The Taste of Brunswick Festival

The Taste of Brunswick Festival The Official page of "The Taste of Brunswick Festival" - hosted every 2nd Sat. of October Recipes for the stew have varied over the years.

Each year at the “Taste of Brunswick Festival,” some twenty or so contestants vie for the title of “Brunswick County Stewmaster.”

These men continue a long tradition that dates back to 1828 along the banks of the Nottoway River. There, local historians say, Dr. Creed Haskins, a member of the House of Delegates from 1839 to 1841, took a group of his friends on a hunting expedition. highway signW

hile they were on the hunt, the story goes, camp cook “Uncle Jimmy” Matthews stirred together the first impromptu mixture that has become known as Brunswick Stew. The original thick soup was made from squirrels, onions, and stale bread. Chicken has replaced the squirrel in more modern cook pots, while vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, and butterbeans have been added in varying portions. The one thing that all cooks or stewmasters agree on is that the stew is not done until the paddle stands up in the middle. Now we have to admit that among some there is debate about where Brunswick Stew originated. A few say it comes from near Brunswick, Georgia, in 1898. Clearly much later than the Virginia claim. In January 1988, the Virginia General Assembly attempted to put to rest the debate and issued a proclamation citing Brunswick County, Virginia as “…the place of origin of this astonishing gastronomical miracle.”

The tradition continues. This tasty chicken stew is a top fundraiser for local organizations and is frequently sold out in advance of the contest. It is a proud, and delicious, symbol of what awaits the visitor to Brunswick County. Brunswick County, Virginia, that is!

Join the Businesses Behind the Taste of Brunswick FestivalThe Taste of Brunswick Festival brings thousands of guests to ...
05/30/2026

Join the Businesses Behind the Taste of Brunswick Festival

The Taste of Brunswick Festival brings thousands of guests to Brunswick County each year for a day of Brunswick Stew, live music, family fun, vendors, and community celebration.

Now is the time to reserve your spot in our official Festival Magazine and put your business in front of readers throughout Southside Virginia and Northern North Carolina. Advertising space starts at just $125.

Looking for even greater visibility? Our Premier Sponsorship opportunities include festival-day recognition, on-site signage, social media promotion, website recognition, and more.

📅 Festival Magazine advertising deadline: June 15

Learn more and reserve your spot today:
https://tasteofbrunswickfestival.com/be-a-sponsor/

Be seen. Be involved. Be part of the festival.

Be a Vendor at the 2026 Taste of Brunswick Festival! 🎨🍔🧁We’re now accepting applications for food vendors, craft vendors...
05/12/2026

Be a Vendor at the 2026 Taste of Brunswick Festival! 🎨🍔🧁

We’re now accepting applications for food vendors, craft vendors, and community organizations to join us on October 10th, 2026 for a day full of fun, flavor, and fantastic local talent!

Thousands of guests attend each year, making this an amazing opportunity to showcase your goods, services, or delicious dishes.

👉 Apply today and be part of one of the region’s favorite fall festivals! https://tasteofbrunswickfestival.com/applications-forms/

A huge congratulations to all of our Taste of Brunswick Festival Car Show winners! It was an incredible lineup of vehicl...
10/14/2025

A huge congratulations to all of our Taste of Brunswick Festival Car Show winners! It was an incredible lineup of vehicles this year—thank you to everyone who came out and showed off their rides.

Special congratulations to Charles Hammock, winner of Best in Show, and Ray Hudson, winner of the People’s Choice Award! 🏆

And a big thank-you to Kent Writtenberry and Kentz Kustomz Cycles for all their hard work in organizing another fantastic show!

10/13/2025
Congratulations to our Stew Tent Best Decorations winners!🥉 3rd place - Cheely Stew Crew🥈 2nd place - The Green Team🥇 1s...
10/13/2025

Congratulations to our Stew Tent Best Decorations winners!

🥉 3rd place - Cheely Stew Crew
🥈 2nd place - The Green Team
🥇 1st place - Lawson Stew Crew

These stew crews went all out and showed up in style!

And the winners are... 🥁🥁🎉4th Place - Dylan Pair🥉3rd Place - Mike & Alec Veliky🥈2nd Place - Kevin Pair🥇 1st Place - KEVI...
10/13/2025

And the winners are... 🥁🥁

🎉4th Place - Dylan Pair
🥉3rd Place - Mike & Alec Veliky
🥈2nd Place - Kevin Pair
🥇 1st Place - KEVIN DANIELS

Congratulations to all our stewmasters! It was a great competition this year! See you in 2026!!

10/12/2025
Ready for tomorrow 🧡💛🍂
10/10/2025

Ready for tomorrow 🧡💛🍂

10/10/2025

TOMORROW is the day!!

Taste of Brunswick Festival 2025 & World Championship Brunswick Stew Cook-off!

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Lawrenceville, VA
23868

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+14345772971

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