After a near sellout debut that welcomed thousands of guests into Downtown St. Louis last August, Foodies Eat First Fest is returning in 2026 with its most ambitious year yet. Founded by St. Louis food content creator and social media pioneer, BradENSTL, the festival will expand to two distinct festival weekends and introduce a first-of-its-kind Foodies Eat First Restaurant Week, designed to spotlight the people, places, and plates shaping St. Louis dining today.

The 2026 season begins with Foodies Eat First Fest 2.1, taking place May 2–3 at Trust at Downtown St. Louis. The second iteration, Foodies Eat First Fest 2.2, will follow August 29–30, featuring an entirely different lineup of restaurants, chefs, mixologists, and experiences. 

Each festival is intentionally designed with hospitality professionals as the headliners - giving chefs, bartenders, and culinary creatives center stage while guests experience St. Louis dining in an immersive, festival-style format. New for 2026: The programming expands to include fitness-focused experiences, embracing a more holistic view of wellness within foodie culture.

“Food has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together,” said Braden. “Especially right now, supporting our hospitality industry means supporting our neighborhoods, our culture, and the people who make this city feel like home.”

Foodies Eat First Fest 2.1 will feature four total sessions May 2-3, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, with the same curated lineup at each session, allowing guests to choose the experience that fits their schedule. The weekend will also include top local DJs, special guests, and surprise moments, reinforcing the festival’s blend of food, music, and community. “There is no other culinary event in St. Louis like Foodies Eat First Fest,” said Braden. “We had people travel in from over 25 different cities to attend the inaugural festival with many saying they will be returning in 2026. We are going to continue to do our part in shining light on what makes our city great.” 

The restaurant lineup for May’s festival will be announced March 10 with Early Bird tickets being released on March 14 (314 Day), Details for Foodies Eat First Fest 2.2 will be released June 1, 2026.

Foodies Eat First Restaurant Week will run September 1–13, spanning the entire city and featuring established favorites, rising stars, and special guest collaborations. Additional details will be released July 1, 2026.

The festival’s impact extends beyond the plate. In 2025, Foodies Eat First Fest raised nearly $7,000 for St. Louis–area tornado relief and $2,000 to The Trevor Project, and in 2026, a portion of every ticket sold will again be reinvested directly back into the community. This year’s programming will also introduce fitness-focused experiences, reflecting a broader approach to wellness, balance, and hospitality culture.