Best food festivals in the U.S. to attend

Across the U.S., flavour takes centre stage in festivals that transform cities into open-air banquets. Whether you crave bold Southern flair, refined coastal bites or unexpected fusions, each region serves up its own delicious identity. From soulful street food to high-end tastings, discover where to go when your appetite leads the way.

Every spring, Austin turns up the heat with a celebration of bold bites, smoky grills and fine pours that mirror the city’s electrifying spirit. The Austin Food + Wine Festival draws top chefs, pitmasters and sommeliers for three days of open-fire cooking, hands-on tastings, curated wine pairings and rhythmic beats that fill the air with energy. From the vibrant Grand Tasting Pavilion to intimate chef showcases, every detail is designed to ignite the senses and satisfy even the most curious palate. To stay in the heart of the action, choose Fairmont Austin, where locally inspired dining, a serene rooftop pool and skyline views elevate your culinary escape into something unforgettable.

In Charleston, food tells a story steeped in heritage, soul and Southern charm—and nowhere is that more deliciously evident than at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival. This beloved coastal gathering blends Lowcountry traditions with global culinary flair, offering everything from oyster roasts on the waterfront to candlelit tasting menus crafted by rising-star chefs. Set against cobblestone streets and pastel-hued mansions, the festival creates an atmosphere as refined as it is welcoming. It’s a feast for the senses and a heartfelt invitation to slow down, savour and connect over every perfectly plated bite.

Each autumn, Millennium Park transforms into an open-air kitchen where culinary artistry meets skyline elegance at Chicago Gourmet. This festival is a toast to the city’s rich food culture, gathering Michelin-starred chefs, master sommeliers and bold mixologists for tastings, live demos and decadent pairings that stretch the imagination. With the city’s architecture rising around you and Lake Michigan shimmering nearby, every bite feels elevated by the view. To keep the indulgence going, stay at Swissôtel Chicago, where sleek design, sweeping lakefront panoramas and sophisticated dining await just moments from the festivities. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and cosmopolitan flair for a flavour-packed escape.

In New York City, indulgence goes big, bold and unforgettable. The NYC Wine & Food Festival is no exception. Held every October, this dynamic event takes over the city with an irresistible mix of glamour, creativity and culinary passion. Expect rooftop soirées with sweeping skyline views, intimate tastings hosted by world-renowned chefs, hands-on masterclasses and late-night events that pulse with the city's unmistakable energy. Whether you’re sipping rare vintages, discovering street food reinvented or rubbing elbows with culinary icons, every moment is curated for discovery and delight. It’s a full-sensory journey through one of the most vibrant food scenes on the planet, where each bite is elevated by the magic of New York.

Cincinnati comes alive each spring with the vibrant sights, sounds and scents of the Asian Food Fest, a spirited celebration of the region’s rich Asian diaspora. More than just a food event, it’s a cultural mosaic where you can sample everything from Thai mango sticky rice and Filipino adobo to Korean street toast and bubble tea, all while enjoying traditional music, dance and art performances. The festival invites you to wander, taste and learn, offering a joyful exploration of heritage through flavour. Whether you’re discovering a new dish or revisiting a childhood favourite, every bite feels like a passport to somewhere meaningful.

The Otaku Food Festival is where anime dreams and culinary creativity collide, drawing fans and foodies alike into a universe of vibrant flavours and playful nostalgia. Hosted in various cities across the U.S., this travelling celebration blends Japanese pop culture with street food delights, offering everything from takoyaki and gyoza to boba drinks and over-the-top desserts inspired by iconic characters. Between cosplay parades, themed photo ops and rows of eye-catching stalls, the festival is a feast for every sense. It’s the perfect place to indulge your inner otaku while discovering the joyful, flavour-packed side of fandom.

Beyond the big-name events, a vibrant world of specialty food festivals celebrates unique flavours, treasured traditions and the communities that keep them alive. From dishes tied to ancestral rituals to street snacks wrapped in symbolic meaning, these gatherings offer a deeper, more intimate taste of culture. Get ready to explore where food tells stories that go far beyond the plate.

The Dragon Boat Festival, rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, brings together rhythmic races, colourful customs and dishes steeped in symbolism. At the heart of the celebration is zongzi, a savoury or sweet glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves, filled with ingredients like pork belly, red bean paste or salted egg yolk. Each bite carries centuries of cultural memory, honouring resilience, family and the spirit of togetherness. Alongside the food, vibrant festivities unfold with dragon boat races, rhythmic drumming and street performances that turn tradition into spectacle. It’s a delicious immersion into heritage where every flavour has a story to tell.

The Festival of Lights, celebrated across cultures from Diwali in India to Hanukkah in Jewish tradition, is a luminous tribute to hope, renewal and heritage. This meaning shines especially bright in the foods shared during the festivities. Golden sweets like gulab jamun and laddoo fill homes with the scent of cardamom and rose, while crisp latkes sizzle in oil as families gather to light candles and pass on generations of stories. These comforting dishes aren’t just treats, they’re edible expressions of joy and gratitude. With every bite, the table becomes a place of memory, meaning and celebration that glows long after the lights dim.

Planning to dive fork-first into a food festival? A little preparation makes all the difference. Arrive early to skip long lines and soak in the atmosphere before it gets too crowded. Dress for comfort with lightweight clothes and shoes that can take you from midday tastings to evening music. If the event is outdoors, bring sunscreen, stay hydrated and carry a small bag for essentials.

Once inside, let your curiosity lead the way. Sample widely, from headline dishes to hidden gems, and resist filling up too quickly. Talk to chefs, ask for recommendations and don’t shy away from flavours you’ve never tried. The most memorable bites often come from unexpected places. A food festival is your ticket to explore, connect and savour without limits.

Timing is everything when it comes to food festivals in the U.S., and each season brings its own delicious rhythm. Spring sets the stage with fresh flavours and outdoor feasts as cities shake off the winter chill. Summer follows with sun-soaked gatherings, beachside bites and night markets that stretch into warm evenings. Fall steals the spotlight with harvest-themed festivals, wine pairings and rich comfort foods served under golden leaves. Even winter has its charm, with holiday markets and warm, spiced treats that invite you to cosy up and indulge. No matter when you go, there's always something sizzling on the calendar.

Securing your spot at a food festival starts with planning ahead because tickets for popular events sell out fast, especially for exclusive tastings and chef-led experiences. Browse the schedule early, highlight must-try sessions and consider passes that bundle perks like early entry or VIP lounges. While spontaneity has its charm, a little strategy helps you taste more and wait less. Bring a refillable water bottle, take breaks between bites and snap photos of your favourites so you can hunt them down later. And here’s a secret worth sharing: weekday or early-hour visits often mean shorter lines and more relaxed conversations with the culinary stars behind each dish.

When planning a trip around a food festival, travel insurance might not be the first thing on your packing list, but it should be. From flight delays to sudden weather shifts or last-minute cancellations, unexpected hiccups can quickly spoil your flavour-packed getaway. A good policy adds peace of mind, covering not only your journey but also tickets, accommodation and even medical care if needed. Look for plans that offer flexibility, especially if you're hopping between cities or attending multiple events. With coverage in your corner, you’re free to explore every bite, sip and surprise with confidence.

From sizzling street food in Cincinnati to gourmet tastings in Chicago and wine-soaked evenings in Charleston, America’s food festivals are a journey for the senses and Accor is your ideal travel companion along the way. With a wide selection of hotels across the United States, Accor offers modern comfort, intuitive service and prime locations that put you right where the flavours are. After a full day of tastings, music and culture, relax in a space designed to recharge, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with friends in search of the next unforgettable bite.

Want to make every festival moment even more rewarding? Join ALL – Accor Live Limitless – for free and unlock exclusive benefits throughout your journey. Enjoy discounts on stays, early check-in, late check-out and unique experiences that go beyond the plate. It’s your passport to comfort, convenience and a little extra indulgence at every stop.