Come one, come all to Southern USA! The American South is renowned for its authentic cuisine, home-grown food and fantastic hospitality. From sweet, juicy peaches from Georgia, to fall off the bone ribs and crispy fried chicken from Kentucky, these are some foodie festivals that are worth a trip down South for – because let’s face it, we all know that great food is always worth travelling for!
1) Po Boy Festival – New Orleans, Louisiana
Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Especially if we are talking about the classical Po Boy wich from New Orleans, Louisiana. Stuffed full with meats; roast beef, hams and gravy or fried seafood and served in a crispy French styled baguette with a fluffy centre, this unique sandwich is a renowned local favourite and is of great historical significance to the city. Celebrate the spirit of New Orleans with many different and creative takes on the classic Po Boy sandwich, as well as enjoy the arts markets, lives jazz shows and music that the city is known for at the annual Po Boy Festival!
Dates: November 3rd 2019
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2) International BBQ Festival – Owensboro, Kentucky
BBQ and meat lovers rejoice, you will absolutely love Kentucky’s International BBQ Festival. Enjoy smoky melt in your mouth ribs, pulled pork and BBQ chicken at this rich flavour infused celebration of the classic Bar-B-Q. Taste the local secret recipes, passed down from generation to generation, as local cooks face off in a fierce battle in a competition for the highly sought after title – ‘the best grill master’. Or join in on the non-stop entertainment throughout the day! With pie eating contests, 5k race, keg competitions, as well as many
unique handcrafted stalls, the festivities at the international BBQ Festival are not to be missed!
Dates: May 8th and 9th 2020
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3) Georgia Peach Festival – Fort Valley and Byron, Georgia
Georgia is known for growing some of the sweetest and juiciest peaches in the USA. So, if you love peaches, you cannot miss out on this festival that celebrates the harvest of one of this amazing fruit. The annual week-long festival will be running on its 34th year and attracts 10,000 visitors each year. Head down on the first Saturday to see the World’s Largest Peach Cobbler being baked (3.5m x 1.5) and then have a bite into this delicious treat – a much loved Georgia Peach festival tradition. Besides peach delicious peach inspired baked goods, jams and drinks there are also many other events and activities for all ages. From the Festival Parade, live entertainment, Miss Georgia Peach Pageant, fireworks and rides, there is something for everyone!
Dates: 2nd weekend in June in Fort Valley, Georgia and 3rd weekend in Byron, Georgia
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4) Bourbon Festival – Bardstown, Kentucky
What better way to sample the best of America’s native spirit than at Kentucky Bourbon Festival – at the bourbon capital of the world? The festival doesn’t only promote and educate on the history of the production of Bourbon but it also celebrates the people and the community that have supported the industry for generations. Come on over, grab a drink and try local delicacies – pancakes with bourbon syrup and other bourbon infused flavoured foods, whilst chilling out to amazing local live music.
Dates: September 18th – 22nd 2019
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5) Hot Dog Festival – Huntington, West Virginia
Who loves hot dogs? Who loves wiener dogs, dress up as hot dogs? Who would love to eat the West Virignian ‘slaw dog’, whilst raising money for children focused charities? If you answered yes, then West Virginia’s Hot Dog Festival is worth checking out. This foodie festival celebrates state’s diverse selection of family owned hot dog restaurants, as well as the area’s special take on the much-loved food – the ‘slaw dog’ a hot dog prepared with mustard, onions, sauce and cole slaw. Come for the food, but stay for the sausage dog races. Sausage dogs from all over the state (and country) flock to Huntington to parade in costumes and participate in races.
Dates: July 27th 2019 (2020 dates TBC)
