National Fried Chicken Festival
Taking place in New Orleans, the National Fried Chicken Festival is the ideal spot to indulge in delicious, piping hot fried chicken. Sponsored by Raising Cane's, the festival features a variety of other vendors as well. If you're not in the mood for chicken or have had your fill, there are plenty of alternative options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
The festival offers a wide range of entertaining activities. Visit the beer garden, margarita garden, or tea brew house to complement your meal. Check out the main stage for cooking demonstrations and insights from culinary experts on all things fried chicken. Enjoy a classic car show, explore the children's area, or take in an impressive lineup of musical performances.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
As you drive through the rural farmlands of Central California, the aroma of garlic wafts through the air, a signature of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. This unique culinary event stands out for its celebration of this strong-flavored ingredient. But how did it all start? The festival was initiated in 1979 by the President of Gavilan College in Gilroy to honor garlic, a local crop that continues to thrive today.
At the festival, you can find a wide array of garlic-infused dishes, ranging from classic favorites like garlic fries and pepper steak sandwiches to surprising treats like garlic ice cream. If it can be enhanced with garlic, you’re likely to find it there. Join in the excitement as chefs showcase their skills in the garlic cook-off, or relax and enjoy live music from the stage.
Maine Lobster Festival
The five-day Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland has been a paradise for lobster enthusiasts since 1947, offering a wide array of seafood options as well. At the heart of the festival is the main lobster cooker, which serves up the local delicacy for dinner each evening. A nearby café tent provides lobster rolls, salads, wraps, and other delicious choices throughout the day.
In addition to the culinary delights, there are plenty of entertaining games and activities, including a main stage featuring live music, a kids' tent, and a petting zoo. Challenge yourself in a lobster-eating contest or race across floating lobster crates. You can also explore Maine's rich heritage and culture through interactive displays and historical exhibits that highlight the significance of lobsters in the region.
Cheese Curd Festival
It's no wonder that the Cheese Curd Festival is hosted in Wisconsin. This two-day celebration features approximately 6,000 pounds of cheese curds and takes place in Ellsworth, the state's cheese curd capital. Attendees can enjoy these delicious curds alongside craft beer, hard ciders, local wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and a variety of delectable food options such as barbecue, hot dogs, and burgers. Vendors also showcase their unique takes on cheese curds, including sweet dessert varieties. Each year, the festival introduces a special signature flavor of curd that can only be found at the event.
In addition to indulging in culinary delights, visitors can enjoy live music, admire classic cars, or even take part in the cheese curd eating contest. Local breweries compete by pairing their craft brews with cheese curds, with festival-goers serving as the judges.
South Beach Wine and Food Festival
If you're eager to connect with your favorite celebrity chef, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival is the perfect destination. This expansive festival in Miami features renowned personalities like Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and Alex Guarnaschelli.
You can purchase tickets for a dinner hosted by your culinary hero or watch your favorite chefs go head-to-head in exciting competitions. Unlike many other festivals, this one offers various tiers and individual event tickets instead of a single all-inclusive pass. Be prepared to spend a bit more, especially if you want to participate in the most sought-after classes, dinners, and special events.
Taste of Chicago
You don’t need tickets to join the Taste of Chicago festival at Grant Park in the Windy City. Set against the stunning backdrop of Buckingham Fountain, the festival offers a wide array of food and entertainment options, including free concerts on two stages, family-friendly activities, and even a massive 1,000-pound cheesecake.
While food is provided by various vendors, you can enjoy live music, take part in dance events, and explore the family area, which features art, games, and inflatables—all at no cost. For those seeking a tasty treat, the festival boasts numerous choices, including food trucks, restaurant tents, and beverage vendors. A complete list of available food will be released prior to the festival weekend in the fall.
National Cherry Festival
If you're a fan of this delightful and tangy fruit, you won't want to miss the National Cherry Festival in Michigan. Taking place in Traverse City, one of the world's cherry capitals, the festival features parades, pageants, marching bands, and, naturally, an abundance of cherries. Signature offerings include pie, juice, dried cherries, and wine, and you can even pick your own fruit from the u-pick fields.
In 2025, the festival will celebrate its 99th year, with notable performers such as Tyler Hubbard, "Weird Al" Yankovic, and T.I. gracing the main stage. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will also be present for an exciting airshow, and numerous local artists, including students, will be recognized for their talents.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival spans several days across Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui. Attendees can choose to experience one festival or all three, enjoying food and wine tastings as well as gala dinners that highlight local ingredients. A significant focus of this festival is to nurture emerging culinary talent, ensuring the continued growth of Hawaii's food industry. Various wine dinners and grand tasting events take place at different locations, allowing participants to explore some of the islands' popular spots.
Hawaii's culinary landscape is shaped by global influences, with a strong emphasis on indigenous local ingredients. Much like the islands themselves, the festival celebrates a blend of cultures, infusing everything with a unique Aloha spirit.
The Feast of San Gennaro
Held in the heart of Little Italy in NYC, the Feast of San Gennaro has been a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, food, and entertainment for 99 years. Many vendors offer traditional Neapolitan dishes, such as pizza, spaghetti alle vongole, and delectable sfogliatella pastries, along with various Italian-themed goods.
Due to the city's compact layout, the festival unfolds in the streets rather than in a spacious park or parade ground. This creates an intimate atmosphere, despite the presence of parades, vendors, outdoor dining, and live music throughout the 11-day celebration. While peak times, like during parades, can draw large crowds, the festival's extended duration allows for quieter moments to enjoy a meal.
Baltimore Crab Fest
The Baltimore Crab Fest, taking place in the summer, offers attendees the chance to savor delicious, succulent crabs at a historic railway museum. You can learn the art of cracking crabs like a local or opt for crab cakes, tacos, or other delightful favorites. If you're an experienced crab enthusiast, you can pre-order as many steamed crabs as you'd like when you register to ensure you have enough to satisfy your cravings. Steamed crabs will also be available for purchase at the festival.
All ticket holders have access to food and drinks, including crabs, for purchase. VIP ticket holders can enjoy a beer tent with complimentary beverages and receive a commemorative glass. Additionally, there will be plenty of live music and various vendors showcasing the best of Baltimore and its surrounding areas.
Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival
Ribs, chicken, brisket, and pulled pork are just a few of the delectable choices available at the Bluegrass and Barbecue Festival in Silver Dollar City, Missouri. This theme park merges thrilling rides with the charm of 1880s history, transforming into a vibrant celebration during the festival, which showcases live music and mouthwatering cuisine. Spanning over 20 days and concluding on Memorial Day each summer, the event is filled with festivities, culinary delights, and entertainment.
A "tasting passport" helps attendees navigate the festival, highlighting must-try dishes. Expect to find barbecue classics like chicken, smoked brisket, and crispy pork belly, alongside other tempting options such as mac and cheese, barbecue chips, apple funnel cake, and peach cobbler bread pudding to round out each meal. Refreshing beverages are also available to complement your delicious food.
Delta Hot Tamale Festival
Experience the vibrant flavors at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville, Mississippi. The festivities kick off with a grand welcome dinner on Thursday. On Friday, vendors and activities draw in the crowds, leading to a lively celebration on Saturday.
Saturday starts with a parade, opportunities to meet chefs, live art demonstrations, and an abundance of delicious tamales available throughout the day. It's the ideal time to visit the vendor tents, sample various cooking styles, and indulge in a variety of treats. To enter the festival on Friday afternoon or Saturday, you'll need a wristband, which costs just $5, and tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.
National Buffalo Wing Festival
The National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, New York, is all about the wings! This exciting event takes place over the two days of Labor Day weekend, with general admission tickets priced at just $20 when paid in cash. Veterans and active duty military personnel can enjoy free entry on Armed Forces Night, and children under four always get in for free.
At the festival, you can sample a wide variety of chicken wing flavors, including the iconic buffalo wings, along with an array of sauces and toppings. There are also other food options available, such as pizza, burgers, and a selection of desserts, as well as beverages. Join in the fun with the amateur chicken wing eating contest or the creative sauce competition. Plus, kids under four can take part in the adorable baby wing costume contest parade!
Family Style Fest
The Family Style Fest is a one-day culinary celebration that merges renowned restaurants from Los Angeles with fashion in a lively festival setting. While similar events occur in various cities across the U.S., the LA edition stands out as a major gathering, featuring top local eateries alongside fashion designers for the ultimate photo opportunity.
Tickets are available in several tiers, starting with general admission at $40 and going up to VIP access for $200. Alongside delicious food and fashion collaborations, attendees can enjoy a lineup of live music and cooking competitions. This festival is ideal for those who appreciate taking home unique merchandise while indulging in exquisite dishes. It aims to unite communities through shared dining and cultural experiences.
Food & Wine Classic in Aspen
The charming Food & Wine Classic in Aspen spans three days, uniting culinary experts and winemakers to offer attendees a delightful experience of exquisite food paired with outstanding beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Celebrating its 40th year, this festival showcases cooking demonstrations, numerous tasting opportunities, and insightful discussions led by renowned chefs and vintners. Typically, "Top Chef" finalists are featured, sharing their knowledge through demonstrations and Q&A sessions.
The grand tasting is the highlight of the event, featuring around 40 tents representing top restaurants and wineries. Attendees can savor small bites and tastings while engaging with the chefs and winemakers behind some of the most celebrated dishes and vintages.
Charleston Wine Food Festival
The Charleston Wine + Food Festival is nearing its 20th anniversary and has welcomed over 400,000 guests throughout its history. Tickets are available for individual lunches, dinners, parties, and cooking demonstrations, in addition to general festival admission. You can purchase day passes for the culinary village, which grants you access to food tastings, wine and beer sampling, and a variety of vendors offering crafts, books, and more.
This festival stands out as one of the few that provides payment plans for ticket purchases. With most tickets priced between $100 and $200 for a single meal experience, this option allows you to enjoy the festival without having to pay a large sum upfront.
Lexington Barbecue Festival
The Lexington Barbecue Festival is a celebration of all things barbecue, taking place over nine city blocks in this North Carolina town, which are completely closed to traffic for the duration of the event. Attendees can enjoy chopped meat, along with slaw and fries, from one of three dedicated tents. The food offered at these tents is exclusive to the festival and prepared by local chefs and pitmasters.
Additional highlights of the festival include a kid-friendly zone featuring games and inflatables, a tasting garden showcasing craft beer and wine, a massive themed sand sculpture, a classic car show, and a variety of live music performances. There are numerous tastings and vendors, as well as North Carolina's barbecue cook-off. The festival culminates in a grand finale concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Picklesburgh
Playing off the name of the host city, Pittsburgh, Picklesburgh is the ultimate destination for pickle enthusiasts. Indulge in a variety of pickled delights, from sandwiches and ice cream to cocktails, or test your skills in the "Earl of Eating" pickle-eating contest. You'll also find a wide range of themed merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, stickers, posters, and other collectible art. The festival showcases an impressive array of pickle varieties from various cultures.
While the food offerings may be a bit unconventional, the tangy taste of dill pickles pairs surprisingly well with sweet treats, vodka, potato chips, relish, and much more. Many vendors feature small-batch creations that you can only discover at the festival.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich culinary and musical culture. The food selection features classic Louisiana dishes such as po-boys, jambalaya, and étouffée, alongside diverse options like gyros, falafel, yakisoba, and Bánh mì. To complement your meal, you can enjoy flavored iced teas or a café au lait.
With six stages showcasing live performances, the festival spans eight days, with music starting at 11 am. While adult tickets can be a bit on the expensive side, ranging from $85 to $105 for a single day, children aged 10 and under can enter for just $5 when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
National Shrimp Festival
The National Shrimp Festival is a complimentary event organized by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, dedicated to all things shrimp. The culinary offerings primarily feature shrimp, with freshly prepared shellfish taking center stage, but attendees can also enjoy platters of other seafood, crab cakes, fish tacos, and a variety of other dishes. Competitions for the "Best of Fest" title are held, focusing on signature ingredients and condiments that pair well with shrimp and seafood, such as cocktail and tartar sauce.
This festival showcases the vibrant coastal Alabama lifestyle, featuring a sandcastle contest and vendor booths brimming with art, crafts, home goods, and fun shrimp-themed merchandise. While food and other items are available for purchase, admission to the festival is free.
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