A landmark event in Birmingham is set to take on a fresh identity with the launch of the Southbound Food Festival, previously known as the Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival. This reimagined celebration will span ten days, offering an extended period for visitors to immerse themselves in the city's diverse gastronomic offerings. Scheduled from September 19 to September 28, 2025, this festival promises to be a showcase of Birmingham’s rich culinary heritage and its vibrant community spirit.

The transformation includes not only a name change but also a broader vision crafted by Matey, a local creative studio. The new branding encapsulates the essence of the festival with the tagline, “Ten days celebrating Birmingham’s magnetic food culture.” According to Cathy Sloss Jones, the Board President, the extension to two weekends provides more opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and shared experiences among food enthusiasts. Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the excitement surrounding the evolution of the festival. He emphasized that through events like Food & Fire, which celebrates live-fire cooking and Southern tailgate traditions, the festival aims to attract culinary admirers from across the globe.

Birmingham continues to draw attention as a hub for exceptional food culture, with last year's event drawing participants from 19 states and even Great Britain. With the expansion, anticipation builds for record-breaking attendance figures. Tickets and detailed event schedules are slated for release on July 7 via SouthboundFoodFest.com. Organized by FOOD+Culture, LLC, a non-profit organization committed to elevating Birmingham's local food scene, the Southbound Food Festival embodies the power of community and creativity in shaping a city's identity through its cuisine.

As the Southbound Food Festival embarks on this exciting journey, it exemplifies how embracing change can lead to growth and innovation. By expanding its scope and inviting more voices into the conversation, the festival underscores the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in fostering a thriving cultural landscape. It serves as a reminder that celebrating diversity and shared experiences enriches our communities, paving the way for a brighter future.