Events

Don't Mess with NPS – Texas Style BBQ

The Naval Postgraduate School Foundation is planning a summer event that will build community around the Naval Postgraduate School students and their families.

Don’t miss The Don’t Mess with NPS Summer BBQ, featuring world-class barbecue by Celebrity Chef John Tesar and live music by Fin Ewing and the Wrong Direction straight from Dallas. This event will include friends and community members from near and far alongside the mid-career active-duty students and their spouses who make the Naval Postgraduate School special.

Patrons Party For those seeking an elevated experience, a $5,000 sponsorship provides access for two to our exclusive VIP pre-event. This includes Chef Tesar's signature steak display, champagne and caviar in an exclusive private venue. This experience not only enhances your evening, but makes the entire event possible through your generous support.


We are thrilled to have Michelin Star Chef John Tesar, renowned for his innovative approach to Southwest cuisine, as our celebrity chef for the evening. You may know Chef Tesar from Seasons 10 and 14 of Bravo’s Top Chef.

Called “the single most talented cook I ever worked with–and the most inspiring” by Anthony Bourdain, Chef Tesar's culinary mastery promises an incredible experience, featuring the flavors that have made his Dallas restaurants famous, including Chef Tesar's Signature Brisket.

Chef Tesar will be joined by local favorite Chef Todd Fisher, celebrated for his dynamic and sustainable approach to California cuisine on the Monterey Peninsula
Patrons Party starts at 5 P.M.
BBQ begins at 6:30 P.M.
Location address will be provided after registration.

Dress is Cowboy Casual!
Wear your Boots and Denim.
Fin Ewing and the Wrong Direction made their debut in 2017 at The Rustic in Uptown Dallas, with special guests Larry Gatlin, Ricky Cavender and Ronny Duwe. The evening was an enormous success, with an audience of over 2,000 attendees cheering him on and enjoying an evening of festivities and fun. The rest, they say, is history.
Most students arrive to NPS after 8 to 12 years to military service, often after enduring multiple deployments to hazardous regions, separated from their families for extended periods. Monterey becomes a sanctuary for them, a time to prioritize time with family while advancing their education.

After graduating from NPS, these students return to the fast-paced duties of military service, equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge to tackle the national security challenges ahead. The Naval Postgraduate School Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the student and family experience during their time on the Central Coast.

This event's objective is to build support for the Naval Postgraduate School’s students who are valued members of our community and for the School’s mission to equip our nation's military leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to address the national security challenges of today and tomorrow.

By supporting NPS, we are investing in the future of our community and our nation.


Thank you Steven & Dede Russo, Vincent & Sally Giammalva, Dan & Shelly Lynch, Andrew & Barbara Rosenberg

Have Questions?

For more information, please call or email Tracy Rhoades.
.iframe-container{ position: relative; width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; } .iframe-container iframe{ position: absolute; top:0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }