FoodX - Sierra Foothills Food Festival — Sierra Commons - Rural Business Ignitor - Education - Advising

BITE INTO WHAT’S NEW

Bite Into What’s New

FoodX, a new local food expo bringing together the people, products, and innovation driving the Sierra Foothills food economy.

Join us for an afternoon of tasting, discovery, and connection as local food producers, makers, chefs, and entrepreneurs showcase their products and share the stories behind their brands. From artisan foods and specialty products to emerging food startups, FoodX offers attendees the opportunity to sample, shop, and support local businesses as well as enjoy demonstrations, foodie talks, and live music. Proceeds from the event support Sierra Commons and its work empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and building a stronger regional economy.

Sat, Sep 26th, 12pm - 6:30pm PDT

Sample Bites from 40+ Local Vendors

Cooking & Product Demos

Full Bar Stocked with Local Selections

Nevada City Winery VIP Lounge

Dowd Records Live Music Stage

Food Expert Mini Presentations

Food Trucks, DJ Sets, Raffle, and more

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Tickets Available at the Door

More Info »»

Inside the Event

Sat, Sep 26, 12pm - 6:30pm PDT

The heart of FoodX. Showcasing Sierra Commons’ Food Accelerator Program graduates, you'll meet these local makers, sample their food, and take home something you’ll love.
Sprawling vendor floor featuring a mix of local food businesses — accelerator graduates and community vendors. Tables and booths showcase everything from artisan packaged goods to fresh-made specialties. High foot traffic, big energy, and lots to see — and taste.
Where the making happens. Vendors line the walls and guest chefs take the stage for cooking and product demonstrations. Watch, learn, taste, and get inspired. The demo schedule runs from open to close, drawing repeat visitors back throughout the event.
Short, engaging talks from food industry experts and program graduates in small-group setting. Topics span the world of food — business, culinary craft, licensing, scaling, and more. Drop in, learn something new, and put it to work.
One of the event’s most social spaces. The bar serves beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages while the grocery store pop-up showcases the full range of FoodX vendor products in a curated retail-style installation. QR codes link to online purchasing and direct you to vendor booths throughout the venue. Sponsored signage tells the stories behind the products. The Sierra Commons booth is also located here, featuring program information, raffle basket displays, and raffle ticket sales.
A retreat at the adjacent Nevada City Winery reserved for VIP ticket holders. It's a relaxed setting for buyers, funders, media, and invited guests to connect with graduate vendors for the conversations that turn into relationships. VIP tote bags include premium product samples, sponsor inserts, and a preview copy of the Rural Food Ecosystem Playbook.
The parking lot transforms into an outdoor festival patio as the day winds into evening. Food trucks — a mix of Food Accelerator graduates and curated community vendors — serve up hot food while three live bands take the stage for full sets from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. Background music sets the tone throughout the afternoon, with the energy building toward a genuine celebration at close. Included with all tickets.