UPDATED SEPT. 2019: For those hungry for food and fun, check out these fantastic food festivals and edible events going on this fall in the New York area. Mix and mingle while munching on local and international specialties. Food festivals are a great way to spend the weekend for every member of the family–and from Rockland to Queens, Long Island to Westchester (and Manhattan and Brooklyn too), there's a festival for everyone!
Food Festivals in Manhattan
Harvest in the Square
Sept. 19, 6-9pm
Union Square Park, North Plaza, 16th Street and Union Square West, Union Square
For the 24th year, Harvest in the Square celebrates the foods and drinks of the Union Square region of Manhattan. Taste signature dishes from restaurants in the area including 5 Napkin Burger, Tarallucci e Vino, Rosa Mexicano, Strip House, by CHLOE, Glaze, Daily Provisions, and more. Adults can sample wine as well. Proceeds from the event help raise funding for beautification of the park and surrounding neighborhood.
Vendy Awards
Sept. 21, 12:30-5pm
Governors Island
NYC is all about food trucks, and the offerings coming from these tiny mobile “restaurants” are better and more unique than ever before. The 15th annual Vendy Awards is a competition among the food trucks in the region and celebrates food culture, small businesses, and the people that run them to bring us delicious food every day. There will be plenty to eat and drink, along with live music and other performances. Your ticket grants you “all you can eat” access to the food truck delights!
Oktoberfest
Sept. 13–Oct. 20, Weekends, 11am-12am
Watermark–Waterfront Bar, Pier 15, 78 South St., Lower Manhattan
Delight in traditional German food (and beer for the grown-ups) on the harbor. There will be games and fun for the whole family. If you love a good German meal and a great time, this is the place to be on these six weekends, no matter your heritage!
Taste of the Village 2019
Date TBA
Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Head over to Greenwich Village for a variety of delicious foods from more than 30 local food and wine creators. No need for dinner with so many tastes to nosh on. Tickets sell out quickly, so grab ‘em while they’re hot… just like the food! This is the 17th year and the event is still making mouths water. Tickets support efforts to keep the park safe and clean.
Food Festivals in Brooklyn
Pig Island 2019
Sept. 7, 11:30am-4pm
Erie Basin Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn
If pork is your thing, Pig Island is the place to be on Sept. 7. Enjoy the outdoor cooking event that features food made from hogs sourced from small, sustainability-focused farms. More than 20 chefs will create signature pork dishes, and you can also enjoy craft beer, hard ciders, live music, and more. Grab your tickets here and prepare to “pig” out!
Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint
Sept. 15, 1-5pm
East River State Park, Williamsburg/Greenpoint, Brooklyn
For the tenth year, this foodie event is held outdoors at East River State Park and offers culinary treats from more than a dozen local vendors from area restaurants, bars, and breweries. Live music will pair well with the food from spots like Tacocina, Barano, Brooklyn Bowl, Midnights, and more. Along with tastings, you can enjoy live music, a VIP experience, a transportation forum to discuss the L, and a makers market!
Chile Pepper Festival
Sept. 28, Times TBA
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights/Crown Heights
Join in this all-day celebration of things hot and spicy! Indulge in food from more than three dozen food artisans, enjoy spice demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes, go on food tours with BBG gardeners, let the kids have fun with activities just for them in the Discovery Garden, and rock out to pop-up performances by roaming musicians.
Food Festivals in Queens
NYC Honey Fest 2017
Sept. 14, 11am-6pm
Caracas Rockaway, 106-01 Shore Front Parkway, Rockaway Park
Honey week may just “bee” the sweetest week of all in NYC. Check out the honey marketplace, honey tastings, honey extraction demonstrations, and family fun for everyone. If you love honey, hanging out with this group of beekeepers and honeybee enthusiasts is a can’t-miss weekend activity!
LIC Flea & Food
Sept. 14-15, 11am-6pm
5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City
The whole family will find something to treasure at this international food fair and market. Sample delicious food from all over the world, then shop for one-of-a-kind antiques, furniture, fashion, jewelry, arts and crafts, and more!
Food Festivals on Long Island
Ompahfest
Sept. 22, 10am-11pm
Plattduetsche Park Biergarten, 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square
If you’re a lover of German and Austrian food, head over to Ompahfest on Long Island. Along with plenty of delicious food, adults can partake in a variety of beers from the regions. You can celebrate German and Austrian culture through live music from The Austrian Boys, Fritz’s Polka Band and more, as well as dancing, vendors, kids’ activities, and more.
The Oyster Festival
Oct. 19-20, Times TBA
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, Oyster Bay, Long Island
You won't be saying “aww, shucks” when you attend! Venture into the Food Court where chefs prepare oyster, lobster, and other seafood dishes, and don't miss the oyster eating and shucking contest. Activities include pirate shows, midway rides, and more. All proceeds benefit The Rotary Club of Oyster Bay.
Food Festivals in Westchester County
Tours & Tastings at Crown Maple
Weekends
Madava Farms, Crown Maple, 47 McCourt Road, Dover Plains, Dutchess County
If your kids love their pancakes and waffles covered in rich maple syrup, then a tour and tasting at Crown Maple will be a sweet treat. Take a tour of the sugarhouse and learn about maple sap production. Enjoy tastings of 12 different kinds of syrup an then bring some home to enjoy on top of your next breakfast.
Armonk Cider & Donut Festival
Sept. 15, 10am-2pm
Wampus Brook Park, Armonk
Join the Armonk Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of fall fair fun with all the cider and donuts you can eat, carnival rides, live music, kids’ activities, a pie eating contest, other delicious food, and more! Show up early to watch the Donut Dash, McIntosh mile, and 5k run/walk.
Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro
Sept. 11-15, exact times TBA
1916 Commerce St. (Firehouse), Yorktown Heights
Everyone is Italian at this five day festival celebrating the best of Italy’s food, music, culture, and more! Besides amazing food and music, stop by the feast for a huge Ferris wheel, carnival games, and prizes kids will love.
Food Festivals in Rockland County
8th Annual Blauvelt Sons of Italy Italian Feast & Carnival
Sept., exact dates TBA
Tappan Masonic Park Fairgrounds, 89 Western Highway, Tappan
Hosted by the Blauvelt Sons of Italy, this festival is one of the biggest in Rockland County with thousands of people expected to attend over the multiple-day feast and carnival. Enjoy live entertainment, rides, games, and food including pizza, pasta, Italian ices, zeppoles, and more. Get ready for a day of Italian fun!
A Taste of Rockland
Sept. 23, 6pm
Hilton Pearl River, 500 Veterans Memorial Drive, Pearl River
The 24th annual Taste of Rockland is Rockland’s premiere five-star culinary experience. The event features delicious food from 45 of Rockland’s best restaurants, and wine, beer, and spirits for the grownups. There’s also a silent and live auction. All proceeds benefit the Arc of Rockland, which provides support and services to adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
