BY MATTEA PIESCH
Traditional food is part of the culture of any region or city. Food festivals are a great way to explore the taste of a region and are a perfect occasion for a short getaway trip.
Here are some upcoming festivals from across the U.S. that will leave your mouth watering for more.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine, Carmel, CA
Dates: April 9-12, 2015
The Scoop: The Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival features more than 75 celebrity chefs and 250 acclaimed wineries. The beautiful setting along the ocean has attracted culinary legends such as Wolfgang Puck and Jacques Pépin. Most of the proceeds go to local charities.
Web: http://www.pbfw.com/
Austin Food & Wine Festival, Austin, TX
Dates: April 24-26, 2015
The Scoop: This relatively small festival is very popular amongst foodies. It’s the third year Food & Wine is taking place and tickets are already nearly sold out. Hundreds of purveyors will be presenting their delicious creations, and visitors are not only invited to taste and try, but can also take cooking classes with well-known chefs and cooks. For those who can’t get enough, there’s live music and intimate dinner parties in the evenings.
Web: http://www.austinfoodandwinefestival.com/
Vegas Uncork’d, Las Vegas, NV
Dates: April 23-26, 2015
The Scoop: This glamourous festival is for upscale gourmets. Vegas Uncork’d assembles celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Michael Mina, and Nobu Matsuhisa. Along with luxurious dinners by celebrity chefs, you’ll also be captivated by cocktails that are made by world-class mixologists in front of the Bellagio fountains. The different events and exhibitions take place at four of the best Vegas hotels: The MGM Grand, The Bellagio, Aria, and Caesar’s Palace.
Web: http://www.vegasuncorked.com
New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, New Orleans, LA
Dates: May 20-23, 2015
The Scoop: Every year, over 10,000 guests head to New Orleans to experience the local cuisine and diverse tastes of this traditional festival. While offering exquisite wine and extraordinary food, the event is also a fundraiser for local food banks and culinary schools. Most of the local restaurants participate in this event by offering special dining experiences during the festival.
Web: http://www.nowfe.com/
The Taste of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dates: July 8-12, 2015
The Scoop: Taste of Chicago was the first outdoor food festival in North America. Three million visitors attended the event last year and visitor numbers are growing. Entry to this festival is free and all ages are permitted in. Not only foodies love this festival, however, as the musical performances along the lakefront are also a highlight for many visitors.
Web: http://www.tasteofchicago.us
National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI
Dates: July 5-12, 2015
The Scoop: This festival has been around since 1926. Cherries have been the region’s biggest export for a long time, which is why the Cherry Festival has become an integral part of Traverse City’s history. Besides cherry pie, you can find all kinds of food creations at the Cherry Festival. Most of the attractions are free and the festival is very child-friendly.
Web: http://www.cherryfestival.org/
San Francisco Street Food Festival, San Francisco, CA
Dates: August 15-16, 2015
The Scoop: This festival was introduced by a non-profit incubator for low income food entrepreneurs. It started out pretty small in 2009, but due to its growing popularity, it will be taking place at Pier 70 in 2015. This festival has an urban vibe to it and presents a lot of underdogs of the local restaurant and catering scene. Entry is free and there will also be plenty of independent live music.
Web: http://www.sfstreetfoodfest.com/
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