NEVADA CITY, Calif. — On Saturday, September 26, some of the Sierra Foothills’ most passionate food makers, farmers, chefs and culinary innovators will gather at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City for FoodX, a new local food expo celebrating the people and products shaping the region’s food economy.
Attendees can taste and shop local food and drink, meet the people behind the brands, and discover everything from organic artisan tortillas to locally sourced acorn flour treats, Japanese home cooking, slow-cooked pulled lamb arepa, Sevillano olive hummus, red pepper romesco, chocolate dipped biscotti, locally roasted espresso, and more. Chef and maker talks, food trucks and live music add to a packed afternoon of local flavor and fun.
“Some of the most exciting things happening in our regional economy start with people who are willing to turn an idea, a recipe or something they grow, into a business,” said Robert Trent, Executive Director of Sierra Commons. “Where else can you go from Ethiopian spices to Brazilian street food to herbal elixirs in an afternoon? FoodX is a chance to meet the people behind those flavors, taste what they’re creating and celebrate the food community we have right here in the Sierra Foothills.”
Produced by Sierra Commons as part of the inaugural Sierra Foothills Food Festival weekend, FoodX creates opportunities for local food entrepreneurs to make the connections that help small businesses grow—from introducing their products to new customers to building relationships with buyers, retailers and industry partners.
Rooted in Food, Farming & Community
The FoodX lineup reflects the diversity of the Sierra Foothills food community, with stories and experiences spanning farming, cooking, entrepreneurship, sustainability and food innovation.
Second-generation beekeeper Spencer Wingfield of Wingfield Honey Co. will offer a window into the world of the honeybee and the relationship between healthy hives, healthy soil and the food we eat. Local food pioneer Leo Chapman will join Richard Marks for a conversation rooted in decades of farming and food-system history in Nevada County. Chapman’s work helped establish the Living Lands Agrarian Network, which eventually combined with Live Healthy Nevada County to form Sierra Harvest in 2013, and he has served as an inspiration and mentor to generations of local farmers.
Attendees can also watch chef demonstrations featuring local culinary talent, including Alan Goskar, the executive chef at Lola-The National Exchange Hotel; Jennifer Vanatta, head chef at Petra Modern Mediterranean; and Alexeis Filipello of Rasa Kitchen, who blends gourmet culinary arts with Ayurvedic nutrition. Additional chef and maker sessions will feature Carmen Lang of HOLA! Tortilla, Nate Evans of Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co., Kira Greene of Quercus Collective, and more.
Taste It. Obsess Over It. Take It Home.
FoodX is more than a place to sample local food. Attendees can meet the people behind the products, hear their stories, discover new favorites and purchase products to take home—all while supporting the entrepreneurs and small businesses contributing to a stronger regional economy.
Attendees will find emerging and established makers including Utopia Foods, The Olive Groove, Terraviva Health, Luminous Fare, Rare Herb Farm & Provisions, Discovery Foods, Hola! Granola, Scrump Candy Company, Elixart, Outer Heaven Espresso, Hype Iced Tea and dozens of other regional food and beverage businesses.
“There’s something special happening in the Sierra Foothills food community right now,” said Jade Benetos from Petra Modern Mediterranean. “FoodX gives people a chance to discover what’s being made here, talk directly with the people making it and support the small businesses that make this region such an exciting place to eat and drink.”
FoodX will also feature a lineup of local food trucks, including WildFork, Casa Baeza and more. Dowd Records brings the soundtrack for the afternoon, with live performances by Beautiful Dudes, Beach Noise and The Brett Shady Band. VIP ticket holders receive early entry beginning at 11:30 a.m. and access to the Nevada City Winery VIP Lounge.
Proceeds from FoodX support Sierra Commons’ work to empower entrepreneurs and build a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
Event Details
FoodX — Sierra Foothills’ Premier Local Food Expo
Saturday, September 26, 2026
12:00–6:30 p.m.
VIP Entry: 11:30 a.m.
Miners Foundry, 325 Spring Street, Nevada City
Early-bird general admission tickets are $45. VIP tickets are $125. Tickets and additional information are available at sierracommons.org/foodx.
About Sierra Commons
Sierra Commons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurial communities and supporting small business development throughout Northern California. Through education, mentorship, accelerator programs, and business support services, Sierra Commons helps entrepreneurs launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses that contribute to thriving local economies.