USA TODAY 10Best
Eat up at the 10 best specialty food festivals in the US
Best Specialty Food Festival (2024)
These food festivals — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best across the United States — celebrate specific foods, often local specialties grown or produced in the region. And these themed events promise attendees good food, good times, and plenty of opportunities to indulge.
- Windy City Smokeout - Chicago, Illinois
- Kauai Poke Festival - Koloa, Hawaii
- Easton Garlic Fest - Easton, Pennsylvania
- Waikiki Spam Jam - Honolulu, Hawaii
- National Fried Chicken Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana
- Maine Lobster Festival - Rockland, Maine
- National Buffalo Wing Festival - Buffalo, New York
- Cheese Curd Festival - Ellsworth, Wisconsin
- Picklesburgh - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Delta Hot Tamale Festival - Greenville, Mississippi
Photo courtesy of Jeff Marini
No. 10:
This four-day event in Chicago combines two beloved things: live music and great BBQ. Over 20 of the world’s best pitmasters serve up their smoked morsels, while top country music talent takes the stage. Bands, beer, BBQ — what could be better?
Photo courtesy of Koloa Landing Resort
No. 9:
With easy access to fresh fish along its miles of unspoiled coastline, poke has deep roots across the Hawaiian Islands. Poke means "cut into pieces," which is how this raw fish dish is served. The Kauai Poke Festival features some 20 amazing chefs and cooks creating poke dishes for attendees to enjoy. A highlight of the event is a poke demonstration with celebrity chef and godfather of poke, Sam Choy.
Photo courtesy of Rixipix / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 8:
Easton proudly markets their Garlic Fest with the tagline "Eat, Drink, Stink," and this fun-tastic tribute to garlic is truly an event-packed festival. There's a best garlic dish contest, a garlic dessert contest, a garlic cook-off between local mayors, several stages of live music, and there's even a "Little Stinkers' Row" with a train and an obstacle course for kids, plus clowns, jugglers, and more. Local businesses all get supported as well, as there is plenty of festival merchandise and gift baskets from Easton vendors, as well as bags and bulbs of garlic from local farms to go with all the entertainment.
Photo courtesy of Waikiki Spam Jam
No. 7:
Spam is as ingrained in Hawaii's food culture as pineapples and poi. This tinned luncheon meat was first brought to Hawaii by GIs during World War II and was quickly embraced. Shelf-stable and inexpensive, residents of the Hawaiian Islands consume millions of tins annually. The Waikiki Spam Jam is a one-day festival that acknowledges the state's love story with this porky product, where attendees can sample inventive Spam recipes for a good cause, as proceeds benefit a local food bank.
Photo courtesy of The National Fried Chicken Festival presented by Raising Cane's
No. 6:
Fried chicken is an iconic Southern staple, and New Orleans is the perfect venue for a festival to honor it, with its annual National Fried Chicken Festival. Over 50 restaurants from a selection of states showcase their most unique fried chicken dishes, and there are four stages of nonstop entertainment, ranging from live music to cooking demonstrations with top celebrity chefs. This is a great place to sample diversity in cooking, as you'll find dishes like Korean chicken baos, chicken birria tacos, jambalaya, and even ice cream chicken legs. With over 120,000 attendees, it's one of the Big Easy's best parties.
Photo courtesy of Maine Lobster Festival
No. 5:
Rockland is the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world, and its annual Maine Lobster Festival salutes the state’s favorite crustacean. It takes place over five days each summer and includes feasting on fresh seafood, a parade, and live music. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Coronation and the International Great Crate Race, where contestants jump from crate to crate and risk falling into the chilly Atlantic Ocean, are must-see events.
Photo courtesy of David Marino
No. 4:
The National Buffalo Wing Festival celebrates the chicken wing, America's number one appetizer. This Labor Day weekend event lets you get out on an NFL field, with the festivities being held at Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills. There's nonstop live music, wing-eating championships, bobbing for wings in a pool of blue cheese dressing, and even a buffet bowl where contestants have 10 minutes to eat as many wings, pizza, and roast beef as possible.
Photo courtesy of Cheese Curd Festival
No. 3:
They don't call Wisconsin the Dairy State for nothing. It's the number one cheese-making state in America, producing everything from Muenster to prized farmhouse cheeses. Cheese curds are a byproduct of the cheesemaking process, and these springy, squeaky little bites are the stars of the show at the Cheese Curd Festival. Thousands of pounds of curds made by the local Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery are served at the occasion each June. Events include a craft beer and curd pairing, live music, and a craft market. It's a celebration of all dairy products, with ice cream tastings being especially popular.
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
No. 2:
Picklesburgh bills itself as “the destination for all things pickled.” For one weekend each July, downtown Pittsburgh transforms into Picklesburgh, complete with a giant flying Heinz pickle balloon. Attendees can expect an assortment of foods and cocktails that feature pickled ingredients, as well as a pickle juice drinking contest, live entertainment, pickle merchandise, and a "Li’l Gherkins" play area for the kids.
Photo courtesy of Marcos Elihu Castillo Ramirez / Stock / Getty Images Plus
No. 1:
Greenville, Mississippi, has an actual U.S. Patent and Trademark certificate for being the hot tamale capital of the world, with historians claiming that the Delta hot tamale dates back hundreds of years or more. At this festive ode to the tamale, you can take part in tamale eating contests, cooking contests, art and T-shirt design contests, and even a Miss Hot Tamale pageant. The weekend starts with a welcome dinner and dance party, and the following day sees panel discussions, food trucks, and live entertainment on the main stage, making for one big party.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Levine
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate,... Read More
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is www.pleasethepalate.com and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate.
Allison Levine
Allison Levine is the owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison holds a master’s degree in international communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service and holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET). As an industry expert, she has worked with wine regions around the world. She has traveled extensively and has lived abroad in Italy, Spain, and Mexico where she developed her passion for food and wine. Her work allows her to live life to the fullest and, as a freelance writer, Allison communicates her experiences in articles, as well as in her blog. Allison is the US Host for the international podcast Wine Soundtrack where she interviews winemakers and gets to know them in 30 questions, and she is co-host of the YouTube wine series Crush On This. Her website is www.pleasethepalate.com and you can follow her on Instagram @plsthepalate.
Carly Caramanna
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the... Read More
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna
Carly Caramanna
Carly Caramanna has a passion for covering the latest in unique food, travel, and theme park trends. Growing up in the carb-filled land of bagels and pizza by the slice (aka New Jersey), her parents instilled a love of all things adventure and food. Featured on CNN Business, BBC, NPR, MSN, Huffington Post, and host of the Attractions Magazine podcast, she uses her expertise as a contributor to Travel + Leisure, Business Insider, Delish, and many more. www.adventuresbycarly.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresbycarly/ X: https://twitter.com/CarlyCaramanna
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest... Read More
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer, where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jacob and Esther of Local Adventurer
Esther JuLee and Jacob Fu run one of the largest travel blogs in the world, Local Adventurer, where they hope to encourage everyone to find adventure in their everyday lives. They spent 7 years moving to a new city every year and are now based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kimmie Conner
Kimmie is a natural-born content creator who has... Read More
Kimmie is a natural-born content creator who has been living, working, traveling, blogging, photographing, and attending festivals around the world for over 8.5 years. She is a full-time blogger at Adventures & Sunsets blog and lives a digital nomad lifestyle. Her platforms help others travel in the most value-packed way and recommend adventurous, unique & boutique travel experiences and stays, products, and comprehensive guides. Her festival 'review-guides' are the most comprehensive on the internet and have helped thousands of festival-goers plan their trips to festivals on 6 continents. She loves to inspire people to plan their dream trips and to think up new ideas for brands, festivals, and destinations. She shares all of her adventures on her Instagram and Tiktok pages.
Kimmie Conner
Kimmie is a natural-born content creator who has been living, working, traveling, blogging, photographing, and attending festivals around the world for over 8.5 years. She is a full-time blogger at Adventures & Sunsets blog and lives a digital nomad lifestyle. Her platforms help others travel in the most value-packed way and recommend adventurous, unique & boutique travel experiences and stays, products, and comprehensive guides. Her festival 'review-guides' are the most comprehensive on the internet and have helped thousands of festival-goers plan their trips to festivals on 6 continents. She loves to inspire people to plan their dream trips and to think up new ideas for brands, festivals, and destinations. She shares all of her adventures on her Instagram and Tiktok pages.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer... Read More
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kristin Luna
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Lori Sorrentino
"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer... Read More
"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog Travlinmad with a mission to Eat Local, Travel Slow. She also publishes Italy Foodies, about food travel in Italy, and the Naples Florida Travel Guide an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."
Lori Sorrentino
"Lori Sorrentino is an award-winning photographer and freelance travel writer and blogger, who writes about slow food and slow travel on her blog Travlinmad with a mission to Eat Local, Travel Slow. She also publishes Italy Foodies, about food travel in Italy, and the Naples Florida Travel Guide an insider's guide for travelers heading to sunny SWFL. A former destination marketing manager, her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Tages-Anzeiger, and The Huffington Post among others. Originally from New Jersey, when she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Florida writing about the Paradise Coast and the Everglades."
Marilyn Johnson
Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning Philadelphia... Read More
Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning Philadelphia area-based food and travel writer focusing on the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Marilyn founded Philly Grub in 2008 and South Jersey Food Scene in 2019. Her work has appeared on MSN, NewsBreak, Philadelphia Today, Cherry Hill Neighbors, New Jersey Monthly, and other online publications. She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia, a society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality.
Marilyn Johnson
Marilyn Johnson is an award-winning Philadelphia area-based food and travel writer focusing on the greater Mid-Atlantic region. Marilyn founded Philly Grub in 2008 and South Jersey Food Scene in 2019. Her work has appeared on MSN, NewsBreak, Philadelphia Today, Cherry Hill Neighbors, New Jersey Monthly, and other online publications. She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Philadelphia, a society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, beverage, and hospitality.
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion... Read More
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Marla Cimini
Marla is an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures! An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), as well as European getaways and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Marla lives in New Jersey (Philadelphia area) and is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California, and often covers those destinations. Her travel website is: www.marlacimini.com
Roberto Serrini
Roberto Serrini is an award winning Filmmaker and... Read More
Roberto Serrini is an award winning Filmmaker and Travel Journalist who has lent his vision to such global brands as Nike, Google and Apple. He has produced hundreds of short subject documentaries about travel and culture, and is extremely active in the film festival community earning over 100 wins and nominations globally. His commercial work can be seen at www.robertoserrini.com and you can connect with him socially @serrini on all social media platforms.
Roberto Serrini
Roberto Serrini is an award winning Filmmaker and Travel Journalist who has lent his vision to such global brands as Nike, Google and Apple. He has produced hundreds of short subject documentaries about travel and culture, and is extremely active in the film festival community earning over 100 wins and nominations globally. His commercial work can be seen at www.robertoserrini.com and you can connect with him socially @serrini on all social media platforms.
Sky Ariella
Sky Ariella is a professional writer and full-time... Read More
Sky Ariella is a professional writer and full-time traveler originally from New York. After graduating from Hunter College in 2018, she took a solo trip around six Southeast Asian countries. Since then, Sky has traveled to 13+ countries from South America to Europe and she’s written for major travel publications like Travel Lemming, Explore, Booking, and In The Know Traveler, along with publishing on her own blog. She’s written for other types of publications like Zippia, FashionCast, and Inspired Momentum Magazine, and currently writes documentary scripts for a major YouTube channel. Follow Sky on Instagram @skyariella, check out her blog on Medium, and learn more about her work on skyariella.com.
Sky Ariella
Sky Ariella is a professional writer and full-time traveler originally from New York. After graduating from Hunter College in 2018, she took a solo trip around six Southeast Asian countries. Since then, Sky has traveled to 13+ countries from South America to Europe and she’s written for major travel publications like Travel Lemming, Explore, Booking, and In The Know Traveler, along with publishing on her own blog. She’s written for other types of publications like Zippia, FashionCast, and Inspired Momentum Magazine, and currently writes documentary scripts for a major YouTube channel. Follow Sky on Instagram @skyariella, check out her blog on Medium, and learn more about her work on skyariella.com.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
