We know that for the past 8 months, all everyone has talked about is summer. Waiting for it to come, anticipating our freedoms, and enjoying it to the fullest when it finally arrived. Like all good things, our sun-filled season must come to an end and open the door to a festive fall. And what better way to celebrate the shift than with food and fun?
Corporate catering can’t cover all of your meals, so we decided to search for the best fall food events in our markets across the country for you and your foodie friends to enjoy while off the clock. Read on for our recommendations in some of our Eastern US markets, and be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on these delicious events! If you don’t see an event for your city, don’t worry; we didn’t forget about you! Stay tuned for more fall event reports for more cities across the country.
New York City Wine and Food Festival
Little Italy, New York City
The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival is the largest event of its kind in NYC! Now in their 13th year, the four day NYCWFF boasts more than 80 events that include walk around tastings, intimate dinners with world renowned chefs, night parties, interactive classes, wine tastings, and more!
You can catch this event in October from the 14 through the 17, and tickets start at $95 for adult experiences. It is held all throughout Manhattan, and their signature events will be held outdoors at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 & Pier 86, Home of The Intrepid, Sea, Air, & Space Museum.
What takes this event to the next level is their dedication to supporting New Yorkers in need. Not only does the festival give business to small companies and food industry workers around the city, but they also donate 100% of their net proceeds to the Food Bank for New York City and God’s Love We Deliver.
South Beach Seafood Festival
Miami Beach, Florida
If you like seafood, Florida is definitely the perfect place for you. Which is why you should hit up the South Beach Seafood Festival for their 8th annual seafood-centric event on the shore! It has gained praise from USATODAY, Forbes, and the Travel Channel for being one of the best festivals of its kind, and for good reason; as their website says, “This Florida seafood festival is not your typical east coast seafood festival, but a curated showcase of the best talents of South Florida’s leading chefs and culinary masterminds…”
#SobeSeafood Week takes place in October from the 20 to the 23 all throughout Miami and Miami Beach. It is made up of five unique events: Wednesday’s event is occurring at Joe’s Stone Crab; Thursday’s event at Shelborne South Beach; and Friday & Saturday’s festivities will be the main events, held at Lummus Park right on the beach! Ticket prices range by type, but start at $55 for general admission (with top-shelf beverages included in the ticket prices, if you’re into that sort of thing).
This event also benefits a great cause in their community. CI Management, the team behind the Festival, has allocated some proceeds to go towards their EAT SMART program that works to provide healthy meals and nutritional guidance to Florida’s youth!
Chicago’s Food Truck Festival
Chicago, Illinois
For our friends in the midwest, head to Chicago for one of America’s largest annual gathering of gourmet food trucks and foodies! The Chicago Food Truck Fest, now in its 8 season, supports local entrepreneurs and offers patrons the opportunity to taste all the goodness these businesses have to offer.
The festival begins on October 2 and runs through the following Sunday October 3 in Labagh Woods, Chicago. The best part? Admission is totally free! All ages are welcome at this food-and-fun event, and children under 8 get in for free. You can bring your (small) furry friends to enjoy the dog park and yummy bites right by your side. They also offer a VIP ticket option that includes a cocktail (score!). Snag some tickets on Eventbrite or watch the Festival website for more updates!
They also partner with charitable organizations that match participating food truck purchases. They have not yet picked a beneficiary for this season’s festival, but in the past they have supported causes like HIV eradication through Bank of America’s initiative!
National Harbor Wine & Food Festival
National Harbor, MD
Located in the Metropolitan DC area? We have THE wine and food event for you! The 12 National Harbor Wine & Food Festival is back to bring together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and foodies from international and local venues. There are over 150 spirits to try in an all-you-care-to-taste affair, and you can enjoy it all with a view right on the Potomac Waterfront Lawn and Vista.
This event is scheduled for September 25 and 26 this year after being put on hold because of the pandemic. For tickets, there are general admission and VIP options. For Saturday VIPS, you can expect to pay $89 per person, and $39 for general admission on the same day. VIP tickets include a souvenir wine glass, unlimited beverage samples, one EXTRA sampling hour, VIP lounge access, and more. General admission also can get in on the fun with souenour wine glasses, unlimited samples, cooking demos, and entertainment. And for Sunday, they offer Sunday Funday packages for $59, and general admission tickets for $39.
A portion of the proceeds go to the Spirit of Hope Children’s foundation to provide support and education for children and adults with a mental or physical disability. Learn more about their efforts here.
