Let’s face it – most of us plan our days around food (do you know what you’re having for dinner tonight?), so why not plan your next trip around food too? These 10 food festivals will have your taste buds jumping for joy and will kick your wanderlust into high gear as you explore the local cuisine, rub elbows with celebrity chefs, sample world-class wines, and savor the breathtaking sites around you. So, grab your family & friends, and plan to hit the road (or take to the skies) to experience these foodie-approved festivals.
1. South Beach Food & Wine Festival (SOBEWFF) Miami, FL
Feb. 22 - 25, 2024
You can’t beat the setting…sun, sand, surf, AND food & wine from some of the top chefs in the world. Get up close and personal (and grab a selfie) with your favorite celebrity chefs from the Food Network & Cooking Channel at the Grand Tasting Village (which is literally on the sands of South Beach). Trust us, it will be an event you’ll never forget. Learn More
2. New York City Wine and Food Festival (NYCWFF) New York, NY
Oct. 17 - 20, 2024
You won’t want to miss this 4-day, star-studded food and wine festival in the Big Apple. There are more than 80 events to choose from such as hands-on classes, culinary demonstrations, and the most popular being intimate dinners and late-night parties with world-renowned chefs. It’s like a who’s-who of the celebrity chef world with stars from Rachael Ray & Giada De Laurentis to Daniel Boulud & Duff Goldman…and many, many more big names.
3. Charleston Wine + Food Charleston, SC
March 6 - 10, 2024
This one-of-a-kind festival showcasing local chefs and culinary artisans put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination. This is the perfect spot for a couple’s getaway, or to celebrate with a group of friends or perhaps…bachelorette party anyone? Founded in 2005, the vision of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival was to elevate the local culinary scene with a positive impact on the community. What it has grown into is a festival bringing people together over food and Southern hospitality. Learn More
4. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival Kaanapali, Maui – Oct. 25-27, 2024
Island of Hawaii – Oct. 18, 2024
Oahu – Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2024
Say “Aloha” to this event that features more than 150 internationally known master chefs, winemakers, and mixologists. With more than 20 events on 3 islands, this festival showcases some of the finest ingredients Hawaii has to offer. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (HFWF) is put on by the nonprofit, Hawaii Ag and Culinary Alliance which has donated more than $3 million since its inception to organizations in Hawaii that support sustainability, agriculture, and culinary programs. Learn More
5. Taste of Chicago Chicago, IL
Multiple dates & locations with the largest event being September 6 - 8, 2024 in Grant Park
Grant Park will host more than 30 local vendors serving up, you guessed it, Chicago’s famous hot dogs & deep-dish pizza but that’s not all...there will be food to represent the diverse culture of the Windy City, musical headliners on the main stage, and events for all ages. Admission is FREE.
6. San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival San Diego, CA
Nov. 3 - 10, 2024
There’s a reason San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival was named the “Best General Food Festival” by the readers of USA Today…there’s something for everyone. From the celebration of craft beers to hundreds of wineries, and the variety of local and international cuisines, the festival culminates at the Grand Tasting event on the waterfront of the Embarcadero Marina. Learn More
7. Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival Las Vegas, NV
Oct. 2 - 6, 2024
The Palms Casino & Resort will be to elegant backdrop for the 2024 Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival. Looking for something more intimate? Splurge for tickets for a private cabana or a chef’s tasting dinner. There is sure to be something to delight even the most discerning palettes with the excitement of Sin City to boot!
8. Austin Food & Wine Festival Austin, TX
Nov. 2 - 3, 2024
With events like “Grillin’ & Chillin” and “Rock Your Taco,” you know Austin’s Food & Wine Festival is bringing the heat. Brush up on your BBQ skills while interacting with some of the world’s best pitmasters and chefs giving first-hand advice around the live fire and this lively food festival. Learn More
9. Maine Lobster Festival Rockland, ME
July 31 - Aug. 4, 2024
BYOB (bring your own bibs) to this family-friendly feast that draws around 30,000 people to celebrate Maine’s most famous crustacean. But there’s more than just lobster…there’s an array of fresh seafood and a slew of events including parades, “Steins & Vines” tastings, lobster eating contests, and even a “Diaper Derby” for the kids.
10. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience New Orleans, LA
June 5 - 9, 2024
Come and savor foods that celebrate New Orleans' chefs for the 32nd Annual New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, an event that has raised over $1.5 million for local charities and non-profit organizations. Take a hand-rolled pasta making class, learn to decorate a cake with edible flowers, or enjoy a Burlesque Brunch & Bubbly event. Learn More
By Staff Contributor
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