This country was built on pizza and burgers. While that type of cuisine is still very popular, our culinary skills have improved over the years. We are a nation that is passionate about food and produces some of the best dishes on the planet. This calls for festivals.
We’re proud to showcase all things Americana from top-quality seafood to new genres based on inventive fusion. There’s no better time than now to eat healthy in these parts. The food festival is a great way to get that experience. These are the top food festivals across the country. Come hungry and thirsty and you will leave feeling satisfied.
Aspen Food & Wine Classic
This event is a huge draw for both foodies and gastronomy-minded celebrities (NBA star CJ McCCollum was there to present his latest wine release). Aspen Food & Wine Classic offers 40 cooking demonstrations by top chefs such as Andrew Zimmern. There are also extensive tastings of craft beer and spirits. The grand outdoor grand tasting pavilion is stunningly placed, with the Rockies beyond and good smells in the background.
L.A. Times Food Bowl
Food Bowl, which is located in several sunny locations in Southern California, was created by the Times. It is home to Jonathan Gold, one of the most acclaimed food writers of all time. It is filled with intrigue, intimateness and delicious multi-course meals prepared by some of the most talented chefs in the area. Even better, the festival places emphasis on sustainability and protecting the environment. It’s an accurate reflection of one the most diverse and acclaimed food cities in America.
Greenville: Fall for it
You should make a point to visit South Carolina for dining. Fall For Greenville is a mixup of 50 restaurants and 75 bands with more than 50 beer and wine choices. The gathering offered a wide variety of cuisines including Mexican, Jamaican, and Mediterranean. It’s also kid-friendly and has fun food contests. After hours, enjoy Greenville’s vibrant food- and drink scene away from the festival tents.
Wellfleet Oyster week
Massachusetts is known for its shellfish. The fest is especially celebrated with oysters. You can enjoy music, shuck-and-run marathons, luncheons and oyster crawls. If you enjoy seafood, this is a great choice. You can slow down, savor the food, and become a local in Wellfleet, even if it’s only for a few days.
Hawaii Food & Wine
Yes, Hawaii is the best place to be. This standup festival, featuring nearly 70 chefs from both the islands and the mainland, would be a huge draw regardless of where it is held. There are three distinct gatherings available, with one on each of the Big Island, Maui or Oahu. This festival offers a great mix of gourmet and backyard barbecue food. It’s perfect for lazy Hawaiian weekends. This event is a wonderful showcase of the archipelago’s unique agricultural, culinary, hospitality, and cultural landscapes.
Feast Portland
Portland is known to be a top destination for foodies of all levels. Feast is a celebration of the Rose City’s culinary virtues, including its huge farm-fresh component. This access to so many ingredients is rare in other cities across the country. There are endless produce rows in the valley and seafood along the coast. You can eat a whole month of food in one day. The gathering will be celebrating the ten-year mark next year. It is still a model festival, showcasing amazing talent and donating substantial sums to worthy causes.
Austin Food + Wine
Austin’s most renowned festival takes place in a beautiful park. It features chef demonstrations, book signings and tasting sessions. There will also be meet and greets. This three-day event highlights the great chefs who are either local or who have moved to Austin for its vibrant culinary scene. It wouldn’t be Texas without a barbecue pit and a contest for taco making.