7 Pennsylvania Festivals for Foodies
Whether you want to add a few events to your next trip to Pennsylvania or you’re a local looking for ways to enjoy the weekend, the Keystone State has a reputation for some of the most unique and fun-filled food festivals in the country. Here are a few of our favorite Pennsylvania food festivals to get you started.
Pocono Garlic Festival
East Stroudsburg
It’s not every day that you get to attend a festival dedicated entirely to garlic. That’s just one of the many reasons why you should make it a top priority to go to the Pocono Garlic Festival that celebrates everything there is to love about garlicky goodness. In addition to enjoying some seriously good eats, you can explore a multitude of food and craft vendors and walk away with everything from garlic-infused ice cream samples to garlic-themed pottery. Those with an abundance of courage and ambition can even sign up for the annual garlic-eating contest.
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
Kennett Square
Did you know that there are more than 10,000 known varieties of mushrooms in the world? No matter which type you like, you might be able to find it at the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival. Kennett Square is considered the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” which means you and your closest mushroom-loving friends can spend your weekend perusing food vendors, participating in an amateur mushroom cook-off, or even enjoying mushroom-related activities like games, crafts and eating contests. There are even souvenir t-shirts you can buy to commemorate the event!
Taming of the Brew
Bloomsburg
In addition to what we think is one of the most clever festival names out there, the Taming of the Brew gives visitors access to some of the best microbreweries and restaurants in the state of Pennsylvania. Sip a beloved favorite or sample something brand new as you enjoy live musical performances, photo booths and auctions. You can even attend a brew talk to learn about upcoming trends from a panel of beer aficionados. And who knows? You might just walk away with a new favorite brew or two.
Whoopie Pie Festival
Strasburg
Known as the “Most Delicious Day in Lancaster County,” the day of the annual Whoopie Pie Festival is a big deal for anyone with a sweet tooth. This renowned baked good is popular throughout Pennsylvania and around the world. If you grew up munching on these tasty treats, there is no better place to be when this event rolls around. Participate in a variety of games and treasure hunts, sign up for the whoopie pie-eating contest or see what you can whip up during the create-your-own whoopie pie activity. With more than 100 different flavors available for savoring, this is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience something sweet.
Pennsylvania Bacon Fest
Easton
Each fall in the historic town of Easton, you can find people from all over the Mid-Atlantic gathering together to celebrate the popular Pennsylvania Bacon Fest. This festival is no small event. It’s been named one of the country’s ‘5 Can’t-Miss Bacon Festivals’ and listed as one of the top 300 festivals in the world. Considering this two-day celebration includes everything from cooking demos and bacon treats to live music and countless family-friendly activities, is it really any surprise? After all, who wouldn’t want to attend an annual festival dedicated to bacon? Nobody, that’s who!
Peddler’s Village Annual Strawberry Festival
Lahaska
The Annual Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village has been thrilling locals and tourists for more than 40 years with strawberry-themed treats, foods and drinks. There are pie-eating contests, live musical performances, food trucks, engaging activities for children and pies available to take home when the day draws to an end. You can even purchase a festival package, which includes parking and priority restaurant seating at one of the establishments in the village. Be sure to snag a strawberry shortcake on a donut or a strawberry fritter to take home too!
Shippensburg Corn Festival
Shippensburg
With more than 250 vendors peddling everything from crafts to corn-themed food, is it any wonder that the Shippensburg Corn Festival is on our list of Pennsylvania State Food Festivals? The Keystone State produces all kinds of agricultural bounty, but corn is one of those that you just can’t help but celebrate. Sink your teeth into the corn-eating contest, linger at the main stage for an afternoon of live music or peruse the variety of artisan booths in search of the perfect corn-themed souvenir.