Our annual global barbecue dine-around event returns to city center high on the hill above Tredegar Iron Works, overlooking the James River. with 15 talented chefs who know their way around fire. We’ll also host our first side dish culinary competition featuring Duke’s Mayonnaise. Watch for contest entry information $85. Establishments include Inner City Blues, Carena's, Dutch & Co., Smohk, Tuffy Stone’s Cool Smoke/Sharper Palate, ZZQ, Redemption BBQ, Oak&Apple, Fatty Smokes, Graduate Richmond, Sandston Smokehouse, Saucy's and Lunch/Supper. Autumn Olive Farms is bringing the pig, and Edward’s is bringing the ham.

From 11 to 4, turn the table and ask questions of chef/restaurateur and regular “Chopped” judge Maneet Chauhan; Esquire’s food and drinks editor, Jeff Gordinier; former Noma chef de cuisine and Brigaid founder Dan Giusti; and celebrated author and food journalist Toni Tipton-Martin, at this event benefiting Tricycle Gardens. Hear about their newest projects, books and food. Many other demos, from cocktail making to baking to wine speed dating. Don't forget the Tasting Tent with more than 15 local producers and the new $1.25 School Lunch Throwdown with local chefs. And take part in a live taping with the country's No. 1 food podcast The Sporkful at 1 p.m. with James Beard-winning host Dan Pashman, UnMoo founder (and Richmonder) Josh Kadrich and winemaker Matthieu Finot from award-winning King Family Vineyards. All inclusive of food and drink. Doors open at 10 a.m. Full schedule here. We will send you a selection survey upon purchase.

[Also look for separate ticket bundles that pair Food U and Smoke on the Water, $125, and Food U and the Dabney Dinner, for $125]

We raise a glass and a plate to savory and sweet pie makers, Richmond’s coffee culture and its craft ice cream makers. Come sample the best of the state’s hand pie and pie makers, watch home bakers compete, enjoy coffee-infused cocktails, dessert wines, beer, and don’t forget the ice cream. There will be pie walks, kid and adult culinary spelling bees and more inside and out VMHC. Benefits Tricycle Gardens. $50 per adult, and that adult can bring two children 13 and under free. Our amazing participants include Proper Pie, Charm School, Milkglass Pies, Kitchenette, Red Cap Patisserie, Rootstock, Gelati Celesti, Shyndigz, Pearl's, Publix, Jiji's Custard, Scoop, Hilton Richmond Downtown, WPA Bakery, Mama J's, Stella’s, American Heritage Chocolate, Rostov's and more!

Walk down the famous Jefferson staircase in your best food-forward costume for awaiting cash and prizes. Then dive into savory bites, Halloween candy-inspired desserts and drinks inside Lemaire. $50