by TM Petaccia

As the annual celebration of food and beverage enters its fifth year, Charlotte StrEATs weekend, April 11-12, part of Charlotte SHOUT, centers on a new location as well as an expansion of its local food mission.

A joint project of Carben Events + Marketing and Unpretentious Palate, the two-day tasting tour and festival moves First Ward Park on North Brevard Street, between East 7th and East 8th streets, after four years at Gateway Village.

“It’s a great fit,” says Casey Wilson of Carben Events + Marketing. “This year’s StrEATs events will be truly special at First Ward Park, right in the heart of everything happening during Charlotte SHOUT.”

In addition, StrEATs 2026 marks the launch of Charlotte StrEATs Foundation, a nonprofit to support organizations advancing food equity, culinary education, and industry access across the region. This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Bulb, The Market at 7th Street, and the Charlotte chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild. “This is something Kristen and I have been thinking about for years and we’re excited to bring more visibility to these nonprofits,” Wilson says.

The StrEATs Tasting Tour, Saturday, April 11, showcases the culinary diversity of Charlotte neighborhoods and adjoining areas. To date, these nineteen local restaurants, representing nine neighborhoods will be offering house specialties: Dilworth: 300 East, Dōzo Japanese-American Kitchen, Emmy Lou’s, Leluia Hall; East Charlotte: Enat Ethiopian Restaurant, Manolo’s Bakery; Myers Park: Napa On Providence, Rada; North Charlotte: Marlee Jean’s Raw Bar & Kitchen, Seaboy; Uptown: Aria Tuscan Grill, Mad Dash, Spaghett; Plaza Midwood: Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria, Mezzo Market; NoDa: Mariah’s Taco Spot; SouthPark: Foxcroft Food & Wine; and South End: Catalú, Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails.

As in prior StrEATs Tasting Tours, area mixologists will partner with local and national distilleries to craft custom cocktails created exclusively for the event with demonstrations. Guests can also enjoy live music. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. General admission tickets ($110) include full access to restaurant vendors and two drink tickets redeemable for cocktails, beer, or wine. VIP tickets ($130) offer early entry at 11 a.m., plus a StrEATs goodie bag that includes the 2026 StrEATs Cookbook — featuring recipes from participating restaurants — and other curated items. Get tickets here.

The Charlotte StrEATs Festival, Sunday, April 12, is a free event for all ages and features an artisan market with items for sale by a curated set of approximately two dozen local vendors. Sunday’s festival will also feature live cooking competitions and cocktail tastings featuring spirits from North Carolina distillers Sutler’s, Kill Devil Hills, Liberty & Plenty, and Oaklore, with additional names to be announced.

“Sunday’s Charlotte StrEATs Festival brings together some of the city’s favorite artisan vendors, live cooking competition, and the talents of Charlotte mixologists,” says UP editor and StrEATs cofounder Kristen Wile. “We’re excited to show off the city’s talent again this year, and give Charlotte the chance to support them.”

The central event of the festival is the semifinals and finals of the StrEATs Neighborhood Cook-Off, where local chefs will compete for honors and $1,000, representing their respective communities. The day will also have additional cocktail demonstrations, as well as music and street performers. While the event is free to attend, registration is recommended.

Additional and updated information can be found at the Charlotte StrEATs Festival website.