From regional favorites “Phantom” to a soulful Motown tribute band, Marion is ready for the “biggest weekend of the summer”. The sixth annual “Hungriest Mother” festival – named one of Virginia Living’s Best Food Events in Virginia – features two evenings of live music, food trucks, community booths, and the “soon to be world famous” Hungriest Mother Food Challenge that features local eateries offering their wares for contestants to eat their way for bragging rights and a custom trophy.
Friday night, Marion’s Main Street closes around the courthouse for a downtown block party, and “Phantom” hits the stage from 6 til 10 p.m. for a street dance.
Saturday, Main Street closes from Church Street to Commerce Street, with live music beginning at 2 p.m. with “The Beach Nite Band”.
At 4:30 p.m., Virginia’s own Chase Payne returns for his Country/Americana show. The Hungriest Mother Food Challenge is set for 7 p.m., with headliner “Intensity” bringing their South Carolina soul from 8 til 10:30 p.m. on the main stage.
Food trucks will be set up on Broad Street, and downtown restaurants will be open with food and drink specials. Several will offer outside dining as well. Community groups will have opportunity to set up information booths on Main Street.
Additionally, the 49th annual Hungry Mother Festival, sponsored by the Art League of Marion, will be held July 15-17 at nearby Hungry Mother State Park, and there will be a free shuttle between downtown and the park during festival hours.
All downtown events are free to the public.
For a full schedule, visit marionva.org/events
