When it comes to food, you know the US has a wide selection of classical and innovative creations which will undoubtedly leave you feeling blissfully charmed by the beautiful cuisine. There is so much that you can learn about a place when you partake in the food and wine of the area. What you find in the south would be very different to what you find in the east and food festivals are a great place to indulge yourself in local and regional cuisine that is sure to make your mouth water. We have a selection of the best food festivals in the US that will sure to have your taste buds tingling.
When it comes to food festivals, there truly is something for everyone. Regardless of whether you are a sweet tooth or someone who loves their bacon, you are sure to find something on this list that will leave you wanting to attend at least one of these festivals.
Hence, without further adieu, let’s dive right into our selection of what we think are the best food festivals in the US.
1. LA Food Fest
Stationed in Los Angeles, the LA Food Fest is a celebration of food. They mainly focus on small business owners and you are sure to find an array of food trucks serving some tasty dishes.
The festival is considered one of the most affordable gatherings. You really won’t have to break the bank partaking in the LA Food Fest. It is the smaller, independently owned businesses that the festival highlights and you are sure to be treated to some amazing LA food.
There is a wine garden which is probably one of the key attractions at the Food Fest, with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages to quench your thirst. There is also some great live music at the location and you are sure to find yourself entertained as you indulge in the beautiful food and drink of LA.
2. Bounty of Yamhill County
Nestled in the breathtaking Willamette Valley in Oregon, Bounty of Yamhill County is not too far off from Portland. Known as the land of sustainable farms, you would find food served from freshly sourced local farms, brought to you by a line of extremely talented chefs.
The location of the food festival also holds a rightful title as the ‘land of wineries.’ You would find yourself enjoying some amazing wines.
The time of the day you choose to attend will decide on which meal you want to partake in. The festival caters for brunch, lunch, dinner and even picnics. If you want to make the most out of the food festival, you could combine the experience of some amazing food with a hike that will take you through the wilderness. You can enjoy a picnic on one such hike and always come back to the festival for some amazing food and wine.
3. NYC Wine and Food Festival
Located in the exciting city of New York, the NYC Wine and Food Festival is a must-attend for any New Yorker. The festival used to be a one-day event. However, considering the traction and popularity it has gained over the years, the celebration now lasts for four whole days.
There are over 100 events at the festival, all of which support amazing causes. All proceeds that are generated from the food festival is directed to various causes such as No Kid Hungry® and Food Bank For New York City.
You would find some amazing dishes served by the best world-renowned chefs and even have the chance to witness some hands-on demonstrations. All in all, the four-day food festival, located in New York City is something that will leave you feeling fulfilled and satisfied.
4. Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
If you are looking to visit Hawaii, you should really look into the dates of this food festival which takes place each year. It would surely make your visit to Hawaii, that much better.
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is a two-week-long extravaganza of food and wine. Stretching across land borders, the festival takes place on multiple islands. Regardless of which island you find yourself on, you should be able to find a tasty treat right around the corner.
If you love wine, the festival would be a treat for you. There is a great selection of wines that you can taste and enjoy. You have the chance to enjoy the amazing cuisine of Hawaii, while the chefs awe you with some amazing flavours and skillfully culinary demonstrations. The festival provides the means to experience a unique excursion, indulging yourself in the exotic flavours of the lands in the scenic beauty of Hawaii.
5. Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival
The second LA festival on our list is the Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival. The festival celebrates over 100 celebrity chefs, hence you can expect a punch of flavour and excitement from this festival.
The festival serves over 250 wines from around the world and is accompanied by some amazing live entertainment. You have the chance to try spirit tasting or witness some fabulous cooking demonstrations by some renowned chefs.
The festival is held each year in support of the Berkeley Foundation, which is a charity that works to distribute funds to other LA-based organisations in support of helping youth. It truly is a great cause to celebrate.
6. Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
If you are after international cuisine, then this is the right stop for you. It is a great family festival which will undoubtedly excite the whole family. If you are a fan of Walt Disney, then this festival located in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida should be something that you add to your bucket list.
The festival lasts for 62-days and is a celebration of wine and food from around the world. You would have the chance to sample the exotic flavours of Morocco or Africa. There are some tasty events that you can partake in.
Coupled with the amazing selection of wine and food from around the world, visitors will be able to enjoy some live concerts. If you love your drink, the mixology sessions at the festival are sure to excite you. All in all, the whole family is in for a treat and the international exposure would be something that is cherished by many festival-goers.
7. Taste of Chicago
Hosted by the Windy City, the Taste of Chicago is sure to provide you with some eclectic flavours which will leave your taste buds tingling.
The food is nothing short of amazing and the live events at the festival are extraordinary. They have a fabulous lineup of musical performers, which makes the event not to be missed.
Names like Billy Idol, Kongos and Elle King all performed at the festival. Undoubtedly sure to provide you with a tasty treat, the festival will leave you wanting to come back each year.
8. New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
Welcoming over 10,000 gastronomes, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience is a celebration that supports culinary education. All proceeds from the festival go towards supporting various establishments that look to further access to culinary education.
The event is a four-day-long celebration with participants serving special menus which are created for the occasion itself.
You have the chance to taste some amazing flavours and pick from a selection of wines from around the world. The Royal Street Stroll is a highlight of the festival with a parade-style experience of the amazing fine art, live jazz, fabulous wine and tasty food tents along the way.
9. Charleston Food + Wine Festival
If you are looking for something truly local, then the Charleston Food + Wine Festival in Charleston, South Carolina is sure to be your ticket.
Experience the culinary culture of Charleston while you help to raise funds for scholarships for those studying culinary arts. It is a win-win situation in which everyone goes home happy.
The festival lasts for five days and highlights a Culinary Village which features some renowned chefs. The flavours are truly blissful. The Village also caters for amazing winemakers. You would even find authors and book signings taking place at the festival.
From live music, to book signings and fabulous tastings, the festival is sure to tease your senses.
10. The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival
The festival takes place on the warm and beautiful sunny coast of Miami Beach in Florida. You are sure to find yourself pleasantly charmed by the culinary talents of chefs at this festival.
The event is a five-day-long affair and caters for some famous personalities within food and wine. You could even take a class and learn something while you attend the festival here in Miami.
There are over 80 events including dinners and presentations. If you love your wine, you are sure to find a great selection at the festival with winemakers from around the world exhibiting.
11. Portland Dining Month
You got it from the name itself, Portland hosts this month-long extravaganza to indulge you in the art of eating. The festival began in 2009 and since have been keeping attendees happy and full.
All the best restaurants in the city come together to make this event a lively and happening festival, offering three-course meals at affordable prices. Affordability is the key draw to the festival and you are sure to find slashed rates on some amazing local cuisine.
You can quite easily find more than 100 restaurants partaking in the events, which obviously leaves you with a wide selection of what you want to taste. There is plenty of good food to be had and since it is not a one-day event, you can come back the next day and try something new. A portion of the money raised by the event goes to support the Oregon Food Bank charity.
12. Picklesburgh Festival
If you are looking for fast food, this festival is fast-food heaven. Hot dogs, pizzas, burgers and more of that cheesy goodness and pickles. The Picklesburgh Festival will treat you to everything Pittsburgh has to offer.
The festival was sold out in 2020, which just goes to show how popular it is. You have the chance to indulge in some amazing flavours by both home and professional chefs and celebrate the culinary creativity of this great city.
The cuisine is international, hence don’t be surprised to find something beyond the norm. The festival boasts a farm to dining table approach relying on the freshest ingredients. The festival is very family-centric and you would find some great games and activities which would brilliantly accompany your dining experience.
13. Oysterfest Music Festival
This festival takes places in two cities, San Franciso and San Diego. The festival is a great celebration of food, drinks and music.
There is usually a fine selection of both national and foreign talent performing at the event. As for the food, the festival is rightfully titled Oysterfest for it offers some of the best oysters prepared in any way imaginable. You can find oysters, baked, barbecued, fried or even eaten raw.
Though oysters are great, is that the only thing the festival offers? The festival boasts a delicious continental cuisine that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
14. San Diego Food and Wine Festival
This food festival in San Diego is over 15 years old and is an excellent choice for those who are looking for gourmet food. The festival invites celebrity chefs and some amazing winemakers from around the world.
You would also find food critics on the trails, hence you would know that the food that is on offer is subpar to non. If you love your gourmet food and wine, then this festival is something that you should look to attend each year. The festival truly takes a shining to the word ‘best.’
With over 40 events showcasing some of the best talents in the city, the festival is ended with the Grand Tasting which takes place on the last day of the festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
15. Eat Drink SF
San Francisco boasts some amazing restaurants and chefs. It is at this festival where they all merge and come together to captivate your senses with some amazing fine dining from the region.
Regardless of where you are in America, if you love your food and wine, then this should be something you add to your yearly calendar. In fact, each year, the festival draws in food and wine lovers from all around America.
Everything at the festival, the culinary experiences and other events are all hosted under the same roof. With so many celebrity chefs hosted by San Francisco, this festival is a great chance for you to catch them all at their best.
16. Taste of Vail
Have the chance to have a taste of some of the amazing flavours that this resort town has to offer. It was crowned one of the best food festivals in the US in 2018 and 2019 and we are here to take this legacy forward.
You will find events across various parts of the town which is located at the base of the mountains. This three-day festival will leave you wanting more, so while you have the chance, make sure to indulge in everything that is to offer, to your heart’s content.
The Colorado Lamb Cook-off is a highlight of the festival, followed by the Apres Ski Tasting. You are sure to find yourself spoilt by everything that this town has to offer and are sure to eat and drink something truly amazing on your merry way.
17. A Taste of Colorado
Though the festival first began in 1895, it was discontinued in 1902 and only restarted again in 1983. Since then, however, A Taste of Colorado has been a sensational name attracting over 500,000 people each year.
The festival is mostly targeted at families and admission is free of cost. There is even a Kids Zone where the kids are specially catered for. Regardless of your age, you are sure to have a delightful time, tasting the flavours that Colorado has to offer.
The event also showcases over 25 regional and national musical artists, providing for a great mix of food and music. Undoubtedly, A Taste of Colorado has been rightfully titled as one of the best food festivals in the US.
18. Food and Wine Classic In Aspen
Organised in Aspen, Colorado, the festival is a three-day extravaganza of food, discussions about food and of course wine tasting.
You would find yourself amidst the beautiful snowy Rocky Mountains being captivated by an amazing dining experience. Unlike some of the other festivals on this list, this festival in Aspen isn’t considered the most affordable. In fact, you could be looking to spending some good money indulging in everything the festival has to offer. Is it worth it? Most definitely yes.
You would be allowing yourself to be spoilt by more than 70 renowned chefs and wine experts. With an array of delicacies to choose from, though the festival may cost you a pretty penny, you will come back with a stomach full of memories from the unforgettable experience you had in Aspen.
19. Bay Bites Food Truck Festival
The Bay Bites Food Truck Festival is one of the biggest food festivals in the US. It is a food truck haven and is considered the greatest food truck festival in North America.
If you are after local cuisine and are looking to sample some real American flavours, look no further, the Bay Bites Food Truck Festival hosts some of the best food trucks from the area.
You have the chance to grab a delightful taco, or a burger or a crab crepe. If you prefer wings, we’re sure there would be more than one truck offering some amazing wings. Regardless of what you prefer, you are in for a treat. If you love food trucks and are looking to sample the flavours of America, make it a point to add this festival to your list.
20. 4th of July Barbecue Festival
This festival has been running for a long time and marks the celebration of the 4th of July. Taking place in the suburb of Birmingham, the festival is hosted by the Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.
Marking the day of independence of the nation, the festival is truly an all American way to celebrate the 4th of July. Though you may think this festival to be a small scale local festival, the 4th of July Barbecue Festival in Birmingham is one of the top food festivals in the US.
You are in for an all American treat with burgers and hot dogs sure to keep you wishing you weren’t full.
21. Bite of Oregon
Featuring some of the local microbrews and wines and some amazing Oregon-based restaurateurs, the Bite of Oregon is truly a local festival worth the title of one of the best food festivals in the US.
The festival is a three-day extravaganza that focuses on green living. The aim of the festival is to be a zero-waste event with eco-friendly compostable tasting plates.
What is best is you get to take your pick of the portions. You can choose to eat a small plate or a meal-sized portion of burgers, shellfish, sushi and a whole lot more.
There are food trucks offering some delightful treats like the Whiffies Fried Pies. Combined with some amazing local brewers, this festival is sure to leave you feeling completely satisfied and happy.
22. The Barbecue Festival
Hosted by Lexington in North Carolina, don’t let the simple name of this food festival fool you. You have the chance to taste some of the best BBQ in the world.
Taking place each October, the food festival at Lexington brings in thousands of BBQ connoisseurs. Lexington claims to be the Barbecue Capital of the World and many of the people who attend this festival would rightfully agree.
There is an endless BBQ line at the festival and any time is a good time for pork, beef and chicken. Coupled with the amazing food that is on offer, you can also partake in lively games. All in all, if you love a good old barbeque, you should most certainly not shy away from this festival.
23. Maine Lobster Festival
Maine is probably the best state that does Lobster justice. Hence if you are a seafood lover, you should make it a point to add this festival to your calendar.
The festival attracts over 30,000 people each year, all of whom have the amazing chance to taste and sample some of the fresh local seafood.
Located in Rockland, the festival is all about the sea and if it is seafood that you after, then look no further, this festival is sure to be a treat. Whether you are a seasoned seafood lover or someone who has just touched the surface of the water, you are sure to find yourself spoilt by everything the Maine Lobster Festival has to offer.
24. National Fried Chicken Fest
Hosted by New Orleans, if you are after the southern delight of fried chicken, this festival is a must to attend. The festival offers free admission to attendees and highlights some of the best-fried chicken in the country.
The event is a two-day long outdoor celebration of more than 35 restaurants. There is live music and some amazing cooking demonstrations. The activities are family-friendly and there is even a fried chicken eating contest for festival-goers.
The festival is sure to provide you with a memorable day of fun, with some amazing fried chicken that is surely finger-licking yummy.
25. National Hamburger Festival
Though the hamburger was not first created in America, there is truly nothing more American these days than a hamburger.
The National Hamburger Festival takes place in Akron, Ohio and offers attendees the opportunity to sample some of the best hamburgers in the world.
If you are looking to attend, make sure you go hungry; that way you can stuff yourself with all the goodness the festival has to offer. The festival caters for some of the samples of the world’s greatest, hence be prepared to taste something truly amazing.
26. National Buffalo Wing Festival
This weekend-long extravaganza brings in about 80,000 people from around the world. Since its onset in 2002, the festival has been pleasing wing fanatics from around the country.
Hosted in Buffalo, New York, the festival marks the celebration of buffalo wings, which in actuality is true American bar food. Catering to people of all ages, there is live entertainment at the venue which doubles the excitement of the event.
There is even a wing eating contest that looks to measure just how many wings one can ingest. All in all, it is an all American food festival that should not be missed by any buffalo wings lover.
27. National Cherry Festival
Taking place in Traverse City in northern Michigan, in what is called the ‘Cherry Capital of the World,’ the National Cherry Festival takes places every year in July.
The festival is an 80 day-long celebration with concerts, road races, parades and an air show and of course, lots and lots of cherries. If you are a bit of a sweet tooth, then this festival is sure to excite you. Sample in some amazing local pies and pancakes and indulge in local wines.
Most of what the festival offers is free; the fireworks, the air show and parades to state a few. However, the concerts and some other attractions do charge fees.
28. Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
Held in the beautiful lakeside enclave of Shelburne, Vermont, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival brings in hordes of people from around the country, all of whom love cheese.
The festival provides a great place for cheesemakers from around the state to showcase their cheeses. The event is rather popular and the tickets to the event usually sells out. Hence if you are looking to attend, you should make it a point to book well ahead of time.
You have the chance to sample some tasty cheeses and take part in cheese-making demonstrations, farm tours and everything and more related to cheese.
29. Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
Hosted by Cary in North Carolina, the festival is a two-day event that takes place in late July to early August. If you love your beer and bourbon, then this festival has to be a sure stop for you.
You would be tasting some succulent pilled pork, saucy ribs and savoury brisket and wash it all down with a cold beer or a shot of bourbon. There are an array of tasty eats at the festival and plenty of live entertainment.
You can choose between general admission or an all-access pass depending on what you looking to do at the festival. All in all, you are in for some tasty treats and praiseworthy drinks at the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival in Cary.
30. Gilroy Garlic Festival
As weird as this may sound, the festival is actually all about garlic. Hence you won’t be finding your vampire there. We had to include this festival in our list of the best, for it truly showcases the creative talents of the local people.
Here at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, you would find a wide array of dishes, all including garlic. From garlic fries to garlic chocolate and even garlic ice cream, you are sure to find something or the other here that will delightfully surprise you.
The event brings in 100,000 people each year, all of whom look to indulge in the goodness of all those garlic dishes. There is also live entertainment at the venue which provides for a lively atmosphere.
Best Food Festivals in the US
Didn’t we tell you, the US has some amazing food festivals. We simply couldn’t find the means to keep this list short, considering the variety and diversity offered by all of these food festivals on this list.
Regardless of which one you pick from the list, you are sure to have a unique experience. Though there are quite a few BBQ festivals, even those would have varying flavours depending on where you look to visit.
Needless to say, if you are a foodie and we know that you are because you are in fact reading this, you should really make it a point to attend all of these food festivals at least once. Add them all to your bucket list and tick them off one by one.
Regardless of where you drive in the country, you will find good food, however, if you are after good food, look to drive towards these food festivals. You would not be left even slightly disappointed.
Happy Travels!
