Summer is a time for festivals of all kinds, but some of the best are the ones that put the focus on food. Here are eight food festivals from across the country worth travelling for.
Shediac Lobster Festival
Lobster takes centre stage at the 65th edition of the Shediac Lobster Festival from July 9-13 in Shediac, New Brunswick. The event attracts visitors from across North America and features nightly lobster suppers, entertainment, rides, a children’s parade and even a lobster-eating contest.
Deer Lake Strawberry Festival
The Deer Lake Strawberry Festival in Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, takes place July 18-20. The three-day festival pays homage to the strawberry, but also incorporates many other events. Expect music, dancing, games, a beer tent, concession stands and a fireworks display.
A Taste of Saskatchewan
Head to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan July 15-20 for some great food at A Taste of Saskatchewan. Get ready to sample delicious dishes from 30 of Saskatoon’s best restaurants in Kiwanis Park. In addition to great food, the festival will feature 55 of Saskatchewan’s best bands and performers.
Chocolate Festival
If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?) make your way to St. Stephen, New Brunswick from August 2-9 for the 30th annual Chocolate Festival. Sample chocolate, create your own hand crafted chocolate, enjoy chocolate themed lunches and dinners, have a cocktail and participate in some family-friendly events and competitions.
Hot and Spicy Food Festival
Toronto’s Harbourfront is home to the Hot & Spicy Food Festival from August 15-17. If you like your food with a spicy kick, this is the place to be. The event will feature samples of hot and spicy foods and condiments, a hot and spicy cooking competition, live music and a hot and spicy scavenger hunt.
Victoria Taste
Taste is Victoria’s sixth annual festival devoted to food and wine and runs from July 24-27. Sample local wines and food with a seasonal, sustainable focus, and enjoy various events that highlight the best food and wine the province has to offer. From a three-course brunch featuring eggs Benedict and bubbly to an interactive tasting workshop, you’ll be sure to leave this festival full and happy.
Perth Lions Garlic Festival
Garlic is in the spotlight in Perth, Ontario August 9-10 for the 17th annual Perth Lions Garlic Festival. The purpose of the festival is to promote Ontario-grown garlic and to bring together everyone who loves it. The festival will feature over 70 garlic-centric vendors and cooking demonstrations devoted to garlic.
Niagara Food Festival
Niagara, Ontario will be home to the 21st annual Niagara Food Festival from September 5-7. Bring your appetite and sample food from some of the region’s best restaurants and food producers. Watch as celebrity chefs cook up a storm and enjoy live entertainment over the three day event.
Feature photo: synestheticstrings used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license
