Many people search for “food festival near me” when they’re looking for a unique culinary experience or a reason to explore a new destination. If you’re in the Mid-Atlantic, Field & Flame is one of the region’s most anticipated culinary events, an evening celebrating chefs, farmers, and the farm-to-table culture of Virginia.
Hosted by Root to Table, Field & Flame takes place at Riverside on the Potomac in Loudoun County, Virginia, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, beginning at 5:30 pm. Set against rolling countryside and working farmland, the evening brings together regional chefs, producers, and food lovers to celebrate the journey from field to plate.
What to Expect at Field & Flame?
Field & Flame is Root to Table’s signature culinary event, an immersive evening celebrating the farmers, chefs, and artisans who shape the region’s food culture. Set in the heart of Loudoun County, guests experience farm-to-table firsthand through chef-led demonstrations, thoughtfully prepared dishes, and direct conversations with the producers behind them.
Live Culinary Demonstrations
Watch executive chefs and culinary leaders work in real time. You’ll get an inside look at how chefs source regional ingredients, the techniques they use to highlight seasonal produce, and the partnerships that connect local farms to the table.
A Multi-Course Farm-to-Table Dinner
The evening’s centerpiece is a multi-course dinner crafted by regional chefs, with ingredients sourced directly from area farms and producers. The menu — from amuse bouche through entrée courses to a seasonal dessert — reflects the cultural backgrounds of the chefs, with wines selected based on the story behind their dishes..
Artisan Marketplace
This curated marketplace is where guests meet local makers, discover specialty goods, and connect directly with the people behind the region’s food community.
Brand of Excellence Awards
Field & Flame also honors the individuals and organizations shaping our regional food system. Each year, the Brand of Excellence Awards recognize farmers and growers, chefs, civic leaders, advocates, and the next generation of culinary and agricultural changemakers.
Why Field & Flame Is the Food Festival Near You Worth Traveling For
Field & Flame is ideally situated in Loudoun County, making it an easy reach from across the Mid-Atlantic.
About 1 Hour From Washington, DC
An easy, scenic drive from the city, guests can reach Riverside on the Potomac via Route 7 or the Dulles Greenway – arriving just in time for an evening of great food and countryside views.
About 1 Hour 45 Minutes From Charlottesville
Field & Flame makes a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Charlottesville, with a scenic drive through Virginia’s countryside as part of the experience. Explore Loudoun County Bed & Breakfasts
About 2 Hours 15 Minutes From Richmond
From Richmond, it’s roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes via I-95 and Route 7. Many guests turn the trip into a full weekend, exploring Loudoun’s wineries, restaurants, and farm markets. Explore unique lodging options
Make It a Food-Focused Weekend
Field & Flame is the perfect centerpiece for a culinary getaway. With farms, wineries, and artisan producers throughout Loudoun County, the evening easily anchors a full weekend of food-focused exploration.
Loudoun Farms Tour
Pair Field & Flame with the Loudoun Farms Tour on May 16–17 (10 am–4 pm), a free, self-guided tour of working farms across the county. Meet farm animals, enjoy homemade ice cream at a working dairy, visit flower farms like Hope Flower Farm, Far Bungalow Farm, and Sweet Piedmont, and discover producers of honey, mushrooms, vegetables, garlic, and craft beverages.
Support Local Food Through Field & Flame
Your ticket does more than secure a great meal. Proceeds support Root to Table’s mission to fund initiatives in sustainable agriculture, food education, and community access to locally sourced food. Through these efforts, Root to Table helps build stronger connections between farmers, chefs, and communities, contributing to a more resilient regional food system.
Learn more about the Root to Table mission
Reserve Your Seat at Field & Flame
If you’re searching for a “food festival near you,” Field & Flame offers an unforgettable evening of farm-to-table dining, live chef demonstrations, artisan vendors, and meaningful connections with the farmers, chefs, and makers shaping the Blue Ridge food community.
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out! Reserve your seat today.
