Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
Two days of food, community, and conversation in Montgomery County, Maryland
Montgomery County is serving up more than just good food this spring. The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase returns,March 30th and 31st, offering two days of tasting, storytelling, and professional connection across the region’s rich and diverse culinary scene. Whether you’re a curious foodie, a small business owner, or someone with a lifelong love for hospitality, this showcase offers a chance to meet the people behind the plates.
For ticket registration click here!
Held in the heart of Montgomery County, the event is split into two distinct experiences. The first day is open to the public and promises a lively celebration of food and drink. The second day is designed with hospitality professionals in mind, offering a space to learn, collaborate, and explore what’s next in the industry.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, the expo floor opens to food lovers of all kinds. With more than 90 local businesses participating, guests can expect to sample everything from handmade popcorn to small-batch spirits. Local breweries, wineries, distilleries, and bakeries will be on hand, each with a unique flavor and story to share.
Attendees will not only taste but learn. Vendors are ready to talk about their ingredients, their inspiration, and what it means to run a food business in this region. For many of them, this event is more than exposure—it’s a moment to connect directly with the community that supports them.
Interactive experiences, demonstrations, and shopping opportunities are all part of the mix. Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to come with open minds and empty stomachs.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management, helping high school students in Montgomery County pursue careers in food and hospitality. It’s an afternoon full of flavor with a mission to give back.
The second day, Monday, March 31, shifts the focus to the professionals. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Hospitality Conference opens its doors to chefs, entrepreneurs, suppliers, and educators working in food and beverage.
This is where industry voices come together. The conference features keynote speakers, expert panels, breakout sessions, and student-to-business open forums. Topics range from navigating rising costs to growing sustainably, using technology in food service, and building inclusive dining spaces.
The event offers a place where new ideas are not only welcomed but expected. It’s also a rare space where seasoned restaurateurs can speak directly with the next generation, giving young talent the confidence to take their place in the field.
Much like the Consumer Expo, the Hospitality Conference also gives back. Proceeds once again support the Foundation for Hospitality and Restaurant Management, reinforcing the idea that community and career growth go hand in hand.
MoCo Eats is more than an event on the calendar. It reflects the personality of a region that values both tradition and innovation. From Haitian dishes made with generations-old recipes to modern-day distillers creating new blends, the stories told over these two days are ones of heritage, hope, and hustle.
For families, it’s a chance to learn where your food comes from. For aspiring chefs, it’s an invitation to connect. And for anyone who believes in the power of food to bring people together, it’s a weekend worth showing up for.
