6 Flavor-Packed Food Festivals Happening Soon In NYC

NEW YORK CITY — Get ready for a culinary adventure in the Big Apple and the chance to sample some new foods, discover new flavors or explore cultural traditions.

Deeply intertwined with culture, food is a powerful symbol of identity, heritage and community, shaping not only our understanding of ourselves and others, but also connecting us to our roots. Recipes are passed from generation to generation, preserving cultural practices and the stories behind them.

Beyond the food itself, festivals are often lively cultural celebrations with music and other events that appeal to the entire family.

Food festivals are often held in the fall to coincide with the harvest season and the abundance of fresh produce available during that time.

Autumn is a time of celebration for the harvest, with many fruits and vegetables reaching their peak ripeness. This makes it a natural time to showcase these ingredients in culinary events and festivals.

We’ve rounded up some food festivals in New York City that you shouldn’t miss.

Japan Fes

What: This fun-filled street food festival celebrates all things Japan, with ramen, onigiri, shaved ice, matcha, bubble tea, and more. Vendors come from all across NYC and out of state.

When: Japan Fes will take place on three dates in September, in three different locations, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:

• On Sept. 6, Japan Fes will be on the Upper East Side, at Third Avenue between 83rd Street and 85th Street.
• On Sept. 13, Japan Fes will be in Chelsea on Eighth Avenue between 20th Street and 22nd Street.
• On Sept. 14, Japan Fes will be in Bushwick, at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Wyckoff Avenue.

The Feast of San Gennaro

• What: The Feast of San Gennaro is an 11-day celebration honoring the patron saint of Naples and the neighborhood's Italian heritage. What began in 1926 as a one-day block party thrown by Neapolitan immigrants on Mulberry Street has grown into a world-famous festival spanning 11 blocks, filled with Italian food, music, and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
• Where: Mulberry Street between Canal Street and Houston Street.
• When: Sept. 11-Sept. 21

Oktober Fest

• What: Go to Munich without leaving Manhattan! Oktober Fest celebrates all things Germany with authentic beers and oversized steins, brats and giant pretzels.
• Where: Watermark Waterfront Bar, Pier 15, 78 South St., New York, NY 10038
• When: Sept. 12-Oct. 26

Latin Food Festival

• What: Celebrate the end of summer at Industry City with food trucks, grill stations, bars, live music and art, a Bad Bunny lookalike contest, a chancla-throwing contest (!) and more.
• Where: Industry City, 220 36th St., Brooklyn, NY 11232
• When: Sept. 13- Sept. 14

Queens Night Market

• What: The Queens Night Market is a large, family-friendly open-air night market featuring more than 100 independent vendors selling merchandise, art, and food and featuring live music and art.
• Where: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens, NY, 11368
• When: Sept. 13- Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to midnight every Saturday

New York City Wine & Food Festival

• What: The New York City Wine & Food Festival returns this October, bringing more than 50 events to the Seaport, from tastings and brunches to master classes and parties with more than 300 top chefs, mixologists, and winemakers. Now in its 18th year, the festival also raises millions for charitable causes while spotlighting the city’s vibrant food culture.
• Where: At various locations in the Seaport district, including the Seaport museum, the Tin Building, and the cobblestone street. For specific event locations, click here.
• When: Oct. 15- Oct. 19

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.