The Food From The Soul Festival returns for its second year on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa.
The festival celebrates the legacy, heritage and heart of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) through food, culture and community.
From passed-down recipes to soulful stories that begin in the kitchen, this festival honors the cultural richness and history shared across African, African American, Asian, Caribbean, and Hispanic/Latinx and Native American communities through the universal language of food.
Festival founder Kim Jackson says this year’s event will continue to highlight diverse cuisines and uplift small businesses.
“If you like it, then your investment won’t take you down,” Jackson said, referring to the $5 sample plates vendors will offer. “You’ll have a good time going around the world without leaving the park, so wear your stretchy pants!”
Along with plenty of soul food, the event will include live music. Attendees can browse hand- crafted goods—from original artworks to handmade jewelry—by talented vendors.
What sets the Food From the Soul Festival apart from other cultural events in the area is its culinary diversity and the soul food mixture, Jackson said.
Jackson’s vision behind the festival is rooted in cultural truth and celebration.
“Food from communities of Indigenous and enslaved Africans has not only shaped American cuisine—it is American cuisine,” she told the Florida Courier.
“Yet, it’s often dismissed as ‘low brow’ or undervalued in mainstream food culture, even as it’s appropriated and celebrated when presented by others. Starting a festival to honor the deep roots, creativity and resilience behind this food is not just timely—it’s necessary.”
Last year’s inaugural event included a food competition. Winners included Country Boy Kitchen, Jeffrey Lampkin, Elgin, South Carolina; Two Grandmas Soul Food, Tampa; and Maudrice’s Backwood Bar-B-Que, Tampa.
What’s new this year: An elevated VIP experience. A curated VIP wine pairing experience will be presented by Epicurious One and Stephanie Miller-Love, a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 certified sommelier. Guests can enjoy carefully selected wines alongside gourmet dishes, and gain exclusive access to judges, artists and performers.
Sponsors are Skanska USA, Bay First Bank, and Florida Blue.
For more information and tickets, visit http://www.foodfromthesoulfestival.com.
