Throughout April, you can enjoy some of the country’s finest flavors at countless food and beverage festivals.
But plenty of events are on the calendar, and you don’t want to waste your time or money on a flop.
Today, we’re talking about five of April’s best food, wine, and beer festivals, so you can welcome spring in the tastiest way possible.
Let’s dive in!
What is the Purpose of Food and Drink Festivals?
By the time April rolls around, spring is in full swing. It’s when many folks are eager to get outside and embrace sunny skies and warmer temperatures, so it’s no surprise that the month features plenty of events where you can eat, drink, and be merry.
For centuries, people worldwide have celebrated the changing seasons with food festivals. While that’s still true today, the tradition continues with a few modern twists. Folks in the ancient past would thank their chosen deities for a bountiful harvest with a massive celebration. These days, food tourism might be a more prevalent motivation to throw these events together.
Whatever the reason, we’re glad they’re here to stay! Here are five excellent food and beverage extravaganzas to get you in the springtime spirit.
#1 Bonita Springs Food Truck Rally & Music Festival
Our first April food festival takes us to Florida’s Gulf Coast. During the first weekend of the month, head to the big grassy field at the old Dog Track to taste some of the Sunshine State’s finest cuisine.
The party starts on Friday when dozens of food trucks and artists set up shop under the open sky. Bands start up in the afternoon and play until long after sunset.
For three days, you can stroll the grounds, jam out to local and regional musicians, and peruse artwork, hand-crafted goods, and specialty products at the marketplace. And you can’t beat the food selection. Tons of culinary masters from around the state feature international flavors. No matter what you’re craving, you can probably find it here.
The Bonita Springs Food Truck Rally & Music Festival is an event for the whole family. You can even bring your four-legged friends as long as they’re leashed and well-behaved. Best of all, admission is free! You can enjoy the tunes and the ambiance at no cost.
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#2 TASTE 2024
To experience all the highlights of Chattanooga’s restaurant scene in one convenient spot, you must check out TASTE. This annual food festival, which occurs every April, features diverse flavors from local restaurants.
A ticket gets you small plates from vendors like 423 Tacos, BBQ Rowe, Asheville Elixir & Tea Bar, and Kai Bistro, just to name a few. You’ll also get one drink voucher for the open bar and entry into the enormous silent auction, where you might score gift certificates, travel vouchers, souvenirs, and other locally sourced swag.
In addition to delicious eats and the thrill of bidding on must-have goods, you can boogie down to live music and dance the night away.
Proceeds from TASTE go to the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area. This nonprofit organization isn’t affiliated with any national groups, so all the funding stays in the area and benefits families affected by kidney disease. This support includes everything from food assistance to medical equipment, so you’ll know your ticket price goes to a great cause.
TASTE typically takes place on the second Thursday in April. In 2024 it takes place on April 11 at the First Horizon Pavillion.
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#3 Charlotte Wine & Food Week
Folks looking for more than one evening of fun and flavor can head eastward to Charlotte Wine & Food Week. For over 35 years, this event has brought together regional and international wine enthusiasts, vintners, and culinary creatives to showcase the best of the best.
Usually held in mid-April, it starts on Tuesday, April 16, in 2024. Throughout the six-day soiree, you can participate in vintner dinners at establishments throughout the town. Over the weekend, join the Collector’s Gala for a family-style meal and sip samples from about 20 high-end wineries. You can also join the live auction to bid on tons of goodies.
Saturday’s Grand Tasting is one of the highlights of this April food and wine festival. Folks flock to the Union at Station West to sample flavors from dozens of vineyards, breweries, and restaurants. The final day starts with a Rosé Brunch and wraps up with the Buona Notte Closing Dinner.
Once again, this annual event is for a great cause. The organization has donated $6.5 million to over 20 children’s charities since 1989. While they’re all about supporting the kids, this celebration is only for adults 21 and up.
#4 Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
On the other side of the country, folks will head to Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta Park for the Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival on April 20th.
Dozens of food trucks will shell out everything from crepes to cotton candy. You’ll have your choice of authentic birria tacos, doner kebabs, South Asian street food, and much more.
While the trucks line the park’s perimeter, the Beer Garden is the heart of the event. Representatives from big names like Dos XX, Heineken, and Corona will be there. But you can also sample from smaller labels, such as Sandia Cidery, Ponderosa Brewing, and Steel Bender Brew Yard.
As you listen to the live music pumping through the venue, you can stroll the Artisan Market to pick up hand-made candles, clothing, kitchenware, and other delights.
We suggest bringing a blanket and a lawn chair to spend the whole afternoon here. It’s a family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!
Be aware that while tickets are cheap, you’ll pay for food and drinks separately.
#5 Brewgaloo
America’s second-largest craft beer festival takes place at the end of April in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, you can try tasty sippers from over 110 regional breweries.
At the Friday night kick-off party, you’ll get unlimited three-ounce pours from all the vendors. This includes reserve batches and specialty concoctions that often run out before the big event the next day.
On Saturday, bands crank up the jams on two stages, and food trucks line the streets to feed nearly 60,000 attendees. Stroll along Fayetteville Street and peruse dozens of local vendors while you enjoy intoxicating brews and flavorful culinary creations.
Perhaps the best part of Brewgaloo is that entry is entirely free! Food and merchandise tents accept cash or cards. However, you’ll need drink tickets for all libations. Organizers sell them in bundles of 25, and you’ll get a discount if you purchase them ahead of time.
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Taste Your Way Through April
From the Sunshine State to the desert Southwest, the month of April showcases top talent at food and beer festivals across the country. Whether you’re craving frosty brews, sommelier-approved vino, or scrumptious snacks, you’ll find it at one of these events.
If you’ve never been to a food or beverage festival, this is the time to go!
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