Dumplin's & Dancin'
NOVEMBER 14-16, 2025
An Appalachian Food & Dance Weekend
Dumplin’s & Dancin’ is more than just a get-together. It’s a community-wide gathering where farmers, musicians, chefs, square dance callers, seed savers, dancers, and food activists, all committed to the preservation of Appalachian foodways and dance traditions, come together to learn, network, and eat at the historic Hindman Settlement School.
Attendees may choose to take part in a host of workshops and each evening features a powerful keynote along with lively music and dancing. Explore the weekend schedule and the bios of our weekend chefs and faculty.
- Feature talk and book signing with award-winning food writer and media host Sheri Castle, host of The Key Ingredient on PBS and author of a tall stack of cookbooks.
- A locally-sourced Feast prepared by two of Kentucky’s finest chefs Kristin Smith and Ouita Michel alongside their culinary teams and visiting chefs Alex Green, Babz Goldman Nartowicz and Lisa & Amy Bourque.
- A host of concurrent sessions on topics ranging from tomato dumplings, cooking with pawpaws, making farmer’s cheese, seed saving, breadmaking 101, creating craft cocktails, Irish and Appalachian dance, preserving like a pro, and more!
- Nightly square dances will feature performances from the house band and Blue Ridge Gathering with guest callers Will Bowling and Sarah Kate Morgan.
Multiple registration options are available for Dumplin’s & Dancin’!
Weekend registration, including access to all workshops, demonstrations, and meals, is only $95.
For those opting to utilize campus housing in one of our historic cottages, the cost is $100 for both Friday and Saturday nights. All housing features shared baths and living spaces. Additional lodging may be available in area hotels for those wishing to commute.
