Check out the best festivals where you can eat whatever you want!

As hot as the July summer, August is the peak season for food festivals across America.

If you’re a fan of authentic flavors, get ready: here’s an irresistible overview of the biggest events happening in August 2025.

1. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, IA) — August 7 to 17

The 2025 edition of “Fair Sweet Fair” is expected to welcome over 1 million visitors, making it one of America’s most traditional events.

The highlight? Over 60 new dishes debuting this year, including a fresh take on the famous corn dog on a stick.

You’ll also find exotic foods like lamb tacos and inventive desserts filled with fruits and spices.

2. Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul, MN) — August 21 to September 1

The 2025 edition kicks off at the end of August, featuring over 1,600 menu items. Standouts include:

• Pickle iced tea
• Tandoori quesadillas with Indian meat
• Chocolate-covered bananas

3. Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA) — August 8 to 10

While Outside Lands is famous as a music festival, its food lineup feels like a culinary event on its own.

For 2025, expect high-end creations such as Korean-style corn dogs with caviar, wagyu tartare served on tostadas, and gourmet fries crowned with handcrafted caviar.

It’s your chance to experience fine dining in a vibrant urban setting.

4. Ventura County Fair (Ventura, CA) — Late July to August 10

From July 30 to August 10, this Southern California fair gathers over 300,000 visitors at Seaside Park.
Besides food, you can enjoy nightly shows. Go for:

• Churros
• Grilled corn
• Sausage dogs

All of this just a short drive from LA, perfect for a weekend getaway.

5. Bite of Oregon (Portland, OR) — Early August

Held at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Bite of Oregon is the state’s largest food event, attracting over 50,000 visitors.
It features:

• Chef showcases
• Food trucks
• Local craft beers and seafood delicacies

6. Hatch Chile Festival (Hatch, NM) — August 30 and 31

Over two days, visitors can enjoy everything Hatch chile, with:

• Tastings
• Live music
• Local farmer’s market
  The event aligns with Labor Day weekend, making it a perfect outing for spicy food lovers.

7. National Blueberry Festival (South Haven, MI) — Second Weekend of August

One of the oldest blueberry festivals in the U.S., it takes place every second weekend of August, attracting around 50,000 people.
Enjoy:

• Blueberry pies, jams, juices, and smoothies
• Pie-eating contests
• Regional crafts and outdoor musical performances

8. Feast of St. Anthony (Boston, MA) — Last Weekend of August

In Boston’s historic North End, this festival celebrates Italian heritage with:

• Street kitchens
• Cooking demonstrations
• Religious procession

Savor:

• Arancini
• Calamari
• Cannoli
• Artisan pizza

All while local bands parade through the neighborhood’s main streets. This tradition has been alive for over 100 years.

9. Houston Restaurant Weeks (Houston, TX) — August 1 to September 1

Throughout August, many Houston restaurants offer fixed-price tasting menus (three-course dinners around $55), with $5 from each meal donated to the local food bank.

It’s a great chance to enjoy fine dining while supporting a good cause.

10. Peach Festival & Pierogi Palooza (Connecticut) — August 9 and 17

• August 9: Lyman Orchards hosts the Peach Festival, with:
  • Peach picking
  • Food trucks
  • Pies
  • Yoga sessions
  • Live music (Free admission)
• August 17: In Southington, Pierogi Palooza serves creative pierogi variations like:
  • Peach pie pierogis
  • Buffalo chicken pierogis
    All with Polish beer and a festive vibe.

How to Make the Most of Food Festivals

Strategy	Why It Works
Book in Advance	Festivals like Iowa State Fair and Maine Lobster Festival sell out accommodations weeks ahead.
Try Local Specialties	Each event has an iconic dish (pickle corn dog, Maine lobster roll, Hatch chile).
Use Official Apps	Event apps (Iowa, Minnesota) help navigate the thousands of food stalls and program schedules.
Combine with Regional Tourism	Ventura → Santa Barbara; Bite of Oregon → Columbia River Gorge; Hatch → White Sands NP; Maine Lobster → Lighthouse tours.
Bring Cash	Some food trucks and fairs still prefer cash payments.

Written by

Gabriel Gonçalves