Idaho Best Food and Drink Festivals

Idaho's natural beauty and lively towns aren't just a treat for the eyes, they're a feast for all your senses with some outstanding festivals and events.

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​Idaho's Wild West Brew Fest: June

 

This beloved craft beer celebration draws thousands annually to downtown Caldwell's Indian Creek Plaza. The Idaho Wild West Brew Fest features over 40 regional breweries including Lewis & Clark Brewing Co, White Dog Brewing, and Salmon River Brewing offering unlimited tastings with purchase of sampling tickets. Live country music performances include Cash'd Out, Jesse Dayne & The Sagebrush Drifters, and Dave Nudo providing entertainment throughout the day.

 

Food trucks line the plaza alongside the Indian Creek Plaza Bar & Shoppe serving both food and non-alcoholic beverages to attendees of all ages. A spirited beard and mustache contest adds to the Wild West atmosphere of this family-friendly event. The festival maintains its authentic Idaho character while showcasing the region's thriving craft beer scene in a welcoming outdoor venue.

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Star Chili Cook-Off: August

 

The lively aroma of simmering spices fills the air as competitive cooks prepare their signature recipes at Hunter's Creek Park in Star, Idaho. Over 20 passionate chili makers compete in multiple categories including People's Choice, Homestyle, and Traditional Red, with each recipe cooked entirely from scratch on festival grounds. The Star Chamber of Commerce anticipates hosting more than 1,000 enthusiastic tasters at their sixth annual cook-off event.

 

Attendees can vote for their favorite chili in the People's Choice category, while official judges evaluate entries in the specialized divisions. Vendor booths offer cold beverages, cornbread, and other complementary sides to enhance the chili-tasting experience. The family-friendly atmosphere includes shaded seating areas throughout the park and live acoustic performances by local musicians.

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The Taste of Coeur d’Alene: August

 

This lakeside gathering is widely considered one of the premier summer festivals in the Pacific Northwest, drawing over 50,000 visitors annually to Independence Point Park. The carefully curated event features over 100 artisan vendors and food booths, offering delicacies like fresh-caught Idaho trout, locally crafted beers from Coeur d'Alene Brewing Company, and signature huckleberry treats. Live music echoes across Lake Coeur d'Alene from the festival's main stage, where regional bands perform a mix of rock, country, and blues throughout the three-day celebration.

 

Each year, festival organizers partner with the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance to showcase local artists' works, including handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and fine art installations. A dedicated children's area features face painting, balloon artists, and interactive craft stations, making The Taste of Coeur d'Alene a true family-friendly destination. The festival's location along the water's edge allows visitors to arrive by boat, with temporary moorage available at the nearby city dock, while a fleet of food trucks and portable kitchens creates an impressive culinary boulevard along the park's main promenade.

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Sip Idaho: September

 

The region's most anticipated beverage festival showcases Idaho's finest spirits, wines, and craft beverages at the iconic Riverside Hotel in Garden City. Sip Idaho features educational boozy daytime classes where attendees can learn mixology techniques and spirit appreciation from industry experts. The highlight is the Grand Tequila Dinner, offering carefully curated pairings with gourmet cuisine and insights from master distillers.

 

The main tasting event brings together local and regional producers, allowing guests to sample and discover new favorites in an elegant setting. The festival emphasizes Idaho's growing craft beverage scene with interactive demonstrations and opportunities to meet the makers behind the brands. Special features include a VIP lounge area, commemorative tasting glass, and expert-led seminars focused on spirit production and tasting techniques.

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Idaho's food and drink festivals have something for everyone. So, gather your friends and family for a flavorful journey through the heart of this vibrant state. With diverse flavors and unforgettable experiences awaiting you, your taste buds are in for a treat.