Everyone is buzzing about the Cleveland Eats Tri-C Culinary Festival. Maybe it’s because of the unique line-up of events. Maybe it’s because the event itself is put together by chefs. Maybe it’s because the chefs involved are a powerhouse, who’s who of Cleveland culinary talent.

Maybe it’s because we just really love food in this town. We also love supporting good causes, like the Tri-C Hospitality Management programs and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Here’s the run-down of what you can expect from this culinary extravaganza:

Thursday, September 14 – Cleveland Eats Benefit: Small Bites, Big Dreams

• Held at Tri-C’s Hospitality Management Center on Public Square
• Features small bites from chefs such as Chris Hodgson, Brandt Evans, Dante Boccuzzi, Douglas Katz, Karen Small, Rocco Whalen, Eric Williams, and more
• Specialty cocktails and brews from Vitamix and Great Lakes Brewing Co.
• Music from DJ and Producer Flaco Flash
• Benefits scholarships for hospitality students
• Tickets are $150 and include valet parking and a VIP pass to the festival. Purchase tickets online.

Friday, September 15 – Trucks, Taps and Tunes Street Party

• Free admission
• Held on Mall B, it’s a happy hour street party celebrating Cleveland’s best eats
• Food trucks including Betty’s Bomb A** Burgers, Fahrenheit, Proper Pig, and Sweet! The Mobile Cupcakery
• Craft brews from Great Lakes Brewing Co., Goldhorn Brewery, The Brew Kettle, and more
• Culinary competitions featuring local high school students and Tri-C Hospitality Management staff and students will be attempting the world’s largest pierogi
• Local bands like The Big Ship and Sunrise Jones

Saturday, September 16 – The Culinary Festival

• Held on Mall B
• Over 30 chefs from restaurants such as Mabel’s BBQ, Table 45, Spice Kitchen & Bar, Bomba Tacos & Rum, Deagan’s, Red the Steakhouse, Toast, Ushabu, and more preparing $5 a piece small plates ranging from savory to sweet
• Craft beer from Great Lakes Brewing Co., Sibling Revelry Brewing, Butcher & the Brewer, Fat Head’s Brewery, and more
• Live entertainment from Red Wanting Blue, Carlos Jones and the Plus Band, and more
• Culinary demonstrations and family-friendly activities
• Fireworks display over downtown Cleveland
• Tickets are available online: $5 for general admission, $15 for general admission plus two drink tickets, and $50 for VIP admisison (additional seating, private cash bar, great stage view, cheese and charcuterie, and a glass of champagne before the fireworks)

The Cleveland Eats Festival is a great example of the passion, commitment, and community spirit of Cleveland’s chefs. A group of chefs came together for a good cause and created something that is sure to be an amazing event for the entire city. Don’t miss the Cleveland Eats Festival!

***Disclosure: I was asked to help promote the Cleveland Eats Festival. In exchange, I will receive two complimentary tickets to the Small Bites, Big Dreams Gala. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***