Eat Your Heart Out at These Famous Food Festivals Across the US
Calling all food connoisseurs! Whether you’re the type of traveler who scopes out nouvelle cuisine or classic comfort eats, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the best Food Festivals US across the nation. From sizzling steak at the largest cook-off in the world to fine dining surfside on the California coast, there’s a foodie fest to appease every gourmand. With many of the food festivals US rooted in philanthropic missions, they offer enriching opportunities to celebrate cuisines around the globe while supporting local communities. It’s an experience no epicurean should miss out on. Come embrace local vendors, live music and exciting foodie events in a proud celebration of these cities’ diverse culinary scenes.
Mauna Lani Culinary Classic
Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2023
In commemoration of Hawai’i’s rich cultural heritage, Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast is excited to announce the first annual Mauna Lani Culinary Classic. Hosted across the grounds of Mauna Lani resort on the Island of Hawai’i, this three-day festival features six events in collaboration with local non-profit organizations as well as world-class chefs, sommeliers and mixologists. From wine tastings featuring pours from the globe’s most volcanic regions to chef-led masterclasses showcasing locally-sourced nigiri favorites from Blue Ribbon Sushi, the Mauna Lani Culinary Classic highlights the culinary creativity of the Hawai’i islands.
For Hawai’i-inspired bites, live music sets by renowned artists, and a silent auction benefiting Māla`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School, swing by the resort’s surfside bash, Chefs on the Beach. Cap off the weekend with the Culinary Classic Dinner, a seven-course culinary adventure with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Chef Hui, an O’ahu-based non-profit organization committed to feeding communities directly impacted by the recent devastation in Maui.
Local Insight: Can’t make it to the Culinary Classic? You can donate directly to Chef Hui at https://donorbox.org/chefhuimauirelief.
Location: Waimea, Hawai’i
Taste of Chicago
Dates: Sept. 8-10, 2023
For over four decades, Taste of Chicago has been a traditional lakeside music and foodie fest. Every September, more than 35 vendors from local communities showcase iconic Chicago bites and international cuisines that form the city’s cultural melting pot. Sip on frozen cocktails while getting lost in the sweet and savory aromas of Rainbow Cone, authentic Mexican and Thai street food.
Try Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria for a true Chicago deep-dish pizza or a Billy Goat burger from the Billy Goat Tavern to cover your American staples. Try birria just about any way imaginable at Tacotlan, and you have to try the khao mun gai tod (breaded fried chicken draped over ginger-garlic rice with sweet chili sauce on the side) at JJ Thai Street Food. While Chicago might be known for that deep-dish we mentioned, the city also features a vibrant dance and music scene. Jam out to soulful tunes at the festival’s free concerts, featuring an eclectic mix of music genres and dance styles that include EDM, hip-hop, folk dancing and more.
Location: Chicago
Pacific Food and Wine Classic
Dates: Sept. 30, 2023
What’s the secret to happiness? Come find out at the Pacific Food and Wine Classic, combining culinary masterpieces and live music in a quintessential California ambiance. This surfside festival in Newport Beach was named the No. 1 food event in the United States by USA Today. Taste some of the finest wines from San Simeon Valley alongside an impressive collection of esteemed chefs highlighting their culinary specialties. Taco lovers won’t be disappointed with the festival’s all-new Taco Garden, featuring Orange County’s most prized taco vendors along with cold, iced cocktails. Bring your cowboy boots and a picnic blanket to close out a day of social mixers and fine dining with a live performance by contemporary country artist, Dani Rose.
Location: Newport Beach
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Smorgasburg LA
Dates: Every Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Smorgasburg LA might just be every farmers market lover’s dream. Open-air venue, ROW DTLA, is proud to host the largest selection of food vendors and artisans in the country. In addition to its DTLA location, the organization also has stations across the US. While Smorgasburg is the ultimate shopping scene for thrifting and cuisine exploration, it also supports nearly 100 small businesses providing their craftsmanship to the public. This quaint gathering space is the perfect hotspot to grab a caffeinated beverage and peruse their unique selection of lifestyle vendors. With a blend of authentic international cuisines, including Filipino, Mexican and Japanese, this weekly festival emulates the diverse cultural composition of LA.
Location: Downtown LA
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
Dates: June 5-9, 2024
With a dining scene influenced by a fusion of soul foods, the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience captures the essence of the city’s Creole and Cajun roots. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant community for this four-day event where top chefs and sommeliers commence in a creative culinary bash. The Big Easy is home to some of the best cuisine in the nation, so take advantage while you’re here. Galatoire’s, with its home base on Bourbon Street, has bouillabaisse, shrimp etouffee and chicken Creole. For some of the best steaks in New Orleans, try Rizzuto’s Ristorante and Chop House.
Cuts of meat are the name of the game here, but don’t sleep in the Louisiana jumbo lump crab cocktail. While the festival celebrates New Orleans’ exciting and diverse cuisine, service is the heart of its mission. Each year, the event partners with local beneficiaries to support nonprofit organizations in the culinary and education sectors. The festival offers foodies a little bit of everything, from pasta-making classes and cake decorating to a bubble and brunch mixer to close out the event-filled weekend.
Location: New Orleans
American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 1, 2023
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, MO, is the largest barbecue contest in the world! Competitors from around the world join in the world’s largest barbecue competition to be crowned the Grand Champion in the Invitational Competition, Open Competition, Sides Competition and the Kids Que. Hang out on Pit Road Friday night (Sept. 29) and enjoy live music, games, food and drinks. Bring the entire family out on Saturday, Sept. 30, as the infield of the Kansas Speedway is turned into a huge backyard party with food, games, drinks, family activities, BBQ giveaways and more. Don’t miss the BBQ sauce wrestling, bobbing in baked beans and the 2nd annual Battle of the Bands competition. For more information and to purchase your tickets, click here!
