Food Events

Welcome to your guide to food events and festivals in the Raleigh-Durham metro area. From food truck rodeos to farm-to-table dinners, find the best culinary happenings in the Triangle.

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Festa Italiana North Carolina

Join us for the 7th annual Festa Italiana NC on Sept 20, 11 AM-7 PM, at Hunter St and Apex Town Campus, Apex, NC. Indulge in authentic Italian food from vendors offering your favorite dishes and drinks, including beer, wine, and Bellinis. Watch top chefs, featured on Food Network and in Our State Magazine, showcase their skills at La Cucina Galbani cooking stage. Don’t miss the new Cannoli Eating Contest at 3:30 PM with celebrity judges. Follow our page for updates!

Location:

496 Hunter St, Apex, NC 27502

Ticket Prices:

Free

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Raleigh International Festival

Join the International Festival on Sept 20, 2025, from 10 AM to 7 PM for a global culinary and cultural adventure! Savor authentic dishes and desserts from around the world, enjoy vibrant performances of traditional music, theater, and dance, and explore bazaars with unique handcrafted goods. Don’t miss this lively celebration of global heritage!

Location:

North Carolina State Fair, 4285 Trinity Road Raleigh, NC 27607

Ticket Prices:

Free

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10th Annual Asia Fest with Dragon Boat Racing

Each year, about 10,000 visitors flock to Asia Fest (Greater Triangle Dragon Boat Festival) to enjoy nearly 100 exhibits, including cultural displays, games, health screenings, performances, and the iconic dragon boat race. Savor diverse global cuisines and unique street foods crafted by local chefs. Don’t miss this vibrant Fall event!

Location:

Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Recency Parkway, Cary, NC

Ticket Prices:

$12 for ages 13+ ($9 early bird tickets.) Free for 12 and under and 65 and older.

7th Annual Taste Of Lebanon Festival

Cultural festival celebrating the richness of Lebanese culture and cuisine. Food, dance, music, kids’ activities, souvenirs and more. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Lebanon right here in Raleigh!

Location:

600 Mt Vernon Church Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614

Ticket Prices:

Free

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Triangle Oktoberfest (3-4 October 2025)

The Triangle Oktoberfest returns to Booth Amphitheatre in Cary for an authentic German festival filled with family fun, traditional Bavarian food, local and Munich beers, and kids’ activities like inflatables, face painting, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and yard games.

Location:

Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC

Ticket Prices:

$20+ (See website for ticket information)

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Foodees Food & Culture Festival

FOODEESFEST is back at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, NC, for a three-day food extravaganza! Discover bold flavors from 40+ food trucks and vendors, featuring gourmet street food, sweet treats, and regional specialties. Enjoy a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for foodies and fun-seekers alike!

Location:

Triangle Town Center 5959 Triangle Town Blvd, Raleigh, NC

Ticket Prices:

Free

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Falling for Local at Dorothea Dix Park

Get ready for an Autumn celebration at the local-focused market and festival on the Big Field in Raleigh! 🍁 This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone! Enjoy live music from local artists, demos from nearby businesses, and tons of FALL FUN, including hay rides, inflatables, lawn games, kids’ activities, photo ops, and a pumpkin patch—all at no cost!

Location:

Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603

Ticket Prices:

Free

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N.C. State Fair

The largest annual event in North Carolina, the N.C. State Fair draws one million visitors for eleven days of high-flying rides, deep-fried foods, live music, stunt shows, nightly fireworks, and more. Celebrating its 157th year in 2025!

Location:

North Carolina State Fairgrounds - 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607

Ticket Prices:

See website for ticket information

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Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival

The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival is on October 18, 2025, at Blackwood Farm Park, merging Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival with food, music, and craft beverages.

Location:

Blackwood Farm Park - 4215 NC 86, Hillsborough, NC, United States, North Carolina

Ticket Prices:

Child: $10 | Adult: $39

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HollyFest

This annual, family-friendly event celebrates Holly Springs and all the people, places, and services that our community has to offer. Featuring local artists, businesses, food vendors, children’s activities, and local entertainment, this free event is a Holly Springs tradition.

Location:

Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park 2401 Grigsby Avenue Holly Springs, NC

Ticket Prices:

Free

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Taste of China Festival – A Celebration of Chinese Food & Culture

Join Asia Fest for a vibrant food-focused experience! Savor delicious street-style Chinese food and regional specialties, crafted by local chefs. Enjoy cooking demos, browse food vendors, and explore cultural exhibits like Chinese calligraphy. Don’t miss this tasty Fall event!

Location:

Downtown Cary Park, 321 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511

Ticket Prices:

Free

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3rd Annual Chestnut Carnival @ The Plant!

Join us for the 3rd annual Chestnut Carnival on Nov 16, 2025, celebrating all things chestnuts! Enjoy chestnut cocktails, rum cream, roasted and shelled chestnuts, chestnut beer, and delicious dishes from pop-up vendors. Savor the flavors while enjoying live music and more!

Location:

220 Lorax Ln, Pittsboro, NC

Ticket Prices:

Free