News Summary
The Crave Food and Music Festival, a beloved annual event in Lexington that showcases local culinary talent and music, has been canceled for 2024. The festival will go on hiatus and is expected to return in the fall of 2026 at the new Gatton Park. Organizers cited various factors that impacted this year’s planning and execution. The festival has a strong community focus, supporting local businesses and featuring diverse food options and live performances. Its return in 2026 is eagerly anticipated by both organizers and attendees.
Lexington – The popular Crave Food and Music Festival has been officially canceled for 2024. The festival, known for celebrating local culinary talent and music, will be on hiatus, with plans to return in fall 2026 at the soon-to-open Gatton Park on the Town Branch. Specific dates for the festival’s revival in 2026 have not yet been announced.
Previously held at Moondance Amphitheatre in Beaumont, the festival made a move from its previous location at Masterson Station last year. The decision to cancel this year’s event came after careful consideration of various factors affecting festival organization and execution. The festival aims to create an environment where community members can gather to celebrate local culture in meaningful public spaces.
The Crave Food and Music Festival has been an annual highlight in Lexington, traditionally featuring a diverse array of food from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as drinks and live performances. Significant to the festival’s mission is its commitment to showcasing local restaurants, chefs, food trucks, and beverage makers, thereby bolstering the local economy while providing entertainment for attendees.
With a focus on supporting the community, the festival has maintained a strong connection to local narratives. The organizers highlight that Crave serves as a platform for local voices and talents, reflecting the unique stories and cultures present in Lexington. This ethos has been central to the festival’s identity since its inception, enabling continued support for the area’s culinary and music scenes.
In addition to fostering community engagement, Crave has also been dedicated to philanthropy. Smiley Pete Publishing, the organization behind the festival, has donated over $140,000 to its charitable partner, GreenHouse17. This organization is committed to ending intimate partner abuse within families and the broader community, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on local support and advancement.
Looking ahead, the return of Crave in 2026 is anticipated to be a significant event for both organizers and attendees. The chosen location at Gatton Park is expected to enhance the festival experience, as it seeks to reconnect with its roots while growing to meet the evolving needs of the community. While the anticipation builds for the festival’s return, all stakeholders are encouraged to keep an eye on updates and announcements regarding the specific dates and plans for Crave 2026.
In summary, while the Crave Food and Music Festival will not occur this year, its anticipated return in fall 2026 promises to revive a cherished tradition. By focusing on local culture, culinary excellence, and community support, the festival aims to create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Lexington, Kentucky
- Smiley Pete: Lexington Bourbon Week
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky Festivals
- Kentucky.com: Lexington Entertainment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky
- Eater Nashville: Best Restaurants in Lexington
- Google News: Crave Food and Music Festival
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
