Must-Try Food Festivals Throughout The US This Summer
With summer quickly approaching, there's no better way to enjoy the weather than planning a trip to a new city and savoring the town's local eats. Unique destinations in Maine, Georgia, Ohio, and elsewhere have food-lovers traveling near and far to sample the best cuisines each place has to offer.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or taking a one-day road trip, eat and drink your way around the United States with these unique food festivals happening this summer.
Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland, Maine
The Maine Lobster Festival is five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine. From August 2 through 6, guests will celebrate all things lobster with everything from seafood cooking contests to performances by local artists, crate races, and more. Don't miss the Maine fisherman's platter and the legendary lobster rolls that diners drool over.
LA Food Fest – Los Angeles, Calif.
The 8th annual LA Food Fest on June 10 is an all-inclusive experience that includes award-winning chefs, top restaurants, tequila tastings, craft beer gardens, an iced coffee lounge, and popular food trucks — all for one price. All the vendors are hand-picked, bringing the best foodie finds that Los Angeles has to offer.
Broadway Bites – New York, N.Y.
Once summer arrives, Broadway Bites opens its full outdoor market, filled with an eclectic mix of gourmet street-food stalls. Broadway Bites showcases everything from local chefs to experienced vendors to up-and-coming restaurants and runs from June 1 through July 14.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival – Atlanta, Ga.
Occupying Atlanta's Midtown neighborhood from June 1 through June 4, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is an entire weekend dedicated to Southern cuisine. Some of the Southeast's top chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and food-lovers all gather for this annual event.
Bacon and Cheese Festival – Fairfield, Ohio
What better combo? Jungle Jim's Bacon and Cheese Festival is a one-day celebration of all things tasty — as long as they involve bacon and cheese, of course. Taking place on June 3, this festival offers unlimited samplings, competitions, face painting, and balloon animals. Purchase your tickets ahead of time to get the best bang for your buck.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival – Nashville, Tenn.
If there's one thing Nashville is known for, other than music, it's their hot chicken. Created in 2007, the annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival brings together locals and visitors for a totally free and tasty experience. This festival features samples of hot chicken, additional food and beverage options, and a talented lineup of performers.
Georgia Peach Festival – Fort Valley, Ga.
Created to honor peach growers for their contribution to the state's economy, the Georgia Peach Festival features the world's largest peach cobbler, concerts, a festival parade, and more. On June 10, peaches of all shapes, sizes, and forms will be celebrated and enjoyed by the state that grows them best.
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival – Shelburne, Vt.
Since Vermont is the premium artisanal cheese state with the highest number of cheesemakers, it's only natural that they throw the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival every year. On July 16, communities will gather to share their love for exceptional cheeses, sample local wines, beers, and spirits, and meet the artisans who make them.
