This September 11 weekend fundraiser celebrates OKRA! with beer, music and plenty to eat.

If you’re crazy about okra – or just don’t know what to do with all of it crowding your garden, refrigerator or grocery stores right now – make a stop at Okrapalooza 2022, where talented chefs will compete to construct the best okra dishes in Dallas.

In addition to the pod foods, okra will find its way into beverages, costumes and songs. This year, proceeds fund a new Promise of Peace community garden in East Dallas and sustain an existing P.O.P. farm in West Dallas.

Think of it as a music and food festival with ten talented chefs, including last years Okrapalooza champion Olivia Lopez, Rich Vana, Mark Wootton, Andrea Shakelford and Jeffery Hobbs. Yes, there will be a silent auction (because that’s the way charity fundraisers go) Okra dishes, live music, beer and wine are included in ticket price.

Who picks the winners? I do again (with a cast of other judges). And so do you, with your peoples’ choice votes.

Tickets are on sale now for the Sunday, September 11 event at Texas Ale Project (1001 North Riverfront Blvd, Dallas)

The event runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $75, with proceeds benefitting the Promise of Peace gardens. Children under 12 attend free.