This blog post was updated on June 5, 2024.
If you’re one of those who love to dig in to yummy food and delicious drinks in a carnival-like atmosphere, then a good food festival should be on your list of things to do. In the U.S. in particular, there’s no shortage of fantastic gastronomic events all across the country that are sure to please whatever your palate may fancy.
Do we hear those tummies rumbling in hunger and excitement already? Well, then we’ve got the perfect lowdown to satiate those cravings: here are some mouth-watering food events you can tuck in to across America.
California Strawberry Festival
The California Strawberry Festival is a delightful celebration of everything strawberry. Held in Oxnard, a California city known for its abundant strawberry fields, this festival showcases the region’s rich agricultural heritage. The event offers a wide array of strawberry-themed treats, from classic shortcakes and homemade jams to innovative dishes like strawberry pizza and even strawberry-infused beer.
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival features live entertainment, including local bands and performers, adding a lively soundtrack to your day. Artisans display their crafts, offering unique strawberry-themed souvenirs and handmade goods. The strawberry pie-eating contest is a highlight, drawing both participants and spectators for a messy, fun-filled spectacle.
For families, the festival is a perfect outing with activities for children such as face painting, carnival rides, and educational exhibits about strawberry farming. The combination of delicious food, engaging entertainment, and family-friendly activities makes the California Strawberry Festival a must-visit event for anyone looking to enjoy the best of what Oxnard has to offer.
Dessert Wars — Various Cities
Who said you can’t start with dessert? If you have a major sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat at Dessert Wars, where you’ll have over 50 delectable items at your disposal. Every year, local vendors compete for the much-coveted Dessert Champion crown. It might seem like a piece of cake for them, but there’s definitely a lot of serious competition at America’s largest dessert festival.
Visitors can expect a tantalizing array of sweets ranging from decadent cakes and pastries to innovative ice creams and confections. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement as you stroll through booths sampling treats, watching live baking demonstrations, and engaging with passionate dessert artisans. Keep an eye out for special guest judges and live music that add to the festive ambiance.
The festival takes place around the country, but you might want to drop in on location competitions in Tampa, Raleigh, Charlotte, and more. Each city brings its own unique flair, ensuring a delightful experience no matter where you attend.
Dunedin Orange Festival — Florida
The Dunedin Orange Festival is a celebration of Florida’s iconic citrus fruit. Held each December in the charming coastal town of Dunedin, this festival showcases the state’s citrus heritage. Visitors can enjoy a variety of orange-themed delicacies, from fresh-squeezed orange juice and tangy marmalades to creative dishes like orange-glazed pastries and savory orange chicken.
The event is filled with live entertainment, featuring local bands and performers that keep the atmosphere lively. Citrus exhibits offer educational insights into the history and cultivation of oranges, while a classic car show adds a nostalgic touch. One of the festival’s highlights is the lively parade, where floats and performers celebrate all things orange. For those looking to get hands-on, the festival offers activities like orange peeling and juicing contests, making it an engaging experience for the whole family.
Seattle Street Food Festival
We know that food and entertainment always go hand in hand, right? Well, Seattle is home to the Pacific Northwest’s largest street food festival, featuring over 75 food trucks and live music. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the Seattle Street Food Festival; all the food and beer gardens are spread out over five blocks in the South Lake Union neighborhood.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of culinary delights, from gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas to exotic dishes from around the world. The live music performances add an energetic backdrop, creating a festive atmosphere as you sample your way through the festival.
One of the distinctive aspects of this festival is that it’s absolutely free to enter, which means you have more bucks to burn on food and drinks. In addition to the delicious offerings, the festival also features local craft vendors, interactive art installations, and family-friendly activities.
National Cherry Festival — Michigan
This is where life is literally a bowl of cherries for a week in Traverse City. A long-standing Michigan tradition, the National Cherry Festival comes to fruition — sorry, we couldn’t resist — every July for a week-long celebration. During that week, you’ll get to witness three different parades, applaud during the awards ceremonies, dig into cherry-based dishes, and partake in various activities.
Highlights of the festival include the cherry pit-spitting contest, a cherry pie-eating competition, and a range of culinary events showcasing the versatility of cherries. The festival also features live music, a classic car show, and an air show that delights both locals and visitors. Art enthusiasts can enjoy an art competition that revolves around the region’s beloved cherries, showcasing the creativity and talent of local artists.
Maine Lobster Fest
Do yourself a favor and visit Maine in late July for a delicious feast of fresh seafood. The oldest seafood festival, running since 1947, Maine Lobster Fest offers a variety of venues and events for everyone. If you want to test your sea legs, you can race across floating crates in the ocean during their annual lobster crate race.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including arts and crafts, cooking contests, live music, and an interactive aquarium. The festival also features a parade, a lobster-eating contest, and plenty of opportunities to savor lobster prepared in countless ways.
Georgia Peach Festival
Peaches are Georgia’s most iconic treat
The Georgia Peach Festival honors the state’s most famous fruit…the peach, of course! This festival spans two weekends in June and takes place in Fort Valley and Byron, the very heart of Georgia’s peach country. Here you will enjoy peach-themed culinary delights, including peach ice cream, peach cobbler, and peach preserves. The event also includes a parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the creation of the “World’s Largest Peach Cobbler,” a must-see highlight. The Georgia Peach Festival captures the essence of Southern hospitality and showcases the versatility of this beloved fruit.
Bourbon and Barbecue Festival — Chicago
The Midwest is home to a lot of great festivals year-round, especially those related to food. Every year, usually around September, meat lovers always rush over to Chicago for the Bourbon and Barbecue Festival. Instead of hosting a typical barbecue you’d see in the South, Chicago puts an international flair on their event by offering dishes from all over the world, along with an array of different meats to suit everyone’s taste buds and, of course, lots of bourbon! If inhaling the scent of juicy, sizzling meat into your nostrils isn’t enough to sway you over, don’t forget about their arts and crafts area and music that’ll keep playing until late in the evening.
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Brunchfest — Denver
Breakfast is usually known as the most important meal of the day, but what about brunch? It’s perfect when you want to sleep in on the weekends. Denver has embraced this idea with an annual Brunchfest, which takes place every August. Along with millions of other brunch enthusiasts, you can feast on a bottomless buffet of mimosas, bloody marys, and a variety of savory and sweet brunch classics. The festival offers an extensive selection of dishes, from fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict to gourmet avocado toast and artisanal pastries.
In addition to the delicious food and drinks, Brunchfest features live music, cooking demonstrations, and local vendors showcasing their products. The relaxed atmosphere and delectable offerings make Denver’s Brunchfest a must-attend event for anyone who loves a leisurely, indulgent brunch experience. What more could you want?
FAQs:
Q: How can I find the exact dates for these food festivals?
A: Check the official websites or social media pages of each event for the most accurate and updated dates. Festival dates can vary each year and are often announced several months in advance.
Q: Are these festivals family-friendly?
A: Yes, most of these festivals are family-friendly and offer activities for all ages. Events like the National Cherry Festival, Dunedin Orange Festival, and California Strawberry Festival have specific activities for children.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: It depends on the festival. Some events, like the Seattle Street Food Festival, have free entry, while others, like Dessert Wars and Brunchfest, typically require tickets. It’s best to check each festival’s website for ticketing information and purchase in advance if needed.
Q: What type of accommodation options are available near these festivals?
A: Accommodation options vary by location but generally include hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Popular festivals might have nearby hotels offering special rates, so it’s advisable to book early.
Q: Are there any dietary options available at these festivals?
A: Yes, many festivals offer a variety of dietary options. For example, Vegandale Fest focuses on vegan foods, while other festivals may have gluten-free, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options. Check the festival’s website or contact organizers for specific dietary accommodations.
Q: Can I bring my pet to these food festivals?
A: Policies on pets vary by festival. Some outdoor festivals might allow pets, while others may not due to health and safety regulations. It’s best to check the festival’s official guidelines regarding pets before attending.
Q: What should I bring with me to the festival?
A: Bring essentials such as comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Cash or cards for food and merchandise, a blanket or folding chair for seating, and a camera or phone for photos are also recommended.
Do you have other food festivals on your list? Tell us about them in the comments!
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