One of the best things about summer is the sheer amount of outdoor activities. And one of my favorite things to do is check out food festivals when I have a chance. Food festivals/events are a good way to sample different foods, whether they celebrate a specific culture, a charity, or are just a fun way to bring people together. As we start off the month of June, here are some food festivals happening in and around Boston (titles link to official/ticket sites):
SoWa Open Market: This isn’t strictly a food festival and has three different locations covering three blocks. The first is the Food Truck Court at 540 Harrison Ave. with 30 to 35 food trucks present; the Farmer’s Market is at 500 Harrison Ave. with a variety of locally grown products; and the Arts Market is at the end of Thayer Street and features a vast assortment of handmade products.
When and Where: Every Sunday in June, 10a.m. – 4p.m. Harrison Ave. and Thayer Street, South End
Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl: Celebrating its 31st year this time, this annual event is touted as the nation’s largest all-you-can-eat ice cream festival. There will be ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt from nine leading ice cream companies. Money raised goes towards cancer research. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
When and Where: Tuesday, June 4th – Thursday, June 6th, noon – 8p.m. City Hall Plaza, Boston
The Cambridge Food Truck Festival: This event is from the Food Truck Festivals of New England and will feature over 20 food trucks serving a variety of meals from entrees to desserts. Tickets are available online for $7 or at the event for $10 ($1 of that goes to the American Red Cross).
When and Where: Saturday, June 8th, 11a.m. – 5p.m. Kendall Square, Cambridge
Taste of Cambridge: Now in its 11th year, this annual event features over 100 local restaurants and is a good way to sample different cuisines. Tickets are a bit on the pricey side for a food festival with a general admission ticket going for $50 in advance ($60 at the door) but the proceeds go to support different charities.
When and Where: Thursday, June 13th, 5:30p.m. – 9:30p.m. University Park Common and Sidney Street
Cultural Survival Bazaar: This is also more of an arts and culture festival than a food festival, but worth checking out all the same. There will be free music performances, presentations, educational displays, ethnic cuisine, craft-making demonstrations, and Native American storytelling. Arts, crafts, jewelry, and décor will be available for sale. All proceeds support Native American artisans, Cultural Survival’s non-profit work, and fair trade.
When and Where: Saturday, June 15th 10a.m. – 6p.m. Copley Square at Trinity Church
Boston JerkFest: This festival celebrates Caribbean/Jamaican food. The event will feature top local Caribbean chefs and have lots of authentic Caribbean foods and drinks available for sale. Live music will also be provided. Tickets are $6 for children and $15 for adults and grant access to one of two sessions. Although, those over 21 willing to spend $35 get the festival plus an All Access Pass for the Rum & Brew Tasting which has live music, unlimited tastings of rum, local craft beers, and other Caribbean themed drinks.
When and Where: Saturday, June 29th, 11a.m. – 3p.m and 4p.m. to 8p.m. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, 41 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
Check out Urey’s #Blog on #June #Food #Festivals! http://t.co/n3uXfh7463