NYC's Best Summer Food Festivals, Culinary Events In 2016
Foodies unite! From whiskey tastings and BBQ to international bites, here are five food festivals that you'll definitely want to check out this summer in NYC. By Carly Petrone.
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The Broadway Bites pop-up market from Urbanspace is now open in Herald Square! Whether you're craving a juicy burger, a French crepe, or something fun like poke nachos, this little section on Broadway between 32nd and 33rd St. is the answer to your indecisive prayers. Vendors from all across the city have set up shop through July 17th to bring you delicacies from West Africa, Turkey, Hawaii and more. Look out for the newest additions like The Cannibal Dogs (hot dogs), Mr. Bing (Beijing jianbing or street crepes), and Kaya (Taiwanese-style burgers). And of course, there's plenty of ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pick up an ice cream sandwich from Melt or a chewy macaron from Macaron Parlour. You can even stop by for a cocktail – the Aperol Spritz from Bar Suzette is quite tasty. Eat your way through Greeley Square before these international vendors close up shop in mid-July. Vendors are open for the summer market season daily from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The Uncorked Wine Festival's Inaugural Uncorked: NY Wine Fest
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Winos will be happy to know that The Uncorked Wine Festival is bringing their national wine tour to NYC this summer. The inaugural Uncorked: NY Wine Fest is coming to the Metropolitan Pavilion on July 16th, which means you can sample wines and champagne from all over the world. More than 50 wineries will be in attendance and guests can grab a seat at the Champagne bar or snap a picture at the custom photo booth. Take part in a blind tasting bar, buy your favorite bottle at the international wine market, or dance off a few calories with a video DJ. Plus, there will be plenty of bites available for purchase including goodies from Tres Carnes, Brooklyn Oyster Party, Murray's Cheese, Haru Sushi and Red Table Catering. Grab your Early VIP admission ticket for $70 (extra hour of tastings, shorter lines, and exclusive wine pours) or general admission ticket for $60. See website for more details.
Whiskey Fried Classic
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The folks behind the popular Bacon and Beer Classic have created another fun foodie festival that everyone can enjoy this summer. On Saturday, July 9th, guests can enjoy the Whiskey Fried Classic, an upscale backyard BBQ at the Brooklyn EXPO Center. Nosh on fried, barbecued, and Southern-inspired dishes from more than 20 local restaurants while sipping on dozens of craft whiskies and cocktails. Indulge in unlimited bites and booze, live music, a mustache bar, horseshoes, cornhole, and lots more fun. Choose from two sessions (afternoon and evening) from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets range from $85-$125. Learn more here.
The Great Food Truck Derby
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The Great Food Truck Derby is back! This fun family-friendly event will take place on August 19th starting at 3:30 p.m. in Bridgehampton. The East End will be transformed into a foodie frenzy when more than 15 food trucks from New York City and Long Island take over the potato fields at the Hayground School. Just a few of this year's participants include Blondies Bakeshop, Island Empanadas, Rolling Smoke Grill, Hampton Coffee Co., Nice Buns Slammin' Sliders and Noah's on the Road. Sip on drinks from Brooklyn Brewery, GuS – Grown-up Soda, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, and more. There will be live entertainment from The Shockwaves, Blocks, and Trucks + Art. And if you feel like snacking, there will be nibbles from COPIA Granola, Old School Favorites, and Tate's Shop. General admission is $65, VIP admission is $100, and kids admission is $20. See website for more details.
Running with the Beef and Spanish Fiesta
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Do you love meat? Do you love wine? Attend this year's Running with the Beef and Spanish Festival and indulge in both. Enjoy a Spanish-style outdoor grilling feast on Saturday, July 16th and choose from two unique sessions with some of NYC's best chefs and pit masters. They'll be grilling grass-fed beef alongside Spanish specialty dishes. The evening session will feature a curated Mezcal tasting while the afternoon session will feature a variety of tasty "Pinxtos" dishes paired with Spanish craft beer, Wines of Spain, Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), and Sidra (Spanish cider). Take in the views along the East River and fill up on some of your meaty favorites. Tickets range from $45-$80. See website for more details.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
