Each year, the country hosts a generous number of foodie festivals in picturesque settings across the nation. Whether you're in the mood for spicy foods in New Orleans or delicate truffle dishes in Oregon, there's plenty of events to keep foodies satisfied. From savoring unique dishes to sipping gourmet wines, experiencing hands-on demonstrations and lectures from your favorite chefs, here are six of the nation's best festivals not to miss:
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience – May 26-29 www.nowfe.com
The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience is in its 23rd year of production, and in its over two decade run has become known as one of the best foodie fests in the nation. But more than just a fun event, the four-day affair has raised more than $1 million for local nonprofits organizations such as food banks and culinary schools. Each year, menus focus on homegrown flavors from top chefs around the city and over two dozen restaurants feature special dining evenings. More than 1,000 wines from around the world are also showcased throughout the weekend and grand tasting events take place in the French Quarter.
Aspen Food & Wine Classic – June 17-19 www.foodandwine.com
Thomas Keller once said, ‘If you’re going to go to one festival event, it has to be the Food &amp Wine Classic in Aspen.’ High praise from one of the world’s best chefs! The three-day gathering takes place in the beautiful Colorado Mountains, making for an even greater experience. Founded in 1982, the festival has welcomed talent such as Bobby Flay, Gail Simmons, Richard Blais, Emeril Lagasse and Tyler Florence. Attendees can also participate in the 5K Charity Race to work off all the amazing food they’ll be trying over the weekend. Tickets sell fast, so if you don’t already have them this year, be sure to secure them early in 2017.
Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival – August (TBD) www.lafw.com
Sunshine, beautiful people, wine and good eats, can you really ask for anything more? The Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, which began in 2011, is a four-day epicurean event held each autumn. Although its August dates have not been announced, guests can expect a number of celebrated chefs in attendance since previous years’ crop included Alex Guarnascehlli, Thomas Keller, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner and Tyler Curtis Stone. Residing in the Entertainment Capital of the World, you may even find yourself hobnobbing with celebs and Hollywood’s elite over the weekend. Last year The Roots even jumped on stage to close out the festival at the grand tasting event.
Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival – October 14-30 www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com
Founded by two of Hawaii’s James Beard Award-wining chefs Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi, the annual event is held each fall and takes place over two weeks on multiple islands. The affair will host over 100 internationally-renowned master chefs, and wine and spirit producers and culinary personalities for tastings, demonstrations and exclusive dining opportunities. Last year, the fest hosted three wine events at Halekulani with Master Sommeliers, vintage samplings from California and a vertical tasting with Winemaker Michael Silacci.
Oregon Truffle Festival – January 22-29, 2017 www.oregontrufflefestival.com
Although this year’s even has already passed, we knew we had to add it to the list for your 2017 plans. Oregon is considered the premier center of research and expertise (outside of Europe) for truffles and its terrain and climate allows it to be blessed with an abundance of the fungi. The growing conditions also make the state’s truffles on par with those found in France and Italy. Each year thousands of foodies make the trek to the northern-western destination to spend the weekend indulging in exclusive events, tastings, lectures and authentic truffle hunts. For more than a decade, industry experts, James Beard award-winning chefs, food enthusiasts and locals have been participating in the annual affair. In 2016, the fest expanded to three weekends and will again be held in three locations next year: Newberg Yamhill Valley, The Joriad and Eugene.
South Beach Wine & Food Festival – April 2017 www.sobefest.com
One of the most well-known and respected events of the year, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is a star-studded, five-day affair hosting some of the world’s best chefs, culinary personalities and emerging talents. In 2016, it celebrated its 15th anniversary and to date has raised over $22 million for FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. The event is filled with over 80 different culinary festivities, tastings, seminars, and of course, plenty of swanky after parties. Celebs, food bloggers and SOBE’s well-to-do residents are regular attenders of the fest. Events sell-out quickly, so be sure to pick up your tickets as soon as they are available.
If you’d prefer to avoid the large crowds, there are smaller festivals on the east coast that may be more up your alley. Harlem EatUp!, New Taste of the Upper West Side and the Hudson Valley Wine & Food festivals offer the same great culinary fare you’ll find at the bigger fests, but in a more intimate setting. This May, Harlem EatUp! will celebrate its second annual event to showcase the city’s best kitchens and chefs. Partial proceeds will benefit Harlem Park to Park and Citymeals-on-Wheels.
