🍽️ The Best Food Festivals in the USA to Attend this 2025
From BBQ battles to oyster feasts and farm-to-table celebrations, here are the must-eat events across the country this year.
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for food lovers across the U.S. With an increasing focus on regional flavors, sustainable ingredients, and diverse cuisines, food festivals have become full-blown experiences — mixing live music, chef demos, and hands-on tastings. Here’s a guide to the top U.S. food festivals to add to your calendar in 2025:
1. South Beach Wine & Food Festival – Miami, Florida
📅 Dates: February 20–23, 2025
🍷 Why Go: A star-studded event hosted by the Food Network and Cooking Channel, featuring celebrity chefs, beachside tastings, and luxe dinners.
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2. Austin Food + Wine Festival – Austin, Texas
📅 Dates: April 25–27, 2025 (expected)
🔥 Why Go: Sample smoked brisket, bold wines, and local brews in the live music capital of the world. A foodie’s paradise with Southern flair.
👉 Learn more
3. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE) – New Orleans, Louisiana
📅 Dates: June 4–8, 2025
🎷 Why Go: A true taste of NOLA with local seafood, French-Creole fusion, and plenty of wine. Great for culture + cuisine seekers.
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4. Taste of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois
📅 Dates: July 2025 (Exact TBA)
🌭 Why Go: One of the largest and most iconic food festivals in the country. Sample everything from deep-dish pizza to vegan delights across Grant Park.
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5. Gilroy Garlic Festival – Gilroy, California
📅 Dates: July 2025 (Exact TBA)
🧄 Why Go: Garlic ice cream, garlic fries, garlic everything. A celebration of America’s “Garlic Capital” with cooking contests and live music.
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6. Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland, Maine
📅 Dates: July 30 – August 3, 2025
🦞 Why Go: Roll up your sleeves for five days of lobster rolls, sea shanties, cooking competitions, and coastal views.
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7. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Orlando, Florida
📅 Dates: August – November 2025 (spans several weeks)
🌐 Why Go: A global culinary trip around the World Showcase with tastes from over 25 countries, held at Disney’s Epcot. Family-friendly and immersive.
👉 Learn more
8. Feast Portland – Portland, Oregon
📅 Dates: September 2025 (Exact TBA)
🥖 Why Go: Celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s unique flavors, this multi-day festival offers chef collaborations, wine tastings, and outdoor food parties.
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9. New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) – New York, NY
📅 Dates: October 2025 (Exact TBA)
🍕 Why Go: Culinary excellence meets celebrity culture — events span rooftop tastings, cooking demos, and intimate dinners with world-famous chefs.
👉 Learn more
10. Charleston Wine + Food Festival – Charleston, South Carolina
📅 Dates: March 5–9, 2025
🍤 Why Go: A beautiful mix of Lowcountry cuisine, historic charm, and a vibrant Southern food scene. Great for oyster lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.
👉 Learn more
🎟️ Pro Tips for Food Festival-Goers:
- Buy early – Many festivals sell out VIP and tasting passes months in advance.
- Go hungry – Arrive with an empty stomach and a plan to pace yourself.
- Check for dietary options – Most festivals now accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive eaters.
- Bring water + sun protection – Many festivals are outdoors during warm months.
🧳 Final Bites
Food festivals in 2025 are more than just places to eat — they’re cultural events that bring communities together, spotlight chefs and farmers, and celebrate local flavor. Whether you’re a BBQ fanatic, seafood purist, or global gourmand, there’s a food festival calling your name this year.
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