The 2nd Annual Cabbage, Potato,
and Bacon Festival
A reimagined version of a local favorite
Saturday & Sunday April 26 & 27, 2025
North Main Street, Hastings, FL
Join us for the 2nd Annual Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival! This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better, featuring beloved favorites like the Great Hastings Mow Down and the Miss Potato Queen Beauty Pageant.
New this year, enjoy a delightful Brunch Tasting event to kick off the festivities, and experience the reimagined Taste of Hastings as a Family-Style Dinner. This four-course feast will include live entertainment, creating an unforgettable evening for all.
Stay tuned for exciting details on our fantastic music lineup and the diverse range of vendors in the Cottage Artisan Market area.
Don’t miss out on this delicious celebration of flavor, family, and fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
Culinary Experiences
Host Chef, Hari Pulapaka
Featured Chef John Rivers
Returning Celebrity Chef Art Smith
Welcome to the Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival,
where culinary artistry meets community celebration!
We are thrilled to welcome back Host Chef Hari Pulapaka, founder of the Global Cooking School, and Chef Art Smith, a celebrated culinary icon and founder of Common Threads, to this year’s lineup. Joining them is Featured Festival Chef John Rivers, founder of the 4R Foundation, making his debut at the festival.
The Global Cooking School, created by Chef Hari, bridges cultures and cuisines through sustainable and wellness-focused cooking. Chef Art Smith continues to inspire with his award-winning career, dedication to community, and mission to combat childhood obesity through hands-on culinary education.
Chef John Rivers brings the mission of the 4R Foundation, focusing on sustainable farming, culinary education, and community support, to this year’s celebration. Together, these chefs will guide us through a weekend of flavor, creativity, and connection.
Rooted Elegance: A Benefit Dinner for Hastings Main Street
VIVA Hospitality, in collaboration with the James Beard Foundation, presents Rooted Elegance, an extraordinary dining experience celebrating the region’s bounty while supporting the revitalization of Hastings Main Street.
This benefit dinner honors the James Beard Foundation’s mission to elevate and support the people behind America’s food culture while championing talent, equity, and sustainability.
Location: Michael’s St. Augustine
Address: 117 Vilano Rd., St. Augustine (located inside Hyatt Place Vilano)
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception | 6:45 PM – Dinner
Ticket Price: $250 per guest
Guest chefs Art Smith, Hari Pulapaka, Nils Rowland, Michael Lugo, and Natasha Olivera, along with sommelier Jenneffer Pulapaka, will craft a one-of-a-kind menu inspired by local history and ingredients. Each course will highlight the richness of the region’s produce, bringing together community, culture, and connection.
Proceeds from this event will contribute to restoring Main Street, fostering local businesses, and strengthening the community—alongside the James Beard Foundation’s dedication to culinary excellence.
James Beard Benefit Dinner Chef Lineup
Brunch Tasting & Live Cooking Demos
Saturday, April 26, 11 AM-2 PM
N. Main Street, Hastings, FL
Saturday kicks off with the Brunch Tasting from 11 AM to 2 PM, where nine talented chefs line Main Street with mouthwatering creations featuring cabbage, potatoes, and bacon.
Enjoy Live Cooking Demos by Chefs John Rivers and Art Smith from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM
This event highlights the flavors and culinary talent of the region. Tickets are $35 and include a signature cocktail, compliments of St. Augustine Distillery Company.
Saturday Brunch Chef Lineup
Saturday Evening
Family Style Dinner
Join us for an unforgettable Family-Style Dinner on Saturday from 5–9 PM, celebrating the farm-to-table journey. Hosted by Chef Hari Pulapaka of the Global Cooking School, this four-course dining experience features the culinary talents of:
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Hari Pulapaka (Global Cooking School, Host Chef)
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Michael Lugo (Viva Hospitality)
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Josh Agan (Routes: Culinary Travels)
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Natasha Olivera (Viva Hospitality)
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Matt Brown (AsadoLife)
Tickets are $75 and include the four-course dinner, live entertainment, and an evening celebrating the flavors and farmers of Hastings. Don’t miss this unique culinary experience!
Saturday Family Style Dinner
Chef Lineup
Step up, Lace up and Join us for the
Annual Spud Run!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
6195 S. Main St., Hastings
Get ready for the 2025 Spud Run! Join in on this lively scene for a 5K, 10K, or 1-mile Fun Run.
Whether you're a runner, walker, or jogger, this event welcomes participants of all levels.
This event highlights the region’s rich agricultural contributions to Florida and beyond.
Come out and explore the picturesque Hastings countryside during the run, followed by live entertainment for the whole family!
The Great Hastings Mow Down
Saturday, April 26 from 12 - 4:30 PM
N. Main Street, Hastings, FL
Get ready for the highly anticipated
Great Hastings Mow Down!
Hastings’ Great Mow Down rolls into North Main Street from 12-4:30 PM, bringing high-speed thrills and hometown fun!
🏁 Race for Glory
Rev up and compete for ribbons and trophies in multiple heats! Open Stock Adult (18+) races are limited to 24 participants—secure your spot early! Paid registrations include a commemorative event T-shirt to mark the occasion.
🎉 Join the Mow Down Parade
Not into racing? Deck out your mower and cruise through Main Street in the Mow Down Parade—no limits on participants, so bring your creativity!
🔥 Don’t Miss the Action!
Don't miss out on the action-packed festivities of the Great Hastings Mow Down!
Sponsored by:
The Miss Potato Queen
Beauty Pageant
Sunday, April 27 from Noon-4:30 PM
418 N. Main Street, Hastings, FL
Step into the spotlight and vie for the title of Miss Potato Queen at the upcoming
Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival!
This highly anticipated beauty pageant is open to contestants hailing from surrounding counties, with age categories spanning from newborns to 23 years old.
Set to take place on Sunday, April 27 from Noon- 4:30 PM, this event promises to be a celebration of charm, elegance, and youthful exuberance.
Cottage Artisans Market
Saturday, April 26 from 10 AM-5 PM
Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM-4 PM
N. Main Street, Hastings, FL
Stroll through a delightful showcase of local art, fresh produce, handmade soaps, and homecrafted goods in the heart of our charming Main Street. This vibrant market is the perfect opportunity to support local artisans and farmers while uncovering unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Highlights of the Day: Live Music: Enjoy lively performances that set the tone for a fun and festive atmosphere.
Food Trucks: Savor a variety of mouthwatering options from our diverse food trucks, offering everything from savory bites to sweet indulgences.
Cottage Artisan Market: Explore a curated selection of handmade goods, including crafts, artwork, and more, showcasing the creative spirit of our local community.
Celebrate the rich traditions of Hastings while supporting local talent and enjoying the flavors, sounds, and artistry of the festival!
Check back for a list of vendors!
THANK YOU TO OUR
2025 SPONSORS
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