Birmingham FOOD+ Events: A Culinary Celebration in the Magic City
August 2024
Birmingham has long been known for its rich history, diverse culture and warm hospitality, however, the city has come into its own over the last decade with the emergence of a vibrant culinary destination with its food scene. The James Beard Foundation has taken note of the food culture and has recognized the City’s innovative chefs and restaurants awarding them with their prestigious awards.
Last year’s inaugural Birmingham FOOD+Cultural Festival events are a testament to Birmingham’s rising popularity as a food destination. The events are the brain-child of Cathy Sloss Jones who created the Birmingham FOOD+ organization and whose mission is to celebrate the Magic City’s dynamic culinary industry with events highlighting epicurean Birmingham. This food event provides a platform and a table where people can come together to learn about the region’s rich culture, experience all Birmingham has to offer and discuss issues of deeper cultural significance.
The event attracted visitors from 18 states and Canada, and according to This Is Alabama, the event was so successful that USA TODAY named it one of the best 10 new festivals in the nation.
The event is back for a second year and promises to offer a food and cultural experience like no other. The four-day event provides the ultimate experience to even the novice of foodies.
Two of the Birmingham FOOD+ events, the FOOD+Market Mix and Southern Living's FOOD+Fire will feature Chef Kelsey Benard Clark of Eat KCB Restaurant in Dothan, Alabama. She has developed an impressive resume as the fifth woman and first Southerner to win the title of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” the sole fan favorite following her season 16 win, and a 2024 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: South. She frequently appears on hit Food Network shows including “Tournament of Champions,” “Chopped,” “Bobby’s Triple Threat,” “Guy’s Grocery Games,” and more. Be sure to check out her new cookbook Southern Get-Togethers on sale Sept. 17.
FOOD+Frank: Celebration of The Frank Stitt Award for Industry Excellence
Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Gather with the culinary community and beyond, as they will honor this year’s Frank Stitt Award for Industry Excellence recipient, Glenn Roberts of Anson Mills. The annual award recognizes a larger, inclusive culinary community member who is dedicated to their craft, excels at what they do, fosters balance and appreciation for how food gets to our tables and positively impacts the culinary industry. The Birmingham Museum of Art is delighted to host this reception, featuring passed bites, a signature cocktail, beer and wine while guest dignitaries pay tribute to the 2024 honoree.
FOOD+Heritage Dinner
Friday, Sept. 20, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Streets of Pepper Place
This year’s Heritage Dinner, a multi-course, family-style seated event, honors generations of Greek families who have woven rich threads into Birmingham's cultural fabric. From the shared ethos of Greek and Southern hospitality to a mutual appreciation for the essence of a hearty meal, these cultural and culinary parallels have indelibly shaped our palates. Savor harmonious Greek and Southern dishes, enjoy wine pairings, and be captivated by stories, live music and performances at this Greek celebration under the stars at Pepper Place.
FOOD+Market Mix
Saturday, Sept. 21, 7:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Pepper Place Market
Sponsored by Kroger Delivery, this event will be held at The Market at Pepper Place for a morning market mix of farmers, female chefs, storytellers, authors and makers. As the Market continues to celebrate the Year of Alabama Food and the month of “Women in Food," the morning will feature female chef demos by Les Dames D'Escoffier, along with storytelling and book signings curated by Alabama Humanities Alliance. Start your Saturday at one of the premier markets in the United States, and then join us for festivities at FOOD+Fire.
Southern Living's FOOD+Fire
Saturday, Sept. 21, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Sloss Furnaces Historic Landmark
Sponsored by Southern Living, this event offers a live-fire cooking and Southern tailgate experience. The event will feature top regional and national pitmasters and acclaimed chefs putting an open-fire spin on signature bites and tailgate classics. Over 30 pitmasters will be demonstrating their craft and expertise. There will be a music stage, and a Beer + Wine Garden featuring the City’s breweries. The event will also feature a big-screen College Football area where visitors can experience a taste of SEC football.
FOOD+Funk Brunch: Grits & Grooves
Sunday, Sept. 22, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sloss Furnaces Historic Landmark, Water Tower
This “don’t miss” event will allow visitors to get their groove on and their grits in. Wrap up the festival with revelry, immersed in rich culinary tradition. Alabama's love affair with grits dates back centuries and symbolizes resilience and community in Southern culture. Celebrate this beloved ingredient, through innovative brunch dishes that showcase the versatility of this historic staple. Foodies will be able to delight in the Sunday Funday offerings of crafted morning cocktails and lively music to enrich the experience. This event will raise a toast to the heritage of grits, groove to funky beats of the Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and celebrate the essence of Southern hospitality.
FOOD+Friends Dinner Series
Schedule and participating restaurants to be announced
The FOOD+Friends Dinner Series will take place throughout the whole week and during the event weekend. Several local restaurants will welcome guest chefs into their kitchens for surprise, one-night-only, pop-up menus.