News Summary
This June, Tallahassee will host the 20th annual Tomato Feastival at Goodwood Museum & Gardens. The festival, which began as a potluck, has grown into a beloved local event, featuring a tomato contest, live music, and activities for all ages. Enjoy a day of local flavors while supporting the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance, which promotes local agriculture. With a focus on community and family-friendly fun, the event is set to attract visitors of all ages for a celebration of summer’s favorite crop.
Tallahassee will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its annual Tomato Feastival on Sunday, June 8, at the Goodwood Museum & Gardens, located at 1600 Miccosukee Road. This local festival has become a cherished tradition, drawing in food lovers and families alike for a day filled with activities centered around the humble tomato.
The Tomato Feastival originated in 2004 as a simple potluck supper hosted by local farmers Louise Divine and her husband Herman Holley at their Turkey Hill Farm. The inaugural event was a casual gathering of friends and customers who shared and discussed their tomatoes. This intimate meeting sparked the idea of making the event an annual celebration, eventually growing into a popular festival.
In 2019, the Feastival expanded and relocated to Goodwood Museum & Gardens to accommodate the increasing number of attendees. The event has continued to grow, with approximately 1,400 attendees recorded in 2024. Despite the growth, the Tomato Feastival maintains a relaxed picnic atmosphere where families can enjoy a day of local flavor and fun.
Activities and Features
The Tomato Feastival includes a mix of attractions designed for all ages. Live music performances, regional craft beer, and a farmers’ market featuring locally grown produce are key highlights. Families will find plenty of activities for children, including games and a popular Cake Walk. The event also boasts a raffle, ice cream, and a variety of tomato-themed food items.
Tomato Contest
A central feature of the Feastival is the tomato contest, where participants can enter their prized tomatoes in several categories including Ugliest Tomato, Best-tasting Tomato, and Biggest Tomato. Judged by local chefs, including notable figures like Terry White, the contest showcases the best of local agricultural talent.
Community Support
The Tomato Feastival serves as a primary fundraiser for the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance, a nonprofit organization established in 2010 with the aim of supporting local agriculture and enhancing food access. The alliance operates an online market connecting over 105 local farmers with a community of 1,000 to 1,200 members each month, promoting the sale of various agricultural products.
The Feastival committee, made up of local farmers like Kiona Wagner from Rocky Soil Family Farm, focuses on the event’s family-friendly nature and agricultural education. This dedication is echoed by longtime attendees like Julie Konikoff, who appreciate the community connections built through shared experiences centered around local food.
Pre-Festival Events
In addition to the regular festivities, the Tomato Feastival weekend includes special events. An all-tomato, four-course dinner featuring local tomatoes paired with wine is scheduled for June 6, with tickets priced at $150. Another event, the Tomato Land Revival, will take place on June 7, showcasing local vendors and food favorites, setting the stage for the main Feastival.
Event Details
The Tomato Feastival is set to take place from 1 to 6 p.m. on June 8, running an hour earlier than in previous years. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for youth aged 12-17, $40 for families, and $10 for veterans, seniors, or students. Attendees can purchase food separately, and raffle tickets will also be available for those looking to try their luck. Tickets are available for purchase online in advance or at the gate on the day of the event, alongside merchandise including T-shirts.
As the Tomato Feastival approaches its milestone of twenty years, it continues to exemplify community spirit and local flavor, inviting everyone to come together in celebration of one of summer’s best crops.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayday Parade Celebrates 20 Years with Special Tour
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee’s Tomato Feastival Celebrates 20th Anniversary
- Brew & Bend: A Craft Beer Toast to the 20th Tomato Feastival
- Top 5 Fun Things to Do Around Tallahassee This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Tomato
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tomato
