Birmingham’s Southbound Food Festival Unveils Week-Long Pop Up Series for 2025

– a vibrant week-long lineup of chef collaboration dinners, cocktail pop ups, and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences happening throughout this year’s festival, September 19–28.

In addition to offering Southbound’s ticketed signature events, the HOSTED Series invites festivalgoers to experience Birmingham’s dynamic food, beverage, and creative scenes directly in the spaces where they thrive – in restaurants, bars and businesses across the city.

With more than 20 hosted guest chef dinners and other curated happenings—including art exhibits, beverage-forward guest takeovers, and immersive pop-ups—this year’s HOSTED Series is the largest in Southbound’s history. Most events are open to the public, reserved simply by making a reservation or walking in that evening (unless otherwise noted).

HOSTED – inspired by the spirit of opening our kitchens to friends – welcomes an all-star lineup of guest chefs from across the country, with talent hailing from New York, Nashville, Charleston, Washington, D.C., Jackson, and beyond. This year’s schedule showcases a standout group of culinary leaders, including 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists David Bancroft, Hunter Evans, Ruben Garcia, Julio Hernandez, Christopher Prieto, and many more.

All-week (Sept19-27)

o Roscoe Hall Pop Up Art Show at Bayonet

• Saturday, Sept 20

o Adios x Mixologist Yosue Cordero Badillo Bar Take-Over (Fairmont Hotel, San Juan PR)

• Monday, Sept 22

o Cayo Coco x Chef Connor Daidone (The Admiral, Asheville NC)

o The Essential x Chefs Blake Hartley and Andy Long (Lapeer Steak & Seafood, Alpharetta GA)

o La Fete x Chefs Wil Drake and Jacob Schwartz

• Tuesday, Sept 23

o Little Betty Steak Bar x Chef Sam Diminich (Restaurant Constance, Charlotte NC)

o Pizza Grace x Chef Jonathan Harrison

o Rodney Scott’s BBQ x Pitmaster Christopher Prieto (Prime Barbecue, Knightdale NC)

• Wednesday, Sept 24

o Bayonet x Roscoe Hall Art Show & Tuna Tasting Dinner *Ticketed

o Current Charcoal Grill x Chefs Tina and David Schuttenberg (Kwei Fei, Beautiful South, Charleston SC)

o Luca x Chef Joaquin Rodas (Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, New Orleans LA)

• Thursday, Sept 25

o 5:30 PM Vacche Rossa Parmigiano Reggiano Cracking at The Son of a Butcher

o Golden Age Wine Garden x Chef Hunter Evans (Elvies, Jackson MS) x Selection Massale Takeover

o Juniper x Chef Kristen Caroselli (The Poppy & Parliament, Huntsville AL)

o Le Fresca x Chef Richard Neal

• Friday, Sept 26

o Armour House x Chef David Bancroft (Acre, Auburn AL)

o Hero x Chef Sam Yoo (Golden Diner, New York City NY)

o Reve x Chef Robbie Wilson (Lion’s Share, Nashville TN)

• Sunday, Sept 28

o Salud Taqueria x Chef Julio Hernandez (Maiz De La Vida, Nashville TN)

The HOSTED Series was born out of a desire to spotlight the incredible food and beverage community to not only locals who want to experience the festival, but also media, and out of- town visitors.

“We believe the best way to showcase our city is by inviting people to experience it where it lives – on the line, behind the bar, in local businesses,” said Southbound Programming Director Rebecca Gann. “These events aren’t just about food; they’re about connection, camaraderie and community.”

Importantly, Southbound takes no revenue from these events. Instead, the HOSTED Series is designed to support local businesses, spark meaningful collaborations, and give visiting chefs and guests a real taste of Birmingham’s culinary soul.

For full details of HOSTED events, visit www.southboundfoodfest.com and follow

@SouthboundFoodFest on Instagram and Facebook.

About Southbound Food Festival:

Presented by Sweet Home Alabama, InBirmingham, and Southern Living, Southbound Food

Festival is a ten-day celebration of Birmingham’s magnetic food culture. September 19–28,

2025, with more than 100 chefs, immersive experiences, and unforgettable Southern flavor.