Some people think that, like in New York, you don’t eat and drink anywhere else in the world. From huge pastrami sandwiches to the best bagels with creamy cheese, a brunch that lacks nothing and of course a good cup of strong coffee. With such an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants, deciding where to eat in the Big Apple is no easy task. So why not take it easy and drop by one of the many food-themed festivals that take place in New York? With a calendar packed with food events, you can be sure you won’t leave hungry.
Whether you’re a local, a passing visitor, or a tourist enjoying a city break, here’s our list of recommended New York food festivals we think you should check out.
New York street food festivals
If the idea of a day of good food, vintage shopping and live music appeals to you, head to one of the many fairs spread throughout the city. Popping up temporarily during the summer months, New York’s best restaurants come together to offer you something truly sensational to eat at these street events. There’s Smorgasburg, Brooklyn’s food market that brings together more than 75 food stalls on weekends from April to October, rain or shine. Hester Street Fair, the Lower East Side’s hotspot with new food every week and themed events to keep you entertained. And the PopUp New York Street Fairs that offer creations from up-and-coming restaurants, dishes from trendy designers and performances from local musicians; They give part of the profits to local NGOs, so participating in this New York street fair is also technically doing a good deed.
New York Coffee Festival
New York’s coffee scene has experienced a veritable explosion in recent years, with places to grab a freshly roasted cup of coffee on just about every corner. Whether it’s for a caffeine hit before work, to socialize, or to recharge your batteries in the mid-afternoon, New Yorkers can never seem to have enough. So it’s no surprise that the New York Coffee Festival has a place on our must-visit festival list. At this celebration of community and culture, over a few days in October, you’ll be able to choose from hundreds of coffee samples to taste, participate in workshops, meet the best baristas in the state, and attend interactive demonstrations. There’s also no shortage of tasty street food stalls, coffee-based cocktails, live music, and even coffee-inspired art to enjoy. Whether you’re a neophyte, a coffee nut or an industry insider, the New York Coffee Festival has something for caffeine lovers of all levels.
New York food and wine festival
After 11 years of continuous success, the New York Food and Wine Festival can boast impressive statistics. 4 days, 80 events, 500 chefs, more than 50,000 revelers… Need we give you more reasons to visit this New York festival? It is a stellar event showcasing the talents of wine and spirits producers as well as the world’s most celebrated chefs. With the opportunity to rub shoulders with television chefs and the most beloved American culinary personalities. The NYC Food and Wine Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the city, also collaborates in the fight against hunger with organizations such as Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry. From bites like Team Izzie’s cheesesteaks and Lady M’s pies to Ted Allen’s Chopped and Carolyn Bane’s Pies ‘n’ Thighs. The objective is to educate palates and entertain attendees; and the only admission requirement is to go hungry.