend of spices.
- Fish and fritters: Fresh local fish, such as snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi, served with traditional fritters.
- Heavy cake: A rich, dense Caymanian dessert traditionally made with cassava.
For a taste of local cooking during the festival itself, Grown in Cayman is a special lunch hosted by Andrew Zimmern that celebrates the island’s culinary traditions. When you’re not attending Cookout events, explore our Grand Cayman restaurant guide for more great places to eat during your stay.
What Should You Know Before You Go?
A little planning can help you make the most of your Cayman Cookout experience. From choosing the right outfits to arranging transport between venues, here are a few useful things to know before heading to Grand Cayman.
- Is Cayman Cookout family-friendly? The festival is reserved for guests aged 18 and over. If you’re travelling with children, consider arranging childcare for the events you’d like to attend.
- What should you wear? With everything from beach parties to elegant dinners, it’s worth packing a mix of casual and smart outfits. Comfortable sandals are ideal for beachside celebrations, while smarter attire is a good choice for restaurant dinners. Check with the organisers for any event-specific dress requirements.
- How do you get around? Most events take place at The Ritz-Carlton, but some, like the Beach Bash at Rum Point, are further away. The Beach Bash offers a catamaran transfer package for $490, including a stop at Stingray City. For taxi journeys, the CI:GO fare calculator can help you estimate costs before travelling.
- Book ahead: January is peak season in Grand Cayman, so it’s a good idea to reserve your rental car and restaurant tables in advance, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the festival.
- Bring photo ID: Proof of age is required for events serving alcohol. Keep in mind that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable, so double-check your plans before booking.
Ready to Plan Your Cayman Cookout Trip?
Four days of incredible food, world-renowned chefs, and beachside celebrations make Cayman Cookout a wonderful reason to visit Grand Cayman in January. And with Seven Mile Beach as the backdrop, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the festival itself.
Finding the right place to stay is an important part of planning your trip. Browse our Seven Mile Beach rentals to stay close to The Ritz-Carlton, or explore our private luxury homes if you’re travelling with friends or family. January is a popular time to visit, so we recommend booking early for the best selection.
Need help finding the right place for Cayman Cookout 2027? Call Cayman Vacation toll-free at +1 888-208-8935 or WhatsApp +1 941-999-0554 to explore available properties for 14–17 January 2027. Our team would be happy to help you find a comfortable home base for a memorable Cookout weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayman Cookout 2027
When is Cayman Cookout 2027?
Cayman Cookout 2027 runs from Thursday, 14 to Sunday, 17 January 2027 at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The Barefoot BBQ is on Thursday, Grown in Cayman on Friday, and After Glow on Saturday.
How much do Cayman Cookout tickets cost?
Tickets are sold per event and range from $90 to $625 per person on the official site. Culinary demos are $150, signature parties run from about $220 to $490, and the top chef dinners cost $625.
Do Cayman Cookout events sell out?
Yes, some do. Four 2027 events were already sold out by early October 2026, mostly chef dinners. Tickets are non-refundable, so confirm your travel dates before you buy.
Can children attend the Cayman Cookout?
No. You must be 18 or older to attend Cayman Cookout events, and proof of age is required at events serving alcohol.
Is the Cayman Cookout worth it?
It is if you love chef-led dining and don’t mind paying for it. Tickets cost $90 to $625 per person per event and can’t be refunded, so pick the two or three experiences you care about most rather than trying to do everything.
