Love Your Local: A Celebration of Mecklenburg County’s Local Food System
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This April, Mecklenburg County is gearing up for a week-long celebration of local food, sustainability, and community connection with Love Your Local—an exciting series of events aimed at highlighting the importance of our local food system. The festivities kick off on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and continue through Sunday, offering a diverse lineup of engaging activities for all ages.
Tuesday, April 22 – Kickoff Dinner
What better way to launch Love Your Local than with a delicious Kickoff Dinner? This opening event will bring together local farmers to provide education around how to sell at a farmers market, food hub and community supported agriculture subscriptions. Attendees will enjoy a thoughtfully curated meal featuring locally sourced ingredients while learning more about the impact of a sustainable food system on our environment and economy.
Wednesday, April 23 – Gardening Demonstrations
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, two hands-on gardening demonstrations will take place on Wednesday at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, to teach participants the best practices for growing fresh produce at home. Experts will share tips on soil health, planting techniques, and sustainable gardening methods to help foster a greener and more self-sufficient community. Reserve your spot here: Herb Demonstration or Vegetable Demonstration
Thursday, April 24 – Brewery Trivia Night
Local breweries across Mecklenburg County will host a Brewery Trivia Night, where participants can test their knowledge on food sustainability, local agriculture, and craft brewing. Grab a team, enjoy a locally brewed beer, and put your trivia skills to the test in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Our partner breweries include Monday Night Brewing, Free Range Brewing and Armored Cow Brewing, with prizes provided by Got To Be NC. Check your local brewery for additional details. Reserve your spot here: More Details
Friday, April 25 – Cooking Demonstrations
Food lovers will not want to miss Friday’s two cooking demonstrations, featuring talented local chefs who will showcase how to prepare delicious meals using ingredients sourced from nearby farms. These interactive sessions at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will offer practical cooking tips, recipe ideas, and tastings to inspire attendees to incorporate more local foods into their daily lives. Reserve your spot here: Herb Syrup Demonstration or here: Vegetable Cooking Demonstration
Saturday, April 26 – Farmers Market Shopping Tours
For those looking to better navigate their local farmers market, guided Farmers Market Shopping Tour at the Uptown Farmers Market will be available on Saturday. Experts will guide attendees through the market, introducing them to local vendors, sharing shopping tips for all budget types, and offering insight into selecting the freshest seasonal produce. Register here: Guided Shopping Tour
Sunday, April 27 – Youth Cook-Off
The week wraps up with a Youth Cook-Off by our partner Can U Cook, where young aspiring chefs will have the opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity using locally sourced ingredients. This friendly competition will encourage children to engage with their food, learn about where it comes from, and develop healthy eating habits—all while having fun in the kitchen!
Join the Movement!
Love Your Local is more than just a series of events—it’s a call to action to support local farmers, businesses, and food producers while fostering a deeper connection to the food we eat. Whether you attend one event or participate all week long, you’ll be playing a part in strengthening Mecklenburg County’s local food system.
Mark your calendars and join us from April 22–27, 2025, to celebrate the flavors, knowledge, and sustainability of our community. Let’s come together to Love Your Local!