ROYAL OAK, Mich. – One of the nation’s tastiest festivals is returning to downtown Royal Oak for its 25th anniversary year over Labor Day weekend Sept. 2-5. Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank is bringing a diverse menu of enticing taste options from more than 50 restaurants, caterers and food trucks throughout metro Detroit.
“As always I encourage attendees to come with an empty stomach, because we have another wonderful group of culinary artists bringing delicious, diverse food options to the festival,” said Jon Witz, Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats festival producer. “The abundance of cuisine offerings at Arts, Beats & Eats is what distinguishes it as the go-to culinary destination for Labor Day weekend in metro Detroit, and for our 25th anniversary we are continuing that tradition.”
The diversity of the delicious food options cannot be denied at this year’s festival. From the Italian offerings of Trattoria Da Luigi, Polish pierogi at Gosia’s Pierogies, the Mexican favorites of Galindo’s and Real Taco Express, and plenty of BBQ from Smoke House 52, House of Barbecue, Hog Heaven or Del Ray. These are just a small selection of the diverse cuisine options coming to Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats this year.
New to the festival this year is the nationally known Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which is new to the metro Detroit area and bringing a taste of Maine lobster to metro Detroit, including its popular Maine and Connecticut rolls, lobster bisque and New England clam chowder soups and lobster tail with a side of tater tots. Another newcomer to this year’s festival is Pita Way, a popular metro Detroit-based chain with 16 locations specializing in Mediterranean cuisine in a fast, affordable, quality way. Founded in 2010 in Clarkston, Michigan by Brandon Bahoura, Pita Way has quickly grown in popularity and is known for its signature sandweech, which is a traditional rolled-up sandwich on white pita bread; quesopita, a Mediterranean spin on a quesadilla using a folded pita; and bowls filled with optional toppings. Galindo’s, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, had an award-winning performance at the inaugural Royal Oak Taco Festival and will be returning to Royal Oak for its first time at Arts, Beats & Eats to dazzle some tastebuds again.
The festival is also welcoming a few new local establishments and tastemakers this year. The Fern, a soon-to-be Royal Oak favorite that is opening in August, offers delectable meal replacement shakes that people swear taste like ice cream, as well as energizing teas to help folks start their day. Also joining this year’s “eats” lists is Oak House Deli, Inc., which specializes in everyone’s favorite deli items with its own unique spin, along with a full vegan menu with plenty of options to bring everyone a delectable deli experience. Additionally added this year is Nautical Bowls which specializes in delicious organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and plant-based bowls with a range of toppings and bases packed full of essential vitamins and nutrients, a perfect choice for those who want to treat themselves while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
RETURNING FAVORITES
Some notable returns this year are the Soaring Eagle Cuisine Machine, bringing a taste of Soaring Eagles’ captivating dining experience on wheels to the festival. Fine dining options are available from ImaginAte, a local restaurant run by Omar Mitchell who was successful in his first year at the festival and is eager to return to offer his unique selection of locally sourced and freshly made steaks and other meats. The Drunken Rooster food truck, which specializes in Mexican street food with a Mediterranean twist, also is back with exotic, and yet, familiar tastes that are sure to please all who try them, especially their Mexican street corn covered with salsa mayo, cotija cheese and their signature spice mix, a well-known fan favorite from years past.
Other popular options returning this year are Sedona Taphouse, which specializes in hand-cut steaks, sustainable seafood selections and heart-healthy offerings; Cinnabon, with itsfamous, crave-worthy cinnamon rolls; and the gourmet options of Crispelli’s bakery and pizzeria.
The full lineup of participating restaurants, caterers and food trucks so far at this year’s Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats with more to come include:
2022 FESTIVAL HOURS AND ADMISSION
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats will be open 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 through Sunday, Sept. 4; and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5. Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2 and $10 after 5 p.m. Every other day, admission is $5 before 3 p.m. and $10 after
3 p.m. Cash and credit card transactions will be accepted at gate entrances.
2022 SPONSORS
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Flagstar Bank, Beaumont Health, City of Royal Oak, Baker College, Delta Dental, Detroit Institute of Arts, The Detroit News, DTE Energy, Hornitos, House of Dank, Imperial Beverage, Jim Beam, Josh Cellars, Kroger, M-1 Studios, M3 Investments, Maker’s Mark, Marriott Southfield, Michigan Lottery, Oakland Community College, OOZE, Pepsi, Pita Way. Priority Health, Royal Oak DDA, Shorts Brewing Company, Old Nation, Tito’s Vodka and US Park.
FESTIVAL STATS
In 2021, more than 365,000 visitors attended the four-day festival and generated nearly $400K to donate to local charities. Since the event began in 1998, more than $6 million has been raised by the festival for community and charitable organizations.
The Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats presented by Flagstar Bank is Oakland County’s premier festival held annually during the Labor Day weekend. The festival paints downtown Royal Oak with a variety of art, food and music for the community to enjoy. More than 375,000 visitors attended the 2021 Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats. “LIKE” artsbeatseats on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @artsbeatseats. For additional public information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com or call 248-541-7550.
Source: Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats