Food festivals and events in Fayetteville to check out this summer
Summer brings several food events to Fayetteville.
Among them are a festival calling attention to food insecurity, a Christmas-themed drag brunch, an event serving plates inspired by a beloved former soul food restaurant, a vegan cookout class and a Black barbecue competition in its third year.
Bring your appetite to these Fayetteville food events happening in July and August.
The Underground Food Festival
The Underground Food Festival (T.U.F.F.) is Saturday at Festival Park. The event calls attention to food insecurity with a food drive for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC and a portion of ticket sales benefit the nonprofit. Festivities include food trucks, live music, games and giveaways.
Children 12 and under attend for free. Advance tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and are $15 for kids 13 and older and $25 for adults. Tickets sold at the door are $20 for kids 13 and older and $30 for adults. Attendees can bring five canned food items for $5 off their ticket purchase.
Date and time: 1-5 p.m. July 13
Address: 335 Ray Ave.
On the web: Search “Underground Food” on Facebook
Christmas in July Drag Brunch
Carolina Drag Brunch brings the Christmas spirit to center stage with the Christmas in July Drag Brunch at Gaston Brewing Taproom, open to adults 21 and up. Drag queens Amanda Playwith, Kirby Kolby, Emory Starr, Portia Foxx and Jereka Michaels are set to perform following a brunch buffet. Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased at carolinadragbrunch.com.
Date and time: 11 a.m. July 14
Address: 421 Chicago Drive
On the web: carolinadragbrunch.com
Black Excellence Reunion: Remembering Vick’s
The fourth annual Remembering Vick’s event is part of the Black Excellence Reunion on July 20 at Festival Park. Meals inspired by the former Vick’s Drive-In soul food restaurant, which operated on Rowan Street in Fayetteville for 57 years, are $10.
Date and time: 4-7 p.m. July 20
Address: 335 Ray Ave.
On the web: Organizer Rakeem Jones’ Facebook page or search “Black Excellence Reunion” on Facebook
Vegan Cookout
Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center hosts a vegan cookout on July 26 where attendees will learn to cook plant-based summer dishes. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
Date and time: 6:30 p.m. July 26
Address: 124 Anderson St.
On the web: Search “vegan cookout” on Eventbrite
Wizarding World Brunch
World of Beer Bar & Kitchen hosts a Harry Potter-themed brunch on July 27. The event is said to transport attendees to the enchanting world of Hogwarts.
Date and time: 11 a.m. July 27
Address: 1944 Skibo Road
On the web: Search “Wizarding World Brunch” on Facebook
Black BBQ Cook Off
Fayetteville’s Black BBQ Cook-Off, now in its third year, is Aug. 17 at the Crown Complex. Competitors will cook pork ribs, chicken thighs and brisket for a chance to win trophies and cash in each meat category and overall. Attendance is free. To sample competitors’ pulled pork entries and vote for the people’s choice winner, purchase tickets at $20 on Eventbrite.
Date and time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 17
Address: 1960 Coliseum Drive
On the web: Search “Black BBQ Cook Off” on Eventbrite
Food, dining and culture reporter Taylor Shook can be reached at [email protected] or on Facebook. Want weekly food news delivered to your inbox? Sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Summer 2024 food festivals and events in Fayetteville, NC
