GET 'YER GRUB ON. Here are five foodie event sure to fill you up on good vibes and tasty treats. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

The Chippewa Valley is home to a self-dubbed “foodie” population (which I like to think I’m part of), and to satiate those folks and others, there have been more and more food-focused events goin’ on. You’ve got your food trucks, your brunch events, your beer events, your multi-course dinner events, and more! Here’s a roundup of five events in May. Curious about other foodie-focused happenings? Check out our Events Calendar online or the back of this issue for a portion of our events listings.

1. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY KICKOFF

It’s finally that time of year again: Volume One’s Food Truck Friday season is officially here! Friday, May 3, is the kickoff of the 2024 season, and 11 mobile chefs will be dishing up their grub from 11am-7pm, so stop by for lunch, dinner, and a sweet treat, all along the Riverfront Terrace in Phoenix Park. The kickoff’s lineup includes Live Great Food, Smackdaddy’s Gourmet Grub, Olson’s Ice Cream, Big Ash Pizza, and more!

2. SIP & SLAY: BRUNCH EDITION

Described as a fusion of “fabulous and flavor,” attendees of the Menomonie Market Food Co-op (206 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire) brunch on Saturday, May 4, will indulge in craft cocktails, a delicious menu, and top-notch drag entertainers from 10am-1pm. Tickets are $36.99 and can be purchased at mmcc.coop.

3. 16TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST BEERFEST

The 16th Annual Northwest Beerfest is officially back on Saturday, May 18, starting at 1pm at the Chippewa Area Ice Arena (839 First Ave., Chippewa Falls)! In support of the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association, hundreds of beers and wines plus pizza, raffles, and more will keep you full and entertained. This 21+ event costs $40 per ticket, and tickets are available at volumeonetickets.org.

4. 3RD ANNUAL BEER PAIRING DINNER

3rd & Vine (1929 3rd St., Eau Claire) is returning for its 3rd Annual Beer Pairing Dinner, this time welcoming State Fair Brewing. A thoughtfully curated five-course vegetarian beer pairing dinner from Chef Jared Bighorn, emceed by State Fair Brewing’s Phil Kohl, will welcome guests for the one-night-only event. Dinners will be held at both 5pm and 7:30pm so more folks can get in on the delicious action, the cost is $75 per person with tickets available at 3rdandvine.com.

5. DOWNSVILLE SPRING PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Open to all ages with the cost of simply a free-will donation, this year’s Downsville Community Museum Spring Pancake Breakfast is slated for Saturday, May 25, from 8-11am at the museum (E4541 County Road C, Downsville). Homemade buttermilk pancakes await, with fruit toppings and real maple syrup, sausage, juice, and coffee. Indulge in sweet breakfast goodness for a good cause!