Cows ‘n Cabs will celebrate its 12th year of food and fundraising with an additional event concept that unites the three B’s of any successful event – Burgers, Beer, and Bubbles.
“For years we have been exploring how to effectively use our tent space during the week without detracting from our main event,” Cows ‘n Cabs Executive Director Tina Larue told the32789. “We decided to introduce the Burgers, Beer, and Bubbles event as we felt it offered something different from Cows ‘n Cabs rather than duplicating it.”
The “party with a purpose” began in 2011 with 14 participating restaurants and an attendance of 300 guests. After rebounding from a year off due to COVID regulations, it has evolved into a highlight of the yearly event calendar with culinary creations from more than 50 area restaurants and, wine, craft beer and cocktails from 90 vendors. The founding partnership of ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Vice President of Sales Dave Larue, his wife Tina, and 4R Restaurant Group founder and owner John Rivers results in an enormous response from the Central Florida service industry, but the effort is about more than food and drinks with 100% of event proceeds going to charities that benefit children. Ongoing partnerships with 4 Roots Foundation, After-School All-Stars Orlando, and Winter Park Day Nursery are part of a growing list of benefitting nonprofits that is published after each year’s event.
Tina Larue and Cows ‘n Cabs Associate Director Liz McGlamery currently oversee event details and the philanthropic purpose. The 2023 event boasted more than 3,000 guests and raised more than $1 million. “What Liz and I cherish most is our commitment to maintaining low overhead costs, securing sponsorship funds for production that do not rely on donations, and maximizing our financial contributions back to the community,” Larue said.
Cows ‘n Cabs 10th anniversary in 2022 was hosted under two massive tents at its usual location in Central Park West Meadow, but this year will feature an even wider site plan at the same location. Guests will enter a “welcome” area under one tent with another hosting the main event layout. Approximately 30 smaller tents will be arranged in between with two stages hosting a total of five musical acts.
The 2024 schedule will begin on Thursday, Nov. 7, with BBB running from 7-10 p.m. in the “welcome tent” area. The exclusive event, with only 200 tickets available, will feature burger selections from between six and eight participating restaurants, a list of beverage selections, and live entertainment. The main Cows ‘n Cabs event, featuring all participating restaurants and vendors, will happen Saturday, Nov. 9, from 7-10:30 p.m. VIP access will begin at 6 p.m. and offer amenities that include two lounges and a designated restroom. An Ultimate VIP Experience will offer additional access including:
- A private entrance that lets guests “skip the entrance line.”
- Exclusive access to an elevated Ultimate VIP area with a rooftop bar experience.
- A private bar with exclusive beverage offerings.
The list of participating restaurants, vendors, and live music acts for both events is currently in progress. The public is invited to check the event website and social media outlets for updates during the coming weeks. All event tickets are now available via the Cows ‘n Cabs ticket page and any charity wishing to be considered for partnership can get in touch via the contact page.