By Caitlyn Trudnich
Hungry for a good time? This summer, Southern California is full of festivals catering (pun intended) to eager foodies, looking to take a bite. From the traditional food festivals, to the not-so-typical, here is your guide to these upcoming, local food festivals, happening near you.
Courtesy of Getty Images/Justin Sullivan
Tasting Table’s Lobster Rumble LA - August 1st
Fourteen of the best seafood restaurants in SoCal go head-to-head to compete for the title of the best lobster roll! For the general admission price of $100, guests can enjoy tasting culinary concoctions by The Lobster, Santa Monica Seafood, The Strand House, and more! Also included is the Haagen-Dazs Dessert Deck, featuring sweets from five different local spots, and an open bar! The best part – proceeds from the event benefit the charity, Share Our Strength. 7PM. Cooper Design Space, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Downtown LA
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La Habra Corn Festival - August 1st-3rd
This 22nd annual event, hosted by the La Habra Lions Club, includes one of the oldest and largest parades in Southern California, as well as rides and attractions, games, and of course – food! Enjoy yummy, buttered corn-on-the-cob, contests, live music, and more! And all for FREE! Friday 5:30PM-11PM, Saturday 10:30AM – 11PM, Sunday 12PM-9PM. El Centro/Lions Park, La Habra
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Big Bite Bacon Fest - August 2nd
With over 40 bacon dishes and over 40 craft beers to chose from, this event has “good time” written all over it! Located at the historic Queen Mary in Downtown Long Beach, enjoy all-you-can-eat bacon goodness, delicious brews from local craft breweries, and Legends Football League’s Las Vegas Sin – throwing the pigskin! (Get it?) General Admission + Beer Tasting tickets are available online for $45! Lunch Session GA 12-2:30PM, Dinner Session GA 5-7:30PM. 1126 Queens Way, Long Beach
Courtesy of Getty Images/Chris Graythen
Long Beach Crawfish Festival – August 2nd-3rd
If seafood is more your style, then amuse your taste buds with the Cajun flavors of this 21st Annual SoCal celebration of crawfish! Live entertainment from bands bring you the sounds of Louisiana, drinks, food, and of course, LOTS of crawfish! Last year’s festival sold-out, so be sure to purchase tickets soon. Pre-sale Feast Admission is available now for only $30, and includes your delicious meal! Active military personnel receives free admission. August 2nd 12-11PM, August 3rd 12-10PM, Rainbow Lagoon 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach
PickleFest at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market - August 3rd
Happening at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market, this 2nd annual event will have tons of family fun! Pony rides, petting zoo, and fun games and contests to enjoy! Not to mention, the star of the show – pickles! See who wins the coveted “Best Dill Pickle In Beverly Hills,”, as well as the “I Can Pickle That!” contest – where any fruit or veggie that’s pickled can take the prize! FREE admission. 9AM-1PM. 501 Doheny Road, Beverly Hills
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Ribs, Pigs & Watermelons Beer Festival & Pro BBQ Competition – August 8th-10th
Enjoy some of the best BBQ from over 30 of the best local BBQ teams, as they each compete for whose food is the tastiest! Get in on the action with watermelon and rib eating contests, beer tasting, and live entertainment. There’s even a Kids Que, where children can also compete for the best burger and steak! Adult 3-day pass $10, Kids 3-day pass $5 online. Friday 5-10PM, Saturday 10AM-8PM, Sunday 10AM-6PM. Huntington Beach State Beach, Beach Blvd. and PCH Lot 19 & 10
Courtesy of Getty Images/Rodrigo Buendia
Taste Of Ecuador LA Food Festival – August 10th
Celebrate Ecuador’s 205th year of independence for FREE at this year’s annual festival! Immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture with live performers, music, crafts, local vendors, and plenty of delicious and authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. The 16th Annual Parade starts at 11:00am, including dancers, car clubs, and more! 10AM-6PM. Placita Olvera. Main Street & Cedar Chavez Ave. , Downtown LA
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Los Angeles International Tea Festival – August 16th-17th
This 4th annual festival celebrates the natural wonders of tea! Here you can learn more about it’s healing properties and unique characteristics through interesting and educations seminars, as well as purchase and discover new and different teas from around the globe. General admission starts at only $20, and tea tasting ticket options are availble for purchase. 11AM-5PM. Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles
Courtesy of Getty Images/Matt Cardy
Long Beach BBQ Festival – August 22nd-24th
The LBC continues it’s jam-packed calendar of summer food festivals with this super fun event! All you can eat BBQ and drinks, featuring five acclaimed BBQ teams, who will be competing at this years festival. Fun for the whole family will include, crafts, games, and live music! Children under 12 years old and active military personnel receive free admission. Friday 5-11PM, Saturday 12-11PM, Sunday 12-7PM. Rainbow Lagoon 400-403 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach.
