Holly Springs (NC) International Food Festival Returns Today with Global Cuisine, Cultural Performances, and Interactive Passport Experience
May 1st (today) event at Holly Springs Cultural Center features 15+ food vendors, live music and dance, cultural education stations, and a passport activity with prizes
Holly Springs, NC, May 1, 2026 — The Holly Springs International Food Festival returns Friday evening (May 1st) to the Holly Springs Cultural Center, bringing a mix of global cuisine, live entertainment, and interactive cultural experiences to downtown.
The free event takes place from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. along Ballentine Street and within the town’s Sip & Stroll Social District. Organizers say the festival, a recipient of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Arts & Humanities Award, is designed to blend food, education, and cultural celebration in a single evening.
Attendees can expect a wide range of culinary offerings, from savory and spicy dishes to sweets and frozen treats, representing multiple continents and traditions. Participating vendors include 50Kitchen, Belgian Waffle Crafters, Bobasaur, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Cafe 301, Chimney Cakery, Cilantro Mexican Cuisine, Crispy Gyoza, Curry in a Hurry, Island Flavour, Kona Ice, Kono Pizza, Mesas El Salvador, Penny’s Greek Street Food, Savor Bowls, and Yagg Sii Tenn.
Beer and wine will also be available for purchase from local breweries, including Bombshell Beer Company, Carolina Brewing Company, and Local Time Brewing.
Passport experience returns with new activities
A central feature of the event is the festival “passport,” which invites attendees to embark on a self-guided journey across the festival grounds. Visitors can pick up a free passport at the Town of Holly Springs tent and collect stamps by visiting seven cultural education stations throughout the event.
No purchases are required to complete the passport. Participants who collect all stamps can return to the town tent for a final stamp and be entered to win a travel-themed prize, including a Holly Springs tumbler. Organizers note that passport quantities are limited.
New this year, the passport experience includes expanded educational games and activities at each station.
Cultural ambassadors and performances
In addition to food, the festival highlights cultural awareness through local nonprofits and community groups offering educational exhibits and activities. Lawn seating will be available for attendees who bring blankets or chairs.
Event schedule
Music Stage
5:00–5:45 p.m.: Ewes Tree (Celtic)
6:00–6:30 p.m.: Batala Durham (Afro-Brazilian)
7:00–8:00 p.m.: Abakua (Latin music including bolero, salsa, merengue, tropipop, and Cuban son)
Dance Area
5:00–5:20 p.m.: Venezuela Es Danza (Venezuelan Dance)
6:00–6:20 p.m.: Bollywood Dance
6:30–7:00 p.m.: Chinese-American Friendship Association (dance and music)
What to know before you go
Organizers recommend arriving early and planning ahead for parking, as downtown spaces are limited. Carpooling, rideshare, biking, or walking are encouraged, and bike racks are available behind the Cultural Center.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
Those planning to purchase beer or wine should bring a valid ID, and all alcoholic beverages must remain within the Sip & Stroll district boundaries.
For event alerts and updates, attendees can text FOODFEST to 888777.
The event is sponsored by Capital Vacations and supported by the Town of Holly Springs departments and local cultural organizations.