Five food fests we are dreaming of for 2019

The new year means it is time to start planning of where we want to go this year. Will we make it to all of these? No, but hey it never hurts to dream.

A lot of our dream trips revolve around food and food festivals take things to a whole new level. Here are five food festivals to inspire your next culinary adventure.

Festa dos Tabuleiros

It seems like Portugal is on everyone’s list this year. The whole country will give you plenty of beautiful sites, lovely people and good eats, but there is one festival we would love to get to. Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar takes place every four years and 2019 is the next one. This Festival of Trays sees girls walking down the streets with piles of bread on their heads. You won’t soon forget the tabuleiros; headdresses made from bread stacked in rows, decorated with flowers, and topped with a crown and dove or celestial sphere.

Dates: June 28 – July 8, 2019

Location: Tomar, Portugal

Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Fest

The Caribbean is one of those places known for their golden beaches and azure waters, but mostly ignored when it comes to food. There are actually lots of options when it comes to enjoying the taste of the islands including the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience hosted by Food Network and more low-key options such as the Grenada Chocolate Fest at the True Blue Bay Resort. One that keeps popping up on our bucket list is the Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival where over thirty restaurants host boosts and patrons vote for their favorites with wooden tokens. Taste a variety of island dishes, watch chef demonstrations, enjoy live music and cultural entertainment.

Dates: January 26, 2019 – tickets are still available and you can always plan ahead for 2020

Location: Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

New York Food & Wine Festival

New York is a foodie’s city with plenty of food halls, special dining experiences, and a plethora of food focused festivities throughout the year. One has always stood out to me though – New York Food and Wine Festival. This event is huge with all proceeds going to charities fighting to end hunger. There are events day and night so you will be sure to find something that pique your interest such as roof top parties with celebrity chefs, family events such as a PJ Breakfast Party, or go all in for the signature Grand Tasting.

Dates: October 10-13, 2019

Location: New York City, New York

Taste of Madison

The Taste of Madison is an annual event that we always said we would get to during our twelve years in Minnesota, but sadly never made it. Over Labor Day weekend downtown Madison turns into a big party. Over 80 restaurants, close to 30 beverage stands, and 3 stages with live music and entertainment brings the area to life. Midwest munchies are heavy on the menu – cheese curds, apple brats, and pie – as well as plenty of ethnic eats. If you call the middle of the country home this festival is a great place to send a weekend.

Dates: August 31 – September 1, 2019

Location: Madison, WI

Tasting Australia

Tasting Australia is a crash course in everything that makes food and drinks in Australia so incredible. This multi day event hosts 100s of events with talented chefs, winemakers, distillers, and sommeliers. You can take masterclasses in wine, enjoy a truly once in a lifetime meal at the Glasshouse Kitchen, and plan multi-day trips to other regions of South Australia to get a taste of place.

Dates: April 5-14, 2019

Location: Adelaide, South Australia and special events throughout the region

These are only five of the thousands of food festivals around the world this year. Have a food you truly love? I am sure you can find a festival celebrating it full of people who share your love. If you find a fun festival we would love to hear about it to add to our list for 2019 or even 2020.

Happy eating and safe travels!