12 Hidden Gem Small Town Food Festivals You Need to Try
- Adventuresforall365
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Food festivals are one of the best ways to experience a place’s unique culture, and small towns often have the most amazing, off-the-beaten-path events that are packed with flavor. If you’re looking for something a little different than the usual big city festivals, I’ve rounded up 12 small-town food festivals that you might not have heard of but are definitely worth checking out! From quirky flavors to community vibes, these festivals will give you an unforgettable taste of local cuisine.
1. Gilroy Garlic Festival – Gilroy, California
When: July
Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! The Gilroy Garlic Festival celebrates garlic in every form imaginable — roasted, sautéed, in ice cream, or even as a topping on everything from pizza to tacos. It’s held in Gilroy, California, the garlic capital of the world. This festival is a full-on garlic extravaganza, with cooking demonstrations, live music, and some pretty hilarious garlic-related contests. It’s a fun (and flavorful) event that’s worth the visit!
2. Oktoberfest – Hermann, Missouri
When: September
Hermann, Missouri, is a tiny town with a big love for German culture, and its Oktoberfest is the perfect way to experience it. Think bratwurst, pretzels, German beer, and polka music — it’s like stepping into a Bavarian village! Even though it’s a small town, the festival draws huge crowds and brings the best of Germany to Missouri. It’s a laid-back and fun celebration that’s perfect for anyone who loves good food and beer.
3. The International Pickle Festival – Mt. Olive, North Carolina
When: October
Pickles might not be your first thought when it comes to food festivals, but the International Pickle Festival in Mt. Olive proves that pickles deserve their time in the spotlight! Hosted by the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, this quirky festival has everything from pickle-eating contests to pickle-inspired snacks. Plus, you can try a variety of pickled goods beyond just cucumbers. It’s a must-visit for pickle fans and anyone looking to try something unique!
4. Bacon Fest – Templeton, Iowa
When: March
Templeton, Iowa, hosts one of the most bacon-centric festivals you’ll ever experience. Whether you like your bacon crispy, chewy, or wrapped around something even better (like a donut or a chocolate bar), you’ll find it here. The festival celebrates all things bacon with food vendors, contests, and lots of crispy, smoky goodness. If bacon is your thing, this festival is a dream come true!
5. Pecan Festival – Brunswick, Georgia
When: November
Pecans are the star of this festival in Brunswick, Georgia, where local farmers and food vendors showcase their best pecan-inspired dishes. Think pecan pies, roasted pecans, and pecan-based craft beers. Plus, you can enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and even a 5k run. If you love nuts (and not just the edible kind), this cozy festival will definitely leave you feeling nutty for pecans!
6. The Great American Foodie Fest – Las Vegas, Nevada
When: May
Okay, so Las Vegas is a big city, but this festival has a small-town food festival vibe. With food trucks, local vendors, and celebrity chefs serving up unique dishes, the Great American Foodie Fest lets you indulge in international flavors and creative fusion foods. Whether you’re into sweet, savory, or something a little more out-there (fried pickles, anyone?), this festival is all about fun, flavorful food.
7. Chili Cook-Off – Carson City, Nevada
When: Fall
If you’re a chili lover, Carson City’s Chili Cook-Off is your paradise. This small-town festival brings together home cooks, chefs, and restaurants to showcase their best chili recipes. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or packed with toppings, you’ll find a bowl (or two) that’ll hit the spot. And if you’re up for it, join in on the chili-eating contests for a true test of your spice tolerance.
8. Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival – Cloverport, Kentucky
When: October
Apple butter is a staple of fall, and at Cloverport’s Apple Butter Stirrin' Festival, you can watch as locals make it the old-fashioned way. This sweet, syrupy spread is perfect for toast, biscuits, and even ice cream! The festival features apple butter tastings, a parade, craft booths, and plenty of other food and drink to enjoy while you take in the local sights. It’s a charming small-town experience that’ll give you a taste of fall at its best.
9. The Tomato Festival – Bowers, Pennsylvania
When: August
Calling all tomato lovers! Bowers, Pennsylvania, is known as the "Tomato Capital of the World," and their Tomato Festival is the perfect way to celebrate all things tomato. From roasted tomatoes to tomato ice cream (yes, really!), you’ll be able to taste the many flavors of this versatile fruit. Plus, there are games, live music, and contests to keep the whole family entertained.
10. Sausage Fest – Chicago, Illinois (But in a Smaller Town Vibe)
When: June
While Chicago itself is known for its hot dogs, the nearby community of St. John hosts the Sausage Fest, a fun celebration of all things sausage. From bratwurst to chorizo, you’ll find a wide variety of sausage dishes to taste. It’s a casual, laid-back festival with food, music, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a delicious sausage (or two).
11. Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival – Eaton, Colorado
When: April
Alright, brace yourself — this one’s for the adventurous eaters. The Rocky Mountain Oyster Festival in Eaton, Colorado, celebrates Rocky Mountain oysters (aka bull testicles) in all their fried, battered glory. While it might sound unusual to some, it’s a fun and quirky festival where you can sample this unique dish along with other food and drink offerings. If you’re feeling brave, this one’s definitely worth trying!
12. National Sweet Corn Festival – Urbana, Illinois
When: September
Sweet corn is the star at Urbana’s National Sweet Corn Festival, where you can enjoy fresh, locally grown corn in every way imaginable. From grilled to creamed to even corn on the cob dipped in flavored butters, this festival is a corn lover’s dream. There are also games, music, and lots of local food vendors to check out. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the bounty of summer!
Final Thoughts 🌽🍅🍗
These small-town food festivals offer more than just great food — they provide a sense of community, a celebration of local culture, and a chance to try something new. Whether you’re a garlic enthusiast, a bacon lover, or a fan of quirky, offbeat foods, there’s a small-town festival waiting for you to indulge. So, why not plan a road trip and taste your way through these hidden gem festivals?
What’s your favorite food festival experience? Let me know in the comments below! 🌟
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