Bid in a live art auction at this year’s F.E.A.S.T event

In addition to dishes from some of the top chef’s around, here’s what to expect at the annual foodie fundraiser.

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The 7th annual F.E.A.S.T. event is the highlight of the three-day Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit.| Photo provided by University of Kentucky

Save room on your calendars — and in your stomachs — for F.E.A.S.T 2025, the highlight of the annual Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit.

This year’s foodie fundraiser on Friday, May 23 at Fasig-Tipton features a first-ever live art auction, where you can watch artists create works during the event, then bid on their creations.

Artists include Lexington’s most-famous muralist Wylie Caudill, who served as the official artist of Kentucky Derby 150, intricate linework artist Brenna McNabb, mixed-media artist Ray Papka, and Kenyan-born woodcarver Kiptoo Tarus.

F.E.A.S.T by the numbers

  • 25 | The number of chefsall women — who will prepare dishes made from Kentucky Proud ingredients, some made by James Beard-recognized talents, like five-time nominee Amy Brandwein (Centrolina in Washington D.C.) + 2022 Best New Restaurant semi-finalist Christine Lau (Kimika in New York City).
  • 4| The number of musical acts you’ll hear this year, including headliners Joslyn & The Sweet Compression.
  • 3| The number of “Top Chef” standouts supporting this year’s FEAST, including Lexington’s own Paula Endara (Grandam + Lost Palm) + Paducah, KY-based Sara Bradley (Freight House)

Pro tip: F.E.A.S.T is known to sell out, so get tickets while you can.

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