The weather has heated up, happy hour and BBQ invitations are abound and summer food festivals are kicking off. Things slow down around this time of year, making it the perfect time to take some time off, hit the road and head to one of these summer food festivals. Below are a few of our favorites happening across the country.
July
Date: July 11-15
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Probably one of the most recognizable food festivals in the country, the Taste of Chicago brings the hottest Chi-town restaurants to Grant Park for five days of food heaven. Rather than combing the city for slices of deep dish pizza and Harold’s chicken, more than 70 vendors gather in one area and offer a sampling of their most popular menu items. Admission to the festival is free.
Date: July 15
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Happening in 11 cities across the country, the Bacon and Beer Classic takes over different sports stadiums for one day of bacon-infused dishes and local craft beer. The Twin Cities fest will feature more than 30 bacon filled dishes and 100+ beer options. Best of all, this event is all you care to eat!
California Watermelon Festival
Date: July 28 & 29
Location: Hansen Dam Park, California
Watermelon carvings, tacos and melon skiing are just a few things you can expect at this years California Watermelon Festival. More than 43,000 pounds of watermelon will be served during this two-day event.
August
Date: Sunday, August 5
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
For you southerners who can’t make it up east for the Boston Seafood Festival, travel a shorter distance to the Southern Wing Showdown. Held at the Fairmount, your ticket gets you access to all the wings, beer and cocktails your heart desires! Proceeds will go to Angel Flight Soars and Second Helping Atlanta. Tickets often sell out, so get yours fast!
Date: Sunday, August 5
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
It’s no secret that if you want good seafood, you’ve got to go east to New England. The Boston Seafood Festival bring seafood lovers from across the country together for one day of delicious seafood and beautiful views of the Boston Harbor. The festival is presented by the Boston Fisheries Foundation, a non-profit “created to preserve, sustain and share our seafood and maritime heritage as essential to our common health.”
Cuervo Tradicional Taco Takeover and Cocktail Competition
Date: August 18
Location: Seattle, Washington
Presented by Thrillest, this festival is part competition, part taco tasting. Happening in four cities across the U.S. guests will enjoy tacos and Mexican fare from their favorite local restaurants, drinks made exclusively with Jose Cuervo and lots of music to keep the party going!
September
Date: September 12-16
Location: Bardstown, Kentucky
Some pairs will always go well together: peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips and Kentucky and Bourbon. Bourbon is part of Kentucky’s history. For the last 27 years, bourbon lovers have celebrated that history. Each year, the festival is held in Bardstown, known as the bourbon capital of the world.
Date: September 28-30
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Located two hours from Missouri’s BBQ capitol (Kansas City) the Roots N Blues N BBQ fest fuses good barbecue, beer and and great music. Past performances have included Al Green and The Avett Brothers.
Date: September 13-16
Location: Portland, Oregon
Founded in 2012 by Mike Thelin and Carrie Welch, Feast is more than a food festival, it’s about charity too. Since it’s inception, the festival has raised $400,000 to help end hunger in Oregon. Attendees can expect classes on how to make their favorite foods, an 80’s vs 90’s cooking competition and so much more.
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