The Georgia Foodees Food and Culture Festival has once again graced downtown Augusta, drawing a significant crowd eager to savor diverse culinary delights. Running from Friday through Sunday, this event showcases not only an impressive array of food trucks but also a vibrant artisan market featuring over 60 artists and crafters. Admission is free, making it accessible for all to enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors and crafts on display.

An Exuberant Celebration of Food and Art in Downtown Augusta

In the heart of Augusta, under the warm spring sun, the Foodees Food and Culture Festival returned with gusto on March 14, 2025. Just hours after its opening at 1 p.m., the festival grounds were bustling with visitors lining up at various food stalls stretching between the levee and Reynolds Street. Among the highlights was Smoker’s Delight BBQ, where Brian Israel demonstrated his expert brisket slicing skills, a craft he's perfected over two decades, first in restaurants and now through his mobile kitchen.

Beyond the enticing aroma of barbecue, attendees were treated to a global culinary journey. African cuisine, courtesy of House of Quarshie, offered refreshing coconut drinks prepared by Ezzat Youssef. Meanwhile, dessert enthusiasts indulged in treats from 19 dessert trucks, while beverage lovers refreshed themselves with offerings from nine dedicated trucks. Adding to the charm was the presence of quirky attractions like the Three Monkeys Photo Circus, where capuchin monkeys delighted patrons with photo opportunities.

Social media coordinator Savannah Osborn expressed optimism about surpassing last year's attendance of 100,000 visitors. As the festival continues into Saturday and Sunday, running from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., it promises to remain a highlight of Augusta’s cultural calendar. Visitors are reminded that the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday afternoon along Broad Street, adding another layer of festivity to the weekend.

Attending events like the Foodees Festival offers more than just gastronomic pleasure; it provides a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement. The diversity of cuisines and crafts reflects the melting pot of traditions present in our world today. It reminds us of the power of shared experiences in bringing people together, fostering connections through the universal language of food and art.