Las Vegas lives and breathes hospitality. It’s just a fact. And in a city known for over-the-top amenities and spectacles, Picnic in the Alley offers something different—a vibrant, homegrown, women-led celebration with a mission to uplift and empower all.
Picnic in the Alley started in 2019 as a bold tribute to women in the local culinary world, celebrating the grit, creativity, and leadership that make this industry tick. After a break during the chaos of the pandemic, the indulgent event came back swinging in 2023, bigger and better, bringing local makers, live entertainment, and small businesses into the fold. It’s since grown from a food and drink fest to a hands-on experience where relationships are formed, mentorships are sparked and discovery is around every corner.
“You know what? It’s really just a fun event that happens to be women-led and women-produced,” says Elizabeth Blau, co-founder of the Women’s Hospitality Initiative, the event’s designated partner this year.
For Jolene Mannina, co-founder of Picnic in the Alley and a driving force behind Vegas Test Kitchen and local food event organizer Secret Burger, the event has always been about building connections.
“In the very beginning, it starts with invitations. We want to make sure we’ve got everything covered—food, beverages and entertainment,” says Mannina. “Then we ask how we can add interactive pieces, how we can bring in small business owners. It really starts trickling in by word of mouth, and before you know it, it goes from 50 to 100 really fast.”
The expansive lineup consists of eat, drink, chat & shop, music, and art & production sections. Saint Honoré’s Alexandra Lourdes, Yukon Pizza’s Dani Garcia-White, and Silver Stamp’s Rose Signor are just a few of the hospitality dynamos on the list.
This year’s event stretches beyond its original borders, encompassing the parking lot at Main Street and Imperial Avenue, and five women-owned businesses, including Akin Cooperative, a lifestyle boutique specializing in selling art prints, handmade glassware, vintage clothing and more, founded by Jen Taler.
“It’s pretty powerful to see how many amazing women are in our city in one collective space,” says Taler, who launched the first Picnic in the Alley with Mannina.
For Taler, the event is an opportunity to showcase local talent while supporting small businesses. “To be in such great company is humbling, exciting, and invigorating,” she says.
Beyond the incredible bites, sips and shopping, the footprint allows for even more engagement. A chat room hosted by Samantha Gemini Stevens gives opportunities for attendees to meet influential women in their respective industries.
“We try to have something different around each corner,” says Mannina. “We want people to actually get to know the women, meet the chefs, and have a conversation.”
At the heart of Picnic in the Alley is the drive to foster mentorship and leadership among women in the hospitality industry, a goal embodied by its partnership with the nonprofit Women’s Hospitality Initiative (WHI).
Blau, a Las Vegas hospitality icon, successful restaurateur and co-owner of Honey Salt, says WHI is dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in one of the most competitive industries.
“Our mission is straightforward—we want to push the development and advancement of women leaders,” she says.
The initiative was born when filmmaker Joanna James shared her documentary A Fine Line with Blau. The film follows the struggles of James’ mother, a single mother and small-town restaurant owner, while featuring culinary legends like Dominique Crenn and Elizabeth Falkner. The narrative of perseverance struck a chord with Blau and fellow WHI co-founders Mannina, Mary Choi Kelly and Kristin Whittemore. What began as a conversation quickly evolved into a movement, bringing together some of the brightest women in the field with a shared goal: to create more opportunities for women in hospitality and ensure they thrive in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
WHI’s educational programming includes the groundbreaking From the Classroom to the Boardroom, a one-of-a-kind leadership course designed specifically for women in hospitality. Launched in partnership with UNLV, the Culinary Institute of America and several other top schools, the program equips women with the skills and confidence to navigate their careers in a way that can break through the glass ceiling.
For Blau and the WHI team, it’s not just about offering classes or seminars—it’s about creating lasting mentorship and relationships.
“Mentorship is about sharing advice at every level,” Blau says. “Whether you’re 16 or 56, when you learn something and pass that knowledge on, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
This year, all proceeds from Picnic in the Alley will go directly to supporting WHI’s mission, helping to further its initiatives and create more opportunities for women in the industry.
Picnic in the Alley continues to evolve as a celebration of food, community, and women-led innovation. Whether you’re exploring the new spaces, discovering local artisans, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this year’s event promises to be a refreshing gathering for everyone.
PICNIC IN THE ALLEY September 21, 6 p.m., $125+. Downtown Las Vegas, picnicinthealley.com.
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