Flavor is the focus at Flathead Valley Community College in September. 

The theme of the 17th annual Festival of Flavors is The Crush, “that moment when the grape harvest comes to a close and the juices are extracted, bringing the community together in support of the harvest.” All proceeds from the FVCC Foundation event go to student scholarships.  

On Sept. 13 at 6 p.m., Festival of Flavors celebrates homecoming with the flavors of 406 BBQ and the music of Archertown at the I.A. O'Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater. Fresh off their appearance at the Kentucky Derby in May, 406 BBQ serves up a menu of traditional, southern-inspired, and Hawaiian barbecue. There will be games for children and raffles throughout the night. The amphitheater is at the Wachholz Community College Center. 

From Sept. 14 through 26, FVCC’s Culinary Institute of Montana brings fine dining home. 

In his inaugural Festival of Flavors appearance, FVCC Executive Chef and five-time James Beard Award nominee, Andy Blanton, will prepare fine dining-inspired dinners hosted by FVCC supporters. Details for these limited engagements will be announced at fvcc.edu. 

On Sept. 28, more than a dozen local chefs and restaurants will serve up their interpretation of The Crush theme at the festival’s Grand Wine Tasting and live auction. Summit Beverage will curate the wine selection for the evening. The “best food and win party of the year” kicks off at 6 p.m. The tasting will showcase the talents.

The public is invited to bid in the online auction from Sept. 13 through Sept. 28. Dozens of packages containing wine, local goods and culinary items will be auctioned off. 

The Festival of Flavors is the college’s biggest annual scholarship fundraiser. Last year, the foundation raised more than $400,000 for scholarships. 

“Our generous donors make all the difference to FVCC students on their educational journey. 

We are tremendously grateful for everyone who has supported our students through the last 16 

Festival of Flavors and look forward to making this year the best yet,” said Tagen Vine, FVCC chief development officer. 

In 2023, the foundation awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to FVCC students.  

Tickets go on sale Aug. 1 Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit fvcc.edu/foundation, call 756-3632, or email foundation@fvcc.edu.