Food festivals bring people together to celebrate everything related to food, from cooking up delicious meals to indulging in scrumptious snacks. They provide ample opportunities to indulge in culinary delights, have fun with friends and family, and create unforgettable memories. From barbecue competitions to ice cream fairs, there’s something for everyone. Below are some of the best family-friendly food festivals you don’t want to miss.

Bite of Seattle 🍔🌭🍟

The Bite of Seattle is an annual food festival held at the Seattle Center. It’s the largest food festival in the Pacific Northwest and features over fifty restaurants and food trucks, serving everything from burgers and hot dogs to pizza and tacos. There are also live music performances and family-friendly activities like a beer garden and cooking demonstration.

A couple eating delicious food in the sun

If you’re planning to attend, be sure to bring cash as some vendors only accept cash. Get there early to avoid the crowds, and wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival 🥃🎉👩‍👩‍👧‍👦

If you’re a bourbon lover, then the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a must-attend event. Held in Bardstown, Kentucky, this festival is a celebration of America’s only native spirit. It features live music, delicious food, and lots of bourbon tastings. There’s also a bourbon barrel relay race, a cocktail competition, and even a “Pappy for your Pappy” drawing.

A group of people enjoying some bourbon in a scenic setting

This festival is family-friendly, but there are also events for adults only. You can buy tickets for individual events or a multi-day pass.

Wisconsin State Fair 🧀🍦🎡

The Wisconsin State Fair is one of the largest state fairs in the country and is located in Milwaukee. This festival has everything from carnival rides and games to livestock shows and a variety of food stands. But, the main attraction is the cream puff, a delicious pastry filled with whipped cream.

A Ferris wheel at a state fair

If you’re planning to attend, be sure to try the cheese curds, deep-fried anything, and of course, the famous cream puffs.

Maine Lobster Festival 🦞🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The Maine Lobster Festival is a five-day celebration of everything lobster. Held in Rockland, Maine, this festival features tons of lobster dishes, from lobster rolls to lobster mac and cheese. There’s also a parade, a seafood cooking contest, and an arts and crafts show.

A group of people enjoying a lobster feast

This festival is also family-friendly, with a carnival and games for kids. Be sure to bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes as the festival is held outdoors.

National Buffalo Wing Festival 🍗🌶️🎊

If you’re a fan of spicy food, then the National Buffalo Wing Festival is the perfect food festival for you. Held in Buffalo, New York, this festival features over 100 different types of wings from vendors all over the country. There’s also wing-eating contests, live music performances, and a kids’ zone.

A plate of various buffalo wings

Be sure to bring wet wipes and napkins to clean your fingers as you indulge in the spicy goodness.

Food festivals are a great way to experience different cultures, indulge in your favorite foods, and spend time with friends and family. If you plan to attend any of the festivals mentioned above, be sure to wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, a camera, and cash. Don’t forget to sample different foods, attend cooking demonstrations, and participate in the different activities available.

A group of people enjoying delicious festival food and entertainment