Sophie Nguyen
Events & Culture Writer
As the Events & Culture Writer for City & Local, Sophie Nguyen guides readers through the community's most exciting events, local culture, and city happenings. She approaches her coverage with a passion for capturing the unique vibe of our neighborhoods, spotlighting everything from arts and entertainment to the food and drink scene. By highlighting local gatherings and cultural trends, Sophie provides readers with an essential guide to experiencing the very best of local living.
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Latest Articles
U.S. Midterm Elections See Early Focus
Two years out from the 2026 midterms, I see a striking disconnect.
Sep 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 11 Fall Food Festivals and Culinary Events for 2026
At New York City's Billion Oyster Party, attendees can sample oysters from over 35 North American farms, alongside 20+ dishes from local restaurants, creating a vast showcase of bivalve biodiversity a
Sep 11, 2026 · 8 min read
Local Fall Festivals and Community Events 2026 Draw Crowds
The Syracuse fall festival guide alone lists over 25 major festivals and events for September and October, signaling a robust return to community celebrations.
Sep 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Local Arts Events Drive Community Growth and Economy
In just two weeks this past June, Boston residents and visitors poured an estimated $83 million into the city's economy, turning streets and businesses into buzzing hubs of activity.
Sep 10, 2026 · 5 min read
US Cities See Surge in Diverse Culinary Events and International Flavors
In Portland, a new three-day festival featuring Asian street food, K-pop, and hundreds of panda attractions marks a nationwide surge in unique culinary events.
Sep 9, 2026 · 2 min read
7 Best Food Halls & Markets for Diverse Culinary Experiences
After a devastating 2020 fire claimed their original restaurant, Henry and Amanda Pineda's MFK Filipino is staging a vibrant comeback at Katella Commons, a new food hall within OCVibe.
Sep 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Extended Local Events Drive Community Connection and Economic Growth
In Portland, Oregon, a month-long arts festival generated $15 million in local revenue, a 25% increase over the previous year's shorter event, demonstrating the profound economic ripple effect of sust
Sep 8, 2026 · 3 min read
How Local Tourism Boards Preserve Historical Landmarks
A single guidebook from the Texas Historical Commission offers communities a step-by-step blueprint to transform local history into a thriving economic engine, generating new jobs and tax dollars.
Sep 7, 2026 · 2 min read
South Haven readies Best Beach Day 2026 community celebration
South Haven's South Beach, recently crowned Best Beach in Michigan in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, is gearing up for a community-wide celebration.
Sep 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Hoboken Italian Festival Celebrates 100 Years in 2026
In 2026, the Hoboken Italian Festival will replace its traditional fireworks with a drone show over the waterfront, marking a significant shift in its 100-year history.
Sep 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Health systems offer September 2026 local events and health screenings
In September 2026, McKenzie Health System will offer free PSA, glucose, and cholesterol screenings to the first 50 men, a targeted effort to boost preventative health.
Sep 5, 2026 · 2 min read
Local Businesses Face Rising Costs for Digital Reputation Management
Dark Hall Coffee, a local Arizona shop, turned a rude online comment about its gothic theme and Pride representation into a viral T-shirt campaign.
Sep 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Lowcountry fall cultural festivals and community events bloom
Hundreds flocked to Summerville for its first-ever Japanese Festival, signaling a new wave of diverse cultural celebrations sweeping the Lowcountry this fall.
Sep 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Local events combat loneliness and build real community connections.
Loneliness, a silent epidemic, can increase anxiety and depressive symptoms, yet many overlook the simple, powerful antidote found in local community events.
Sep 4, 2026 · 3 min read
8 Best New Food and Drink Experiences This Season
A single taco at El Califa de León, a new CDMX import, now costs a jaw-dropping $19.
Sep 4, 2026 · 6 min read
September 3-13: Global concerts and local community events
While BTS performs to tens of thousands at SoFi Stadium, just a few hours north, residents can celebrate Dolly Parton or explore local farms.
Sep 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Delmar hosts Labor Day weekend community events with new format
Just days before Labor Day weekend, Delmar's annual 'Riverfront Festival' announced a last-minute venue change.
Sep 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 9 September 2026 Local Festivals and Community Events Near You
While Baltimore residents dive into a new Jerrell Gibbs art exhibition this September, Chicagoans and Seattleites often hit a wall: event listings predominantly for 2026.
Sep 2, 2026 · 5 min read
Top 12 New Food and Drink Destinations for 2026
Between March 2025 and March 2026, thousands of new restaurants opened across the US, yet only 19 were deemed worthy of Bon Appétit's prestigious 'Best New Restaurants' list, according to LAmag .
Sep 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Digital platforms boost 2026 local volunteerism, but engagement depth is key.
In a small town of 10,000, a single Facebook group mobilized 300 volunteers for a river cleanup in under 48 hours.
Sep 1, 2026 · 4 min read