Take part in Rhode Island’s first three-day local food festival in downtown Providence later this month! The Eat Drink RI Festival features more than 40 chefs, farmers, bartenders and producers including Blackbird Farm, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Revival Brewing, Dave’s Coffee, and Allen Farms. James Beard Foundation Rising Star semifinalist Benjamin Sukle of The Dorrance and Best Chef Northeast semifinalist Champe Speidel of Persimmon are participating as well.

The festival kicks off on Friday, April 19th from 6-9 PM at the Bank of America City Center in Kennedy Plaza with the Truck Stop to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. (For tickets, visit the Food Bank’s website or buy all-inclusive tickets for the entire weekend). Ten food trucks—including Clam Jammers, Flour Girls Baking Co., Hewtin’s Dogs mobile, Joedega, Mijo’s Tacos, Tallulah, and Rocket Fine Street Food—will participate, offering samples paired with drinks from Jonathan Edwards Winery and Narragansett Brewery. This outdoor event will be followed by Cocktail Couture in the Garden Room at the Providence Biltmore, presented in partnership with StyleWeek Northeast.

On Saturday, April 20th, learn from local chefs, growers, vintners and brewers during the education panels at the Biltmore. In the afternoon, from 12-4 PM, sample beer, wine, spirits and local foods at the Grand Tasting in the Biltmore’s Grand Ballroom. (A VIP option is available as well). If you’re still hungry, gather a group of friends for Forks and Corks prix fixe dining at participating restaurants, and the late-night Drink Around at several Rhode Island bars.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday, April 21st from 11 AM-2 PM with a Grand Brunch at Gracie’s featuring dishes prepared by culinary stars Melissa Denmark, James Mark, Derek Wagner, and others. Members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic will perform live, and a portion of proceeds with benefit music education programs.

The Eat Drink RI Festival was created by local food writer/photographer David Dadekian in partnership with Brendan Chipley Roane, Gracie’s Director of Marketing and Events. It is sponsored in part by Johnson & Wales University and Daniele, Inc., with other partners. For tickets, visit eatdrinkri.com/festival or the event’s Facebook page.

(Photos: courtesy of David Dadekian, Eat Drink RI Festival).