By celebrating Black foodways and the industry members who make them possible, the festival will honor the diaspora, foster education, and create meaningful and joyous moments of celebration. Charlotte, NC, has become a true melting pot, drawing folks from around the world. We envision a world where that diversity and representation is equally visible in the arena of elevated food conversation and food festivals.

Schedule of Events:

October 4, 2023

6:30 PM: It's a Family Affair Community Feast
Opening Dinner

Community Dinner is our opening night event and features James Beard Award chefs and Charlotte award winning chefs. This lineup includes Chefs Gregory Collier, Keith Rhodes, Cleophus Hethington, Ricky Moore, Jermaine Blackmon, Nana Wilmot, Chef Joya, Taking place on the West Side of Charlotte this family style feast will highlight different styles of cuisine while celebrating and highlighting the West Side community.

General Admission - $150.00

Location: 1601 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28216, USA

October 5, 2023

9:00 AM: Make Food, Not War Food and Beverage Symposium

The Symposium will be held at Johnson and Wales University with thought provoking dialogue on food, education, and culture. Our featured guest Toni Tipton-Martin, an award winning food and nutrition journalist, will be amongst the amazing talent we have on the panel. This event will be spearheaded by James Beard Foundation's  Shameeka Leacock, Colleen Vincent, and the founder of National Black Food and Justice Alliance, Dara Cooper. The panelist also includes top chefs, farmers, hospitality professionals, and food media. Lunch is created by a premier Chef Elena Lundy and the JWU culinary student team. Portion of proceeds will go towards two scholarships.

Location: Johnson & Wales University Charlotte Campus - 801 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

6:30 PM: Au Naturale'
Dinner featuring mocktails (non alcoholic beverages only/ kids welcome with ticket)

Au Naturale' plated dinner at Community Matters Cafe will lead by Chef Brandon Staton and featuring lead chef of Community Matters Cafe, Chayil Johnson. This is a family friendly event with mocktail pairings with each dish.  A portion of the proceeds will go to the mission of Community Matters Cafe. The cafe engages the community and helps provide recovery services to men and women who struggle with substance abuse and homelessness. In alignment with the mission of the cafe no alcoholic beverages will be served during this event. Featuring chefs Elaina Ruth, Jaz Johnson, Armani Johnson, Malik Williams, & Lawrence Weeks

General Admission - $160.00

Location: Community Matters Cafe - 821 W 1st St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

6:30 PM: Carolina Dreamin Dinner

Location: 1220 S Tryon Suite 500 Charlotte, NC 28203

October 6, 2023

12:00 PM: GET GROOVY PACKAGE - West Side of Charlotte
“Up in Smoke" Pig Pickin and Oyster Roast + “Everybody Is A Star” – Tasting tent event : combine both for 10% off

Up in Smoke Pig Pickin' will take place on the west side of Charlotte and will be led by James Beard nominated Josh Lee of Atlanta and five additional top chefs. Lunch will include a whole hog roast, oysters, and a plethora of sides and desserts.

Tasting Tents Description: Join us for more than 50 food and beverage talents from all over the country. There will be a variety of food from the top chefs from east to west coast as well as plenty of beverage options!

12:00 PM: THE BRADY BRUNCH PACKAGE - West Side of Charlotte

12:00 PM: Up in Smoke- Pig Pickin and Oyster Roast - 1st Ward Charlotte

WE WANT ALL THE SMOKE! Up in Smoke Pig Pickin' will take place in Uptown Charlotte  and will be led by James Beard nominated Josh Lee of Atlanta and JBF WEL Alum Adrian Lipscombe. An elite lineup of chefs that include Todd Richards, Matt Raiford, Kenyatta Ashford, Selasie Dotse, Jerome Grant, & April Anderson. Lunch will include a whole hog roast, oysters, and a plethora of sides, beverages and desserts.

General Admission - $125.00

6:30 PM: Mother Earth – All Ladies Chef Dinner

Queen Mother. The Mother Earth will celebrate the revolution and growth of Black women in the culinary industry.  This stacked roster includes Chef Quientina Stewart, Courtney Evans, Whitney Thomas, Elaina Ruth, April Anderson, Sam Dotse, Tiffani Williams, & Reyana Radcliff,

General Admission - $200.00

Location: Uptown Yolk Southend - 1220 S Tryon St, The corner of Catherine and, Winnifred St #500, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

October 7, 2023

11:00 AM: Everybody Is A Star – Tasting tent event - 1st Ward Charlotte

WHO HAS THE BEST FOOD CITY?!! With more than 50 food and beverages professionals, come judge for yourself! We will have a battle of the food cities with Team Detroit led Ederique Goudia, the DMV area led by Jerome Grant, Charlotte led by Chef Jamie Barnes, Chicago led by Lamar Moore, Team Vegan led by Chef Joya, & Team Atlanta led by Joshua Lee. There will be a variety of food from the top chefs from east to west coast as well as plenty of beverage options! Tickets include all food, wine, and spirit tastings.  21 and up ONLY

General Admission - $100.00

11:00 AM: THE SUNFLOWER PACKAGE - West Side of Charlotte

Tasting Tents Description: Join us for more than 50 food and beverage talents from all over the country. There will be a variety of food from the top chefs from east to west coast as well as plenty of beverage options!

Boogie Down Brunch Description: Featuring dishes created by 12 of the most notable chefs in the country and live entertainment. Come ready to boogie and brunch while enjoying the wine and spirits during this mid-day party.

7:00 PM: Serving the Soul Reception - Embassy Suites

BFWF and Serving the Culture presents Serving the Soul a two party dining event.

Soul Samples dinner will feature music of the 1960s and 70s, multiple food stations with chef-prepared food, wine, and dancing. Dinner will be led by David & Tonya Thomas and featuring chefs Scott Bacon, Durian "DJ" Neal, Jasmine Norton, Saon Brice, & Catina "Cat" Smith and Waichira wines.

And will feature Southern hip hop from Memphis to Houston and beyond! Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes will be featuring some What the Fries classics. Winston "Wilmo" Robinson will be on the mic and cocktails from Knob Creek, Makers Mark, Tres Generaciones

General Admission - $225.00

Location:  401 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

October 8, 2023

12:00 PM: Boogie Down Brunch and Day Party - Embassy Suites

Brunch Description: Featuring dishes created by 12 of the most notable chefs in the country and live entertainment. Come ready to boogie and brunch while enjoying the wine and spirits during this mid-day party and closing event.

General Admission - $190.00

Location: 401 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202

Date: October 4-8, 2023

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