After a near sellout debut that welcomed thousands of guests into Downtown St. Louis last August, Foodies Eat First Fest is returning in 2026 with its most ambitious year yet. The 2026 season begins with Foodies Eat First Fest 2.1, taking place May 2–3 at Trust at Downtown St. Louis. The second iteration, Foodies Eat First Fest 2.2, will follow August 29–30, featuring an entirely different lineup of restaurants, chefs, mixologists, and experiences. Each festival is intentionally designed with hospitality professionals as the headliners - giving chefs, bartenders, and culinary creatives center stage while guests experience St. Louis dining in an immersive, festival-style format. New for 2026: The programming expands to include fitness-focused experiences, embracing a more holistic view of wellness within foodie culture.
