Do you know what two things go hand in hand? Delicious food and much-needed travel. I can’t tell you how much I love getting a better understanding of different cities than by exploring and experiencing the cuisine of the area. Chefs, wine enthusiasts and foodies alike trying new foods, sharing their expertise and creating unforgettable moments? Count me in! There’s really no place else I’d rather be over the next few weeks than food festivals (especially with the weather getting warmer as we speak.)

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So pack up your bags and make plans to take part in some of these upcoming foodie events. You won’t regret it.

April

1. Taste of Vail

Date: April 4-8, 2018

Location: Vail, CO

Taste of Vail celebrates more than 30 chefs and restaurateurs along with owners and winemakers from the top wineries in the country. Guests enjoy good food, good drinks and engage in activities that truly represent Vail and its community.

2. Foodie Con

Date: April 7-8, 2018

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Hailed as a “Comic-Con for foodies,” Foodie Con is a two-day shopping and educational event that not only gives attendees the chance to meet culinary experts but also take part in the newest food trends. You will experience cuisines from hand-selected vendors including food artisans, restaurants, local chefs, food trucks, craft breweries, wineries and many more.

3. World Catfish Festival

Date: April 7, 2018

Location: Belzoni, MS

Growing from about 3,000 guests in 1976 to more than 10,000 participants each year, the World Catfish Festival features live entertainment of blues, country and gospel music, more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, and all you can eat catfish. In addition to the live entertainment and activities, the crowds are entertained with a Little Miss Catfish Pageant and a catfish eating contest. Talk about yummy!

4. World Grits Festival

Date: April 13-15, 2018

Location: St. George, SC

Since the very first festival, the weekend-long World Grits Festival has drawn much attention to this small Southern town in South Carolina. With crowds of more than 45,000, it provides the locals with a festival of family fun and delicious meals set off by southern-style grits. It also attracts a lot of visitors who have hopes of enjoying the events appealing to all ages.

May

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash.

5. Ham and Yam Festival

Date: May 5, 2018

Location: Downtown Smithfield, NC

During the Ham and Yam Festival, food vendors offer a variety of fair dishes and menu items including country ham and various types of sweet potatoes while local bands, dance groups and artists perform. The festival also features a sweet potato pie eating contest, pig races and a barbecue cook-off with specialty craft and commercial vendors.

6. Everything Food Conference

Date: May 10-12, 2018

Location: Layton, UT

The Everything Food Conference is the ultimate conference for online food content creators, food bloggers, and influencers. Guests attend impactful presentations, network with strong brands, and socialize with the foodie community while honing in on their passions with food photography workshops, speed networking and video tutorials.

7. Taboulah Fest

Date: May 12, 2018

Location: Bristow, OK

A celebration of the Lebanese dish made of bulgar wheat, the Tabouleh Fest includes vendors, entertainment, activities, a karaoke-style competition, Tabouleh Fest Pageant, and two nights of the Tabouleh Fest Rodeo.

8. New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

Date: May 23-27, 2018

Location: New Orleans, LA

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is one of the premiere events in the Big Easy. Attracting more than 7,000 connoisseurs as well as art and music lovers, guests who enjoy excellent food and exceptional wine are guaranteed a great time. This festival is perfect if you’re looking for a culinary getaway, want to rub shoulders with top chefs and winemakers or simply enjoy the good food and wine.

9. Block Island’s Chowda Fest

Date: May 27, 2018

Location: Block Island, RI

Coming together to appreciate the great chowder of the Northeast, the Block Island’s Chowda Festival gives attendees a chance to taste a variety of chowders, ranging from milky white New England-style to tomato-based New York-style.

June

Photo by Chiro on Unsplash.

10. Bounty of the Hudson Wine and Food Festival

Date: June 16, 2018

Location: New Paltz, NY

The Bounty of the Hudson Wine and Food Festival is an annual festival that gives attendees a chance to celebrate the wines, ciders and spirits of the Hudson Valley. Guests will sample local cheeses, honey baked goods and much more. There is also an opportunity to sample the wines produced in the valley as food vendors and live music set the tone of the day.

11. Georgia Peach Festival

Date: June 1-2 (Fort Valley, GA)

June 9, 2018 (Byron, GA)

Location: Byron and Fort Valley, GA

The Georgia Peach Festival attracts between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors each year. Activities begin in Byron the first weekend and moving to Fort Valley the second weekend. The festival honors peach growers for their contribution to the Georgia state economy and to the food industry nationwide.

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