The best food festivals in the U.S. for soaking up the local flavors

Best for: Authentic Southern cuisine 

We’re fired up for this four-day feast of Southern flavors, fine wines, craft beers and small-batch spirits. Stroll between buzzing tasting tents, catch live cooking demos and sample dishes from more than 200 acclaimed chefs. Beyond the bites, curated gourmet gatherings keep the party elevated, while a brand-new tasting experience, “Whiskey & Fire,” hosted by Andrew Zimmern at Guardian Works, turns up the heat with smoky flavors and top-shelf pours. And with an extra day of tasting tents, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder and tastier than ever.

When: September 11–14, 2025

Where: The Home Depot Backyard at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Best for: Farm-to-table fare

Come celebrate Texas’s chefs and the farmers who grow exceptional ingredients in two cities that are emerging as culinary destinations: Houston and Dallas. This “culinary rodeo of Texas-sized proportions” incorporates sustainability initiatives, environmental consciousness and charitable fundraising, all while serving up unlimited food, drinks and entertainment for one all-inclusive ticket. Among the charitable partners this year is Urban Harvest, which coordinates farmers' markets, community gardening and classes and, best of all, gets youth working the soil.

When: September 27-28, 2025 (Houston); November 1-2, 2025 (Dallas)

Where: Houstin: Autry Park, 3711 Autry Pk Dr, Houston, TX 77019; Dallas: Old City Park, 1515 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215

Best for: Celeb spotting

This smorgasbord of food love incorporates walk-around tastings, small private dinners, “demo and dine,” master classes, cocktail parties and signature events like a Blue Moon Burger Bash 2.0 hosted by Brooklyn Beckham and Rachael Ray, or a Tacos and Tequila night hosted by Brie Larson, Courtney McBroom and Aarón Sánchez. It all sounds as if you’re not stuffed by the end, it’s your own fault. Plus, you're eating for a good cause: proceeds from the festival benefit the God's Love We Deliver charity in NYC. 

When: October 15–19, 2025

Where: The Seaport, 19 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038

Best for: Music lovers

Every October, downtown Greenville transforms into a foodie paradise as more than 50 local eateries line eight blocks of Main Street for Fall for Greenville. For three days, tens of thousands of visitors can indulge in bite-sized favorites, sip craft brews, and enjoy dozens of free concerts. Known for spotlighting rising talent, past performers have included St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Marcus King Band, and Turnpike Troubadours, proving this Southern street party feeds both body and soul. Finally, the festival also hosts the Silver Spoon Competition, where restaurants battle for bragging rights with a single signature dish. 

When: October 10–12, 2025

Where: Main Street, Downtown Greenville, SC 29601 

Best for: Splurge-worthy experiences and immaculate weather

This February, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary. A full four days are devoted to celebrating internationally known chefs and wine and spirits producers. More than 65,000 people attend the roughly 110 associated events, including celebrity- and chef-hosted dinners and demos. It’s also a fundraiser for the Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. 

When: February 19–22, 2026

Where: Various locations throughout Miami 

Best for: Veggie lovers

We adore our fungi because it’s fun, guys—see what we did there? Celebrate its musky power at this festival, which is also a fundraiser for high school seniors’ scholarships. There are plenty of vendors, cooking demonstrations, music, and mushrooms prepared in every possible way. And you can’t leave until you’ve tried the mushroom beer! 

When: May 23–24, 2026

Where: Downtown Morgan Hill Amphitheater Grounds & Depot Street, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Best for: In-the-know foodies 

Over the course of two weeks, nearly 100 local restaurants will unveil special menus, hands-on classes, and immersive tastings that showcase Charlotte's burgeoning culinary scene. Past highlights included learning the secrets of Peruvian ceviche at Calle Sol, a Texas brisket masterclass with Midwood Smokehouse's Matthew Barry and a guided sake tasting at Mizu. Expect even more flavors, flair, and foodie fun when Charlotte takes center stage in March 2026 as this annual food festival returns, just as Top Chef premieres its 23rd season in the Queen City.

When: March 2026; specific dates TBA

Where: Throughout Charlotte

Best for: Families

Traverse City, the “Cherry Capital of the World,” shines each summer with its iconic National Cherry Festival, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in summer 2026. This long-running celebration draws over half a million visitors—many of whom are families—to northern Michigan for a week of concerts, parades, races, air shows, arts and crafts and, of course, plenty of cherry-infused cuisine. With over 150 events blending culture, agriculture and pure fun, it’s a summer highlight not to miss.

When: June 28-July 5, 2026

Where: The Open Space (adjacent to Clinch Park Marina), 111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

Best for: Seafood connoisseurs 

Each August, the city of Rockland throws a five-day feast honoring Maine’s most famous catch: lobster. Since 1947, the Maine Lobster Festival has celebrated the state’s fishing culture with parades, cooking contests, live entertainment, and the crowning of the Sea Goddess. Quirky traditions like the International Crate Race and a lively dog show keep things fun, while more than 20,000 pounds of lobster are cooked up alongside other seafood delicacies like steamed clams and mussels and fresh-caught shrimp. The event is volunteer-run, and all proceeds benefit local non-profits. 

When: July 29–August 2, 2026

Where: Harbor Park, 1 Pleasant St, Rockland, ME 04841

Best for: Mountain charm 

Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains, you can enjoy learning about food and wine—and happily indulging. Throughout the multi-day soirée, you can sign up for five different cooking demonstrations or beverage seminars, as well as attend panel discussions featuring celebrity chefs and wine and spirits experts. 

When: June 19–21, 2026

Where: Various tents and hotels within the city's parks, particularly Wagner Park (350 E Durant Ave, Aspen, CO 81611), and at the base of Aspen Mountain

Best for: Budget foodies

This cool foodie showcase hops from park to park throughout the city and is completely free to attend. You’ll taste appetizer-sized bites of many different cuisines, and there are game areas to keep kids satisfied. It’s the world’s largest food festival and takes place over six days. There’s even music from big-name artists to boot! 

When: 2026 dates TBA

Where: Grant Park (337 E Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60601) & Marquette Park (6743 S. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60629)