When you think of winter foods, you probably think of hearty chilis, warms sandwiches and slow cooker recipes. But your probably don’t think of Winter Food Festivals. But what if I told you there is so much more to enjoy at the start of the new year? I’m talking all-inclusive Spring food festivals that showcase the best the season has to offer. Not to mention, they happen all before the weather gets too hot to function. Food, drinks, music, entertainment, and in some cases, a great excuse to travel. What more could you ask for?
Ready to pack your bags and indulge in mouth-watering eats? Get into all the festivals happening across the country in the upcoming weeks:
January
1. Uncorked Food & Wine Festival
Date: January 4-14, 2018
Location: Florida Keys
Join Miami Chef Phil Bryant, Chef Veronica Valdivia and Chef Michael Bertran for an eleven-day festival featuring wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, live music, food and wine pairings, art shows and so much more.
2. Oakland Restaurant Week
Date: January 11-21, 2018
Location: Oakland, California
Oakland restaurants will come together over two weekends for a festival that celebrates diverse yet delicious food offerings. Participating foodies will indulge in lunch or dinner ranging from $10-50.
3. Brewers Fest
Date: January 13, 2018
Location: Portland, Maine
In support of the Maine Brewers’ Guild, more than 50 brewers will come together for an amazing afternoon at the second largest brewfest in Maine. Including world-class beer from world-class breweries, the festival will feature everything from live music to a variety of food from local food trucks.
4. International Chocolate Festival
Date: January 19-21, 2018
Location: Florida
The International Chocolate Festival is the place where you can learn everything you need to know about chocolate, right from the experts. Fine chocolate samples from artisan chocolatiers, lectures on chocolate making and demonstrations from Miami’s master chefs will finish out the weekend.
5. Napa Valley Restaurant Week
Date: January 21-28, 2018
Location: Napa Valley, California
Through multi-course menus for lunch ($20) and dinner ($36 or $46), guests can try out the latest culinary hot-spots or revisit old favorites all week long.
6. NYC Restaurant Week
Date: January 22 – February 9, 2018
Location: New York
A great winter food event to attend if you’re new to the food scene in NYC. New York Restaurant Week is an event held twice a year where participating restaurants offer prix fixe lunches and dinners.
7. Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Fest
Date: January 27, 2018
Location: New York
The Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Fest is a full day of the best beers, bourbon, music and barbecue New York has to offer. Plus, admission buys guests a sampling glass to enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon.
February
9. LA Cookie Con
Date: February 10-11, 2018
Location: Anaheim, California
Meet thousands of Californians who share in your love for all things sweet, salty and savory at LA Cookie Con. The festival will feature Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman, Founder of MyCupcakeAddiction Elise Strachan and Chef-Owner Ron Ben-Israel.
10. SOBE Wine and Food Festival
Date: February 21-25, 2018
Location: Miami, Florida
This festival is a star-studded five-day event showcasing the talent of the world’s most renowned spirit and wine producers, chefs and culinary artists. It attracts more than 65,000 guests annually to its 85+ events. Guests can expect uniquely crafted events showcasing world-class wine, spirits, food and lots of fun.
11. Food Tank Summit
Date: February 28, 2018
Location: Washington, D.C.
Food Tank Summit brings together some of the world’s most impactful food system leaders. Each event features incredible speakers in interactive panels moderated by top food journalists. There will also be opportunities for networking while enjoying delicious food.
12. Charleston Wine and Food Festival
Date: February 28 – March 4, 2018
Location: South Carolina
Creating an experience that celebrates the area’s rich flavor through the lens of award-winning chefs, the Charleston Wine and Food Festival is a world-class festival featuring chefs, farmers, beverage professionals and artists with distinct culinary personalities.
March
13. Coffee Fest
Date: March 16-18, 2018
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
The Coffee Fest is where passionate coffee and tea professionals meet to receive education, experience new products, and network with others.
14. Battle of Gumbo Gladiators
Date: March 24
Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
The Battle of Gumbo Gladiators serves as an annual fundraiser for Volunteers for Youth Justice. Teams are encouraged to decorate a 10×10 area with a theme to attract more attention and encourage a fun, food-loving environment.
What are your favorite food festivals to attend? Are any of these screaming your name? Share your thoughts in the comments!
