Event Lineup
Explore food, culture and community through a variety of different events.
Food and the Future
The Human Factor is more than a speaker event — it’s a dynamic experience that brings together thought leaders, storytellers and changemakers. This year’s theme, Food and the Future, invites us to explore the ways food connects us, shapes us and reveals the shared ingredients of humanity.
From our marquee event with culinary icon Alton Brown to hands-on service and immersive cultural experiences, our event lineup offers something for everyone. Come hungry for insight, conversation and connection.
Premier Speaker: Alton Brown
Date: Sept. 19, 2025
Location: Stewart Theatre
Acclaimed food personality, author and entertainer Alton Brown takes the stage for an unforgettable evening exploring the intersections of food, science, storytelling and society. Known for his hit shows like Good Eats and Iron Chef America, Brown brings his trademark wit and curiosity to bear on deeper questions: Why do we eat what we eat? How do our food choices reflect our values and identities? What can the history and future of food teach us about being human?
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More Events
Service Week
Date: Oct. 16-24, 2025
Get involved and give back during our Human Factor Service Day. In partnership with local organizations, we’ll be participating in a variety of activities to help address food insecurity, education and more. Show up to make a difference and be part of a collective effort rooted in empathy, action and shared humanity.
Alumni Food Panel
Date: Nov. 12, 2025
Join a panel of NC State Humanities and Social Sciences alumni who have carved out careers at the intersection of food, culture and community impact. From media and hospitality to entrepreneurship and sustainability, these alumni will share how their CHASS education helped stir change in their fields — and what they’ve learned along the way.
Food and Culture Expo
Date: Spring 2026 (TBA)
Taste your way around the world at our Food and Culture Expo — a celebration of global traditions, local flavors, and the stories behind what we eat. Featuring campus scholars and community groups, interactive displays, and sample bites, this event invites you to explore how culture, identity and heritage are expressed through food.