Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Friday, August 1, 6–10 p.m. Saturday, August 2, noon to 6 p.m.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Two days, 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons, and tons of barbecue — need we say more? Admission gets you a sample glass for the all-you-care-to-taste beer and bourbon. The Shrine of Swine returns for the whole-hog experience North Carolina is known for, plus ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage, and sides galore. Enjoy music, cigars, shopping, and lots more. $45 and up (VIP options available).
Raleigh Shop and Rock
Friday, August 1, 2–9 p.m
City Plaza, Raleigh
Come for the diverse selection of food truck eats, stay for the battle of the bands hosted by Adam Lee Decker and featuring AxialFlowBand, Pageant, Clairvoyant, and Grace Lucia. Support local bands by cheering on your favorite. Free admission.
NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale
Monday, August 4, 6–8:30 p.m
Bay 7, Durham
Celebrate culinary innovation at this high-energy event that brings together the state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Cast your vote to help determine the winners, and see who receives the titles of NCRLA Chef of the Year, NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, NCRLA Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and the NCRLA Mocktail of the Year.
Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While not technically a food-centric fest, the region’s premier arts festival draws more than 25 food vendors for a two-day feast for the eyes and the appetite. The docket includes ooey-gooey crepes from Crepe Cave, wood-fired barbecue (including vegetarian options!) from Peyton’s Place, more than 30 flavors of kettle corn from Carolina Kettle Corn, Kenyan BBQ from Safari Eatz, handmade Nepalese dumplings from MoMoMandu, New Orleans-style French doughnuts from Mr. A’s Beignets, and many more! Beer, wine, and seltzer available in the Sister Cities Beer Garden.
Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
Sunday, August 24, noon to 6 p.m.
Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh
Show local some love at the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo presented by Shop Local Raleigh. More than 50 locally owned trucks rally to dish out everything from cheesesteaks and empanadas to K dogs and cupcakes. Burn off some calories perusing wares from local vendors. Free admission.
