Hastings Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival Returns April 25-26
Free, family-friendly event celebrates local agriculture with food, music, and community traditions
The 3rd Annual Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival will return to downtown Hastings on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, offering a weekend of food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the community’s rich agricultural heritage.
Hosted by Hastings Main Street, the two-day festival will take place along North Main Street and surrounding areas, featuring free admission and a wide variety of activities for all ages.
Festivalgoers can enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, artisan vendors, and local food offerings highlighting the region’s signature crops. The event also includes crowd-favorite traditions such as the Great Hastings Mow Down lawn mower races, the Miss Potato Queen Pageant, and the Cottage Artisan Market featuring handcrafted goods and specialty foods.
“Events like the Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival celebrate everything that makes Hastings special – our agricultural roots, local businesses, and strong sense of community,” said Jena Dennis, Chair of the Hastings Main Street Board of Directors. “This festival brings residents and visitors together to support our farmers, showcase our downtown, and continue building pride in Hastings for generations to come.”
New and returning experiences throughout the weekend include a brunch tasting event, the Hastings Potato Ball – an evening celebration honoring local farming families, featuring a seated dinner by Chef Matt Brown of Asado Life and Chef Barry Honan of Lotus Noodle Bar – and interactive activities designed to showcase Hastings’ designation as the “Potato Capital of Florida.”
The festival begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. on Sunday, with activities continuing through the afternoon each day. While general admission is free, select experiences such as tastings, the Potato Ball, and pageant events require tickets, which can be purchased online.
The Cabbage, Potato, and Bacon Festival is one of Hastings’ signature annual events, drawing residents and visitors alike to experience the area’s farming heritage, local flavors, and small-town charm.
“Hastings has long been at the heart of St. Johns County’s agricultural economy, and this festival is a meaningful way to honor that legacy,” said Prissy Fletcher, Agricultural Liaison and Grants and Policy Analyst for the St. Johns County Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. “It highlights the importance of preserving our farming heritage while connecting the community to the people and industries that continue to shape this region today.”
The festival weekend will also feature the Spud Run 5K, 10K, and 15K Challenge and Cabbage Crawl Fun Run on Saturday, April 25. The race invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to experience Hastings on foot, with routes highlighting the town’s scenic agricultural landscape. The Cabbage Crawl Fun Run offers a shorter, family-friendly option, while the multi-distance challenge provides a unique opportunity for runners to complete multiple races in one day. Funds raised from the event will support agricultural education programs such as 4-H, Future Farmers of America, and Farm City Week. Proceeds will also benefit the Putnam-St. Johns County Farm Bureau, which works to support local farmers and promote the sustainability and profitability of the agricultural industry. Registration is available online, and advance sign-up is encouraged.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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