Food for Thought 2026: Recipes for the Future

Food for Thought returns to ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Thursday, October 29, from 6 PM to 8 PM. It's the signature fundraiser for Communities In Schools of Central Texas, and this year marks its 30th anniversary. The night is a tasting event that brings together a long list of Austin restaurants, live music, and community supporters to raise money for students across Central Texas.

That list of restaurants is deep. Participating this year are Brodie's, Casa Fina, Eberly, Ember Kitchen, Il Brutto, La Popular, Mama Betty's, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Parkside, sway thai, Swift's Attic, The Guest House, Tumble 22, VERDAD, True Modern Mexican, Verbena, and Wu Chow. You'll find them spread across the room, so you can work your way through as many as you like.

The money raised goes toward mental health care, school supplies, academic support, and college and career guidance for local students. This year's theme, Recipes for the Future, frames the night as both a celebration of those three decades and a call to action to make sure every student in Central Texas has the support they need to succeed.

The venue is ACL Live at the Moody Theater at 310 W. Willie Nelson. It opened in 2011 as part of the W Hotel and was designed around the floor plan of Austin City Limits' original Studio 6A on the UT campus, where the show is still recorded and which has hosted acts like Bill Monroe, Angelique Kidjo, and Radiohead. Tickets are $250.