Warm Up in Elkin: Big Elkin Brrrfest & Soupin' for Shelter Returns

A winter weekend that warms hearts (and stomachs). When temperatures drop, Elkin knows how to turn up the heat with steaming bowls of homemade soup, craft brews, and a community that rallies together for a good cause. The annual Big Elkin Brrrfest & Soupin' for Shelter Benefit is the kind of small-town tradition that feels like a hug in the middle of winter.

Held downtown at Coley Hall Event Venue on Saturday, February 7th, this cozy celebration blends competition, local flavor, and neighborly spirit, all to benefit The Ark, Elkin's women's and children's shelter. From the first sip to the last spoonful, every taste makes a difference.

A Winter Tradition with Heart

The Soup Off is a cornerstone of Brrrfest. The soup off is a good-natured competition where local restaurants and home cooks ladle up their best recipes in hopes of earning the crowd’s vote. Each spoonful tells its own story, from smoky chowders to hearty stews, as attendees make their rounds tasting and cheering on their favorites.

Proceeds from the event support The Ark, a lifeline for women and children in need of safe, stable housing. The Ark provides a drug- and alcohol-free environment for those seeking to rebuild and find independence, making every bowl served at Brrrfest a tangible way to help others find warmth long after the weekend ends.

Stirring Up Friendly Competition

It’s not just about who takes home the title. It’s about the laughter shared over simmering pots, the aroma of spices filling the air, and the joy of seeing familiar faces gathered for a good cause. Each year brings new creative soups to sample. Every year there are a multitude of new entries from classic chicken noodle to bold, unexpected combinations that keep the crowd guessing.

Local chefs, home cooks, and even community groups pour their hearts (and their recipes) into the contest. Visitors can taste, vote, and savor their way through a delicious lineup that celebrates Elkin’s love for good food and friendly rivalry.

Brews That Bring the Cheer

Of course, no Brrrfest is complete without the “brrr.” A rotating selection of local and regional breweries joins the fun, offering pours that pair perfectly with every spoonful: crisp lagers, smooth ales, and rich stouts that chase away the chill. The event’s lively atmosphere hums with live music, clinking glasses, and conversations that last long after the taps run dry.

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or just along for the fun, Brrrfest offers a taste of North Carolina’s brewing culture right in the heart of the Yadkin Valley.

More Than a Festival

Beyond the soups and brews, what makes Brrrfest special is its spirit. Downtown Elkin glows with winter charm as friends, neighbors, and visitors come together for an afternoon that blends comfort, laughter, and purpose. It’s a celebration of everything small towns do best: gathering, giving, and finding joy in the simplest of things

Plan Your Visit

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 7, and experience this heartwarming tradition for yourself. The Big Elkin Brrrfest & Soup Off will be held at Coley Hall at The Liberty in downtown Elkin. Tickets support The Ark, helping local families find safety and stability.

In Elkin, good food and good company are never in short supply — especially when they come together for a cause worth celebrating.

Get Tickets!