Lexington’s CRAVE food and music festival returning in a new location
CRAVE, Lexington’s food and music festival, is returning in a new location after a year off.
The weekend-long festival, founded and produced by Smiley Pete Publishing, will be held for the first time at Gatton Park on the Town Branch on July 31 and Aug. 1.
The festival is marketed to be “unmistakably Lexington,” with local heritage as the front-running theme, according to the founders.
This year’s CRAVE programming features more than 20 local restaurants and vendors, with more to be announced. Attendees will be able to try a variety of cuisines representing all corners of the globe.
The festival also brings the culinary arts to the big stage as Kentucky native and Food Network star Jason “Lord Honey” Smith will be giving live demonstrations showcasing the skills that won him season four of “America’s Best Baker”.
Head-to-head cooking competitions will bring the intensity, as the Burger Battle is returning along with a Kentucky tradition, the Hoecake Hoedown. Local chefs Ouita Michel, Cole Arimes and Paula Endara will be teaching attendees about the Appalachian hoecake and hosting the griddle cake competition.
Kroger stage will also feature cocktail spotlights and conversations with chefs, distillers and other culinary personalities between stage acts.
The music stage is also keeping talent homegrown as Friday’s “Distilled in Kentucky” music lineup features three different acts of Kentucky talent. Performing are Wayne Graham, Brit Taylor and Scott T. Smith, who is currently touring with Tyler Childers.
Saturday following the Hoecake Hoedown, five musical acts will take the stage, providing attendees with over seven hours of entertainment. Dub Club, Brother Smith, Them Lasses & The Old Dogs, a reunion of Lexington’s Velvet Elvis and Honeychild, all have different musical styles that highlight the diversity in Kentucky’s music community.
Activities for all ages will be included with the price of attendance. The Gatton Park playground and hands-on activities for kids will be open throughout the festival to keep kids entertained.
CRAVE Food + Music Festival
When: July 31, 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., and Aug. 1, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Gatton Park on the Town Branch, 765 Manchester St.
Parking: there are thousands of paid-parking spots nearby the festival grounds, as well as bike racks. Lextran routes and ride-share app drop off locations offer options for those not wanting to drive.
Tickets: Passes for two-day admission are currently available online for pre-sale at $15; passes will be sold at $20 day-of; entry for children 10 and under is free.
