Sheri Castle to Star at Dinner in the Meadow Sept 13 in Louisburg
The highly anticipated Dinner in the Meadow returns on September 13 with southern cooking legend Sheri Castle headlining the farm-to-table event at Meadow Lane Farm in Louisburg, North Carolina. This year’s dinner benefits the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, supporting local agriculture and community farmers.
Sheri Castle, host of the two-time Emmy-winning PBS show The Key Ingredient, will bring her award-winning culinary storytelling to the event. Known for blending humor, history, and recipes, Sheri is a prolific cookbook author and highly respected food writer with roles including monthly columnist for Our State and Contributing Editor for Southern Living.
The Southern Foodways Alliance honored Castle recently as a “Keeper of the Flame” and named her one of only 20 “Living Legends of Southern Food,” recognizing her as a key tradition bearer and storyteller in southern cuisine. Castle grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and now lives in Chatham County, making this event a celebration of North Carolina’s rich food heritage.
Tickets are available now at Eventbrite or by visiting dinnerinthemeadow.org. This exclusive event offers attendees an unforgettable chance to meet Castle and enjoy a southern feast crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Wake Forest Unveils 2026 Summer at the Centre Concert Series
Alongside the dinner announcement, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre confirmed its 2026 Summer at the Centre series featuring nationally acclaimed artists this summer. The series runs June through August at 405 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest.
The lineup launches on June 3 with The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, followed by America’s Sweethearts on July 1. It concludes with an immersive Interactive Mystery Theater: Kill the Music on August 22, offering family-friendly performances at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. for a full day of entertainment.
Tickets can be purchased in person or by calling 919-435-9458. Local businesses and community members can support the arts by joining the RC Partners Circle or becoming Patrons or Friends of the Centre before deadlines in March and August. Visit wakeforestrencen.org/donate for membership details.
Six Sundays in Spring Free Concert Series Runs Through May 31
Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest present a vibrant free concert series every Sunday through May 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Joyner Park Amphitheater. Music lovers can enjoy headliners like The Tams on May 10 and the Snapback finale on May 31.
Food and dessert trucks will be on site. Concertgoers may bring picnic baskets but should note that alcohol, unleashed pets, and personal grills are prohibited. Two charcoal grills are available for use. More info and full schedule can be found at bit.ly/WFSixSundays.
America 250 Art Exhibit Invites Submissions Through May 24
The Renaissance Centre is calling all artists – amateur and professional – to contribute original works exploring “What does America mean to you?” for the America 250 Art Exhibit. Submissions are accepted through May 24 at wakeforestrencen.org.
The exhibit will showcase selected works from June 8 to July 17 with a special reception on June 12 at the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex. This event offers artists prime gallery space and the opportunity to sell their work, inviting the public to join the free evening celebration.
Why This Matters Now
These simultaneous announcements spotlight an inspiring mix of culture, community, and art coming to North Carolina this year. Fans of southern cuisine and storytelling will not want to miss Sheri Castle’s rare, personal appearance at Dinner in the Meadow. Meanwhile, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s lineup promises nationally recognized entertainment and opportunities to support the local arts scene. Additionally, free Six Sundays concerts offer outdoor fun for families and music lovers alike through spring.
Those eager to experience these dynamic events should act quickly to secure their spots and support the vibrant cultural offerings that contribute to the region’s identity and economy.
For More Information
- Dinner in the Meadow tickets: eventbrite.com & dinnerinthemeadow.org
- Summer at the Centre: wakeforestrencen.org | Call 919-435-9458
- Six Sundays in Spring lineup: bit.ly/WFSixSundays
- America 250 Art Exhibit: wakeforestrencen.org/tickets-events/art-exhibits
- Wake Forest event updates: bit.ly/WFEnotifier
Stay tuned for upcoming highlights and ticket sales updates as North Carolina’s premier cultural events take shape this season.
