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.
Saturday kicks off at 11 a.m. with an exciting cooking demonstration by renowned chefs John Rivers and Hari Pulapaka.
Immediately following, enjoy the Brunch Tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., where 10 talented chefs line Main Street with mouthwatering creations featuring cabbage, potatoes, and bacon.
Tickets for the Brunch Tasting are $35 and include tastings and a signature cocktail.
Saturday Brunch Chef Lineup
Join us for an unforgettable Family-Style Dinner on Saturday from 6–9 p.m., 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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TBA
During dinner, enjoy “Farm to Diner, via Chef”—an intimate panel discussion exploring the journey from farm to table. Moderated by Lauren Titus of Edible Northeast Florida and Chef Hari Pulapaka, the conversation features local farmers, including Angela TenBroeck of World Aquaponics, sharing insights about the ingredients featured in your meal.
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
The Great Hastings Mow Down
Saturday, April 26 from 1 - 4:30 PM
N. Main Street, Hastings, FL
Get ready for the highly anticipated
Great Hastings Mow Down!
Taking place on North Main Street in Hastings, FL, this thrilling event will run from 1-4:30 PM.
Prepare to rev up your engines and compete for ribbons and trophies in various heats and events. Plus, all paid registrations come with a commemorative event tee shirt, ensuring you'll have a memento to cherish.
There are two exciting racing classes to choose from:
Open Stock Adult (ages 18 and up)
Young Rider Open Stock (ages 15-17)
Whether you're a seasoned racer or a newcomer, there's a class for you.
If racing isn't your speed, join the fun of the Mow Down Parade!
Decorate your mower and strut your stuff for the hometown crowd. There's no limit to the number of participants in the parade, so everyone can join in the excitement. Hurry and sign up now—spots are limited for the racing classes, with a maximum of 8 entries for Young Riders and 16 entries for Adult Riders.
Don't miss out on the action-packed festivities of the Great Hastings Mow Down!
Registration information coming soon!
Sponsored by:
The Miss Potato Queen
Beauty Pageant
Sunday, April 27 from Noon-4 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 PM, this event promises to be a celebration of charm, elegance, and youthful exuberance.
Registration information coming soon!
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!