ST. LOUIS, MO (July 22, 2025) — St. Louis is getting a food festival like no other. Local influencer and event producer Braden Tewolde, known for spotlighting the city’s culinary scene and culture through his Instagram profile @BradENSTL, is launching his first-ever food festival in downtown St. Louis:
Foodies Eat First Fest is a weekend-long celebration of flavor, creativity, and community. Tickets are available now at www.foodieseatfirst.com
Set to take over Trust at 401 Pine St. on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, the inaugural fest promises more than just good eats. With multiple curated sessions, DJ sets, live performances, limited-edition merch, and surprise pop-ups, Foodies Eat First Fest reimagines what a food festival can be – and aims to do it twice a year.
Tewolde has previously hosted successful pop-ups around town, most notably the holiday-themed Avalanche with Work & Leisure in Midtown.
The lineup for the new fest includes local heavyweights like Menya Rui, 801 Chophouse, Clementine’s Ice Cream, Smash Em’s Burger Bar, Clark & Bourbon, Four Hens Creole, The Biscuit Joint, Good Company, Saucy Porka, 4 Hands Brewing Co., the limited return of Rated Test Kitchen, and more. Guests can choose from sample-sized bites or full-plate offerings, with different menus for each session: brunch, dinner, and late night on Saturday, and brunch and dinner on Sunday. The vendors will rotate their menus each session, so no two time slots will offer the exact same dishes.
Timed intentionally with the Cardinals vs. Yankees weekend series at Busch Stadium, the festival also welcomes a New York City institution: Katz’s Delicatessen, making its St. Louis debut. “This moment is bigger than a sandwich. It’s about making history, bridging two food capitals, and creating an experience St. Louis will never forget.” – Tewolde says.
While most of the event will take place indoors (90%) to beat the August heat, a rooftop terrace and outdoor activities will keep things lively. Expect live DJs, caviar bumps, VIP-only dishes, and exclusive merch drops – plus a few surprises still under wraps.
With a spring edition already in the works, Foodies Eat First Fest is poised to become a twice-yearly celebration of St. Louis food, culture, and creativity.
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