One of San Antonio’s most anticipated culinary events is returning to the Southside this spring. The 16th Annual Paella Challenge and 14th Annual H-E-B High School Challenge will take place Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The events will be held at Mission County Park.
Hosted by acclaimed San Antonio chef Johnny Hernandez, the annual event brings together professional chefs, high school culinary teams, and food lovers for a day of competition, culture, and community. Furthermore, proceeds support Kitchen Campus. This is Chef Hernandez’s nonprofit dedicated to connecting youth with culinary education, mentorship, and hands-on career opportunities.
Thousands of attendees are expected to gather at Mission County Park to sample dozens of paellas, enjoy live entertainment, drinks, and family-friendly activities.
This year’s competition will feature 38 professional chefs from San Antonio, across the United States, and Mexico. They will compete to create the best paella. Judges evaluate dishes based on creativity, technique, flavor, and presentation. The winning team will earn a trip for two to Spain.
The event also highlights the next generation of chefs through the H-E-B High School Paella Challenge. Seventeen local high school culinary teams will compete. The winning team will earn a trip to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. Additionally, the team will visit New York City.
The High School Paella Challenge has created life-changing experiences for students exploring careers in culinary arts. Last year, Chef Hernandez brought the top three student teams to the CIA. There, they toured the campus, dined in professional kitchens, and learned from world-class chefs.
One inspiring example is Chef Elizabeth Chavez, now a culinary instructor at South San Antonio High School. Chavez first competed in the High School Challenge as a student more than a decade ago. At that time, she earned a trip to the CIA. Last year, she returned as an instructor and led her own team to victory. This completed a full-circle mentorship story.
Chef Chavez and Chef Johnny with students at the CIA.
San Antonio’s culinary traditions reflect centuries of Spanish influence. This tradition dates back to Canary Island settlers who established the city’s first civil community in 1731.
This year’s event will welcome international guest chefs, including Chef Pablo Pastor. He was recently named Ambassador for the Canary Islands by Spain’s National Federation of Chefs and Pastry Chefs (FACYRE).
Attendees can enjoy dozens of classic and modern paellas, live entertainment, Spanish wines, sangria, beer, Pepsi, and non-alcoholic beverages. VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to Chef Hernandez’s paella station, specialty beverages, and shaded seating.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mission County Park
6030 Padre Drive, San Antonio, TX 78214
Tickets are available online. Children six and under attend free.
All proceeds benefit Kitchen Campus. This is the nonprofit founded by Chef Johnny Hernandez in 2014 to connect youth with culinary education, mentorship, and hands-on training.
