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There is no American cuisine or American food landscape as we know it today without Black food and beverage traditions, professionals, and businesses. The numerous Black food and beverage festivals in the US today serve as spaces to celebrate, explore, and acknowledge those contributions.
I'm lucky to have attended some of those events and been able to soak up spaces that center the joy, innovation, and contributions of Black culinarians.
I want more of those experiences. And I know the friends I've made at these events over the years do too. So as I plan to make that a reality for myself, I'm sharing the Black food festivals and events that I'm keeping an eye on. You'll see me at hopefully more than a few of these!
10 Black Food And Wine Festivals To Plan For In The US
The below list is not exhaustive, and it's not meant to be. Consider this a sampling to get started as you explore Black food festivals and beverage events! Some of the below don't have exact dates or schedules announced yet. Details from previous year's events have been used to give a sense of what to expect.
Black Vines - February in Oakland, CA
Voted USA Today’s 2021 #1 Wine Festival in the Country, Black Vines is the longest-standing Black wine festival in the country. Expect a celebration of culture, art, and wine education that brings together Black artists, Black musicians, Black winemakers, and vintners through winemaker dinners, tastings, and more.
Black Food Truck Festival - April in Charleston, SC
This family-friendly event features music, games, and more, in addition to a plethora of food truck options. In 2023, tickets were $25, and VIP tickets were $125 and included perks like a swag bag, access to a VIP container bar, and an exclusive pavilion area with complimentary drinks and no wait times.
Black Food & Wine Experience - June in San Francisco, CA
Previously held in Oakland, the 2023 Black Food & Wine Experience will be held in San Francisco, CA. Prices for tickets range from $35 to $275. Events include The Afro-Caribbean Experience, the Black Wall Street Dinner, the Food & Beverage Industry Summit, the Grand Tasting, and an after-party.
DC Black Food & Wine - July in Washington, DC
DC Black Food & Wine celebrates African-American cuisine and culture with wine tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and food vendors. General admission tickets are priced at $55, and VIP tickets are available for $125. VIP tickets include a souvenir wine glass, access to the VIP deck, a VIP cash bar, and a VIP entrance line.
Barrel & Flow - August in Pittsburgh, PA
This Black brew fest showcases Black-owned breweries, musicians, artists, and small businesses. Tickets range from $27 for a limited admission ticket with no taster glass to VIP tickets for $205, which include a three-day all-access pass.
The Family Reunion - August in Middleburg, VA
This multi-day event includes some of the nation's top culinary talent, multiple parties, cooking demonstrations, panel sessions, recreational activities, and more. This is one of the more expensive Black food events and definitely a luxury experience. Ticket prices range from $750 to $4,990.56. This event is sold out for 2023 and generally sells out quickly.
Black-Owned Wine & Spirits Fest - September in Washington, DC
The 7th Annual BOWS Fest celebrates Black-owned spirits, wine, and beer brands. General admission tickets start at $75 (without concert), including limitless wine/spirit and food samples from vendors, plus a souvenir glass. The VIP admission ticket with concert costs $230, providing access to the VIP lounge, complimentary full cocktails at the VIP Bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, access to the Dessert Bar, a souvenir glass, and a swag bag.
BayHaven Food & Wine Festival - October in Charlotte, NC
BayHaven offers something for everyone with both casual and formal events. The 2022 festival included a farm dinner, symposium, plated dinner led by chef Zoe Adjonyoh, homecoming gala, and a tasting tent with over 75 booths. In 2022, ticket prices for less formal events like the tailgate party and tasting tents ranged from $115 - $150, while more formal events such as gala and plated dinners cost between $275 - $315.
Taste of Soul - October in Los Angeles, CA
Taste of Soul takes place annually, every third Saturday in October, featuring a taste of all things “soulful,” from musical performances to a variety of food options. This longstanding event was founded in 2006 to “reflect and celebrate the Black cultural experience.” Now this street festival draws hundreds of thousands of people.
New England Noir - October in Southampton, MA
Find wine, music, and food trucks available at this Black wine festival. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets to enjoy though outside alcohol is not permitted.
These are just a few of the Black food, wine, and beer events in the US that I'm keeping an eye on in the next year. If you don't see something near you, try searching for "Black food festival" plus the name of your city to see what comes up!
Other Resources:
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Plan a trip to The Ivy, a Black-owned luxury boutique hotel in Baltimore