Local business owners plan first spring Foodie Fest at Youngstown brewery
Penguin City Brewing Company announced its first Foodie Festival set for May 16 - 17, featuring local food vendors, festival games and live music.
Tra’von Eley, owner of Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches, said the festival got started after a conversation he had with Steve Lisko, Premium Shows of America.
“Steve’s from Lowellville, and I’ve known him for eight years now. I used to work with for his dad when I was 16,” Eley said. “He owns an amusement company, puts on festivals in the Tennessee area, the Carolinas, and a little bit up in Ohio. We were talking one day about festivals we have, like St. Nich’s and St. Charles. We thought, ‘Hey, we should do our own festival up in the city.’ That’s where we came up with the idea.”
The festival will offer a wide range of culinary experiences including vendors like Vhalos Gryros, Wok on the Wild Side, Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches, One Hot Cookie, Molnar and Rutanas Apple Dumplings.
“We’re excited to bring together local food vendors and musicians for a fun community weekend,” Eley said. “It’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy great food and music.”
Live music will be featured each night, with RDNA performing Saturday and The Infidels on Sunday.
“There’s a $5 cover charge for the live music, and both days it’s free to come in and get to the food,” Eley said. “We’re trying to make this a yearly thing; we’re going to have not just food, but we’ll have carnival games too there.”
Dope Cider and Penguin City will be the exclusive alcohol providers for Foodie Fest, with doors opening at noon on May 16 - 17.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
