Top 10 Best Food Festivals in the U.S.

Across the globe, food festivals are a means for people to experience diverse culinary traditions. From regional specialties and international flavors, these fests serve as a vibrant celebration of both cuisine and culture.

Looking to expand your palate as an adult while exploring new cultures and attractions? Attending an upcoming food festival near you can be an unforgettable experience. Explore 10 of the best food festivals across the United States as a starting point, then prepare to dig in!

1. Taste of Chicago – Chicago, IL

Held in Chicago’s Grant Park along Lake Michigan, the Taste of Chicago festival is among the largest in the world. Since its debut in 1980, this festival has become a summertime tradition both for Chicago locals and those who travel in from all around the world.

Here, you’ll find dozens of Chicago’s food vendors serving up a variety of unique dishes over the course of a few days. In addition to some excellent food vendors, attendees can also expect to enjoy live music from a mix of local artists and national acts. And with free general admission, this event can be a great opportunity to try something new and immerse yourself in Chicago’s vibrant local culture without breaking the bank.

2. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience – New Orleans, LA

Typically held in June, this event is aptly described as an “experience” more than a festival. Over the course of this special event — which spans several days and spills into NOLA’s Central Business District, Arts/Warehouse District, French Quarter, and even downtown — has been hosting guests from around the world for more than three decades with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

At the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE), guests can enjoy a sampling of food and wine from some of the world’s up-and-coming vendors. If you attend, be sure to check out the Vinola experience, an opportunity to sample a variety of rare wines paired with local foods. Meanwhile, the Tournament of Rosés allows you to try rosé wine from across the globe and vote on your favorite.

NOWFE is a must-see if you’re in the area at the right time, with tickets and package options available for purchase to meet your budget and interests.

3. Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland, ME

The state of Maine is known for its fresh and flavorful seafood — but if there’s one seafood favorite that’s most celebrated statewide, it’s lobster.

During the first week of August, the Maine Lobster Festival offers tastings, contests, live entertainment, and even a parade to celebrate not just lobster but also all local seafood in a vibrant atmosphere. This fest is held at Rockland’s Harbor Park, which is easily accessible from many nearby cities (including Portland and Boston).

Aside from the fresh seafood dishes, some of the biggest attractions at the Maine Lobster Festival include the amateur chef seafood cooking contest, displays from local artists, and a road race that includes 10K, 5K, and fun run options.

4. Gilroy Garlic Festival – Gilroy, CA

It may be hard to imagine an entire food festival dedicated to a staple food ingredient — but spend just a few hours at this special summertime event in Christmas Hill Park, and you’ll quickly see what all the fuss is about.

Since 1979, the festival has brought in crowds of people from all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gilroy Garlic Festival was even converted into a drive-thru event. Although the event itself was suspended in 2022, the California Garlic Festival has been held in Las Banos and is considered by many to be a successor to the Gilroy experience.

5. Aspen Food & Wine Classic – Aspen, CO

Another wonderful celebration of all things food and wine is held in the Centennial State, typically spanning three days in June. Considered the area’s “unofficial kick-off to summer,” the Aspen Food & Wine Classic has been celebrated for more than four decades and now includes more than 40 different cooking demonstrations and dedicated beverage seminars.

Attend this festival for yourself and you’ll have the opportunity to explore more than 200 different brands of wine, food, and spirits in the Grand Tasting Pavilion — as well as captivating demonstrations and seminars led by culinary leaders. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! Because this event is held in the Colorado Rockies, the sun’s rays are stronger due to the higher altitude.

6. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival – Orlando, FL

Craving a truly unique opportunity to sample some of the finest cuisine from around the world in one location? The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is a must-see, allowing you to explore iconic food and drinks from six continents at Disney World’s beautiful EPCOT Park in Bay Lake, Florida. Since its inception in 1996, this fest has evolved to host hundreds of thousands of patrons.

For years, the event was held during the fall months of September to November. However, in recent years, the festival has begun in mid-July. The best part about attending the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival? It’s included with your admission to the park, and individual samples are available for purchase to suit your needs. Give it a try for yourself, and experience the joy of eating and drinking around the world.

7. Austin Food + Wine Festival – Austin, TX

Discover the finest cuisine the Lone Star State has to offer at the Austin Food and Wine Festival. This event, typically held in Auditorium Shores in the middle of fall, offers plenty of food sampling and demonstrations from all across Central Texas and other parts of the country.

At this three-day celebration of all things food and spirits, you’ll have the opportunity to sample from a selection of unique cuisine, beer, and wine. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Fire Pit, where you can grab a hot dish whipped up by a skilled pitmaster. No matter if you’re looking to try some of the state’s famous BBQ or want to venture into new territory, the Austin Food and Wine Festival has something for everybody.

8. Vermont Cheesemakers Festival – Shelburne, VT

An entire festival dedicated to cheese? Say no more. For more than a decade, the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival has served as a meeting ground for the area’s finest cheesemakers — along with attendees who simply enjoy tasting the most exceptional cheeses. Generally held toward the end of summer, this event gives you the rare opportunity to meet and speak with local cheese artisans about the fascinating cheesemaking process.

While you’re there, try some samples from various vendors, and bring a refrigerated bag or small cooler to stash your purchases. Can’t make it to the actual event? Check out the Vermont Cheese Trail instead.

9. National Cherry Festival – Traverse City, MI

Each summer, the iconic National Cherry Festival is held in Traverse City, Michigan. Since 1910, this special event has served as a love letter to all things cherry. According to the event website, the purpose of the festival is “to celebrate and promote cherries, community involvement, and the Grand Traverse region” by offering a number of special events and traditions for attendees to explore.

In the past, special components of the festival have included huge parades, road races, air shows, pet shows, and (of course) pie-eating contests. Sample a cherry wine from one of the Grand Traverse area’s many wineries, discover a new cherry-based dish, or simply enjoy the beauty of this area of Michigan during the summer months. Tickets for this event tend to go quickly, so don’t miss out!

10. National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival – Buffalo, NY

It only seems fitting that the home of the buffalo wing would also become the host of the National Buffalo Wing Festival. Held around Labor Day weekend each year, this special event features samplings of buffalo wings, plenty of live entertainment, a craft beer fundraiser, and (you guessed it) a number of wing-eating contests. Whether you’re interested in competing in the XXXHot Wing Eating Contest or simply want to sample food from dozens of vendors, there’s plenty to indulge in at this classic event.

Interested in a Culinary Management Career?

From coast to coast, U.S. food festivals run the gamut from celebrating international fare to very specific foods and ingredients. No matter which of these events seems to be most up your alley, the simple experience of attending a festival can be a great way to discover new flavors.

Looking to make a career out of your passion for food? Check out the wide range of Culinary Management degree and certificate options offered at Johnson & Wales Online, including:

Learn more about any of JWU Online’s programs by requesting more information, calling 855-JWU-1881, or emailing [email protected]. Or get the ball rolling by completing your free online application for admission.