Summer is in full swing and that means festivals almost every weekend. And, everyone knows that the best kind of festival is a food festival. Whether it involves working up a sweat from inhaling some spicy eats, or cooling off with a cold brew or ice cream, here are some of your best bets for summer food festivals across the country.
(Photo from YUL Eats Instagram feed)
TO Food Fest
Where: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, Scarborough
When: July 9-10
What: Diversity is the focus here, in addition to the quality of food. Sample food from well-known establishments and lesser-known hidden gems in the city. There are plenty of vendors to choose from. Start with the barbecue and move on to the ice cream.
More info: http://tofoodfest.com
Victoria Taste
Where: main location is Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria
When: July 14-17
What: Taste a myriad of local Vancouver Island food products as well as fabulous B.C. wines. The highlight of the festival is the Swine and the Vine event at the Hotel Grand Pacific, which features a whole-roasted suckling pig and wines to pair with it.
More info: http://www.victoriataste.com
Taste of Edmonton
Where: Churchill Square, Edmonton
When: July 21-30
What: A summer tradition for over 30 years, Taste of Edmonton offers food and beverage samples from the city’s ever-growing number of favourite restaurants. Don’t miss the Canadian Food Championships, a qualifying event for the World Food Championships, where cooks and chefs compete in six categories: bacon, burgers, steak, sandwiches, seafood, and desserts.
More info: http://tasteofedm.ca
YVR Food Fest
Where: Olympic Village, Vancouver
When: August 5-7
What: Formerly known as Food Cart Fest, the festival is now in its fifth year, and offers everything from local street food to international collaborations on long table dinners, food talks and private dinners. The headlining event is the Street Food Showdown, comprised of over 80 vendors.
More info: http://www.yvrfoodfest.com/
Taste of Calgary
Where: Eau Claire Market, Calgary
When: August 11-14
What: Be prepared to eat lots. Admission is free, and you can purchase sampling tickets for a dollar a pop. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event!
More info: http://www.tasteofcalgary.com
Theeere Baaack! Africana Indian Fusion cooking up a feast! https://t.co/1xLqHuxW71 #tasteofcalgary pic.twitter.com/IPbMNQkUFO
— Taste of Calgary (@tasteofcalgary) July 14, 2015
Festibiere du Quebec
Where: Vieux-Port, Quebec City
When: August 18-21
What: Beer fanatics rejoice! This event has a plethora of local and international beer selections for tasting. Check out offerings from microbreweries, cider makers and more.
More info: http://www.festibieredequebec.com/en/
Bon #NationalBeerDay :) pic.twitter.com/MbY8iGwx3T
— Festibière de Québec (@festibiereqc) April 7, 2016
YUL Eat
Where: Old Port, Montreal
When: Labour Day weekend (September 3-5)
What: A three-day long ode to all things food. Stay tuned for workshops, culinary demos, and dining events with some of Quebec’s favourite food personalities like Chuck Hughes from Garde Manger and Le Bremner, and Danny St. Pierre from Petite Maison .
More info: http://www.festivalyuleat.com
