Manhattan NY Best Food and Drink Festivals
Food, Wine, Spirits and Beer Festivals listed also include surrounding areas that host signature events.
January
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March
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Ninth Avenue International Food Festival
May
Central Park Brew at the Zoo
May
June
Bronx Brew at the Zoo
June​
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June - September​
​Hudson River Park Blues & BBQ Festival
August
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New York City Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival
April
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Summer Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival
August
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Pig Island NYC Food & Drink Festival
September
Little Italy Feast of San Gennaro
September​
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September
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September
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September
September
New York Coffee Festival
October
October
Japan Fes New York
October
NYC Autumn Crush Wine & Food Fest
November
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November
Manhattan's Premier Food and Drink Festivals: The Best Food, Wine, Spirits, and Beer Festivals in the City.
Manhattan, the heart of New York City, is a food and beverage lover's paradise. The city that never sleeps knows how to throw a party, and its festivals are no exception. Whether you're a foodie, a wine connoisseur, a spirits enthusiast, or a beer lover, Manhattan has something to satisfy your cravings.
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Wine lovers can indulge in exquisite tastings at these fantastic Manhattan festivals.
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NYC Wine Fest: October
This spectacular celebration of wine unfolds across the stylish Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, attracting over 1,500 enthusiastic oenophiles throughout two tasting sessions. The NYC Wine Fest showcases more than 70 wineries, including notable names like Meadowdale Winery, Josh Cellars, and Dark Horse, offering unlimited samplings of over 100 different wines from regions worldwide. Local restaurants and food artisans enhance the experience with carefully curated cheese boards, charcuterie selections, and gourmet chocolate pairings from vendors like Murray's Cheese and Li-Lac Chocolates.
Adding to the upscale ambiance, a rotating lineup of local DJs provides sophisticated background music while guests explore themed tasting areas dedicated to specific wine varieties and regions. VIP ticket holders enjoy early access to exclusive reserve wines and a dedicated lounge area with premium food offerings. The festival features educational wine seminars led by certified sommeliers, offering interactive workshops on wine appreciation and tasting techniques.
NYC Autumn Crush Wine & Food Fest: November
A distinguished autumn gathering at 630 Second brings together over 100 stellar wines and craft beverages from globally-recognized regions including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South America, South Africa, New Zealand, and California. Expert sommeliers with deep industry connections curate this sophisticated grand tasting event, showcasing an impressive selection of New York State wines from America's third-largest wine region. Guests receive a sustainable, reusable custom-tasting glass while sampling artisanal bites from local food makers throughout the venue's elegant space.
Wine Enthusiast magazine recognized this celebrated autumn gathering as one of their top 12 must-attend fall food and wine festivals. The carefully selected wine portfolio allows attendees to explore both established vintners and discover emerging winemakers in an intimate setting. The event's thoughtful organization creates natural opportunities for meaningful conversations with knowledgeable wine professionals and fellow enthusiasts while enjoying sweeping city views.
Manhattan's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and cultures, and its food festivals celebrate this diversity.
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Ninth Ave. International Food Festival: May
The largest and longest-running food festival in New York City draws over 200,000 visitors annually to taste international cuisine from more than 50 local restaurants and vendors along Ninth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen. The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival features beloved establishments like Esposito's Meat Market serving Italian specialties, Istanbul Grill offering Turkish delights, and Bangkok House dishing up authentic Thai cuisine. Live music fills the air from two performance stages, where local jazz bands and cultural dance groups entertain crowds throughout the weekend.
Food demonstrations from professional chefs take place at designated cooking stations, allowing visitors to learn international cooking techniques and sample freshly prepared dishes. Walking down the fifteen-block stretch between 42nd and 57th Streets, festival-goers can sample everything from Greek souvlaki and Belgian waffles to Dominican empanadas and Korean bulgogi. The festival maintains its authentic neighborhood charm through the participation of many family-owned restaurants that have been serving the Hell's Kitchen community for generations.
Taste of Summer Central Park: June
One of Manhattan's most anticipated summer events draws over 20,000 attendees annually to Central Park's beautiful Bethesda Fountain area. More than 40 acclaimed local restaurants and vendors, including Roberta's Pizza, Momofuku Milk Bar, and Luke's Lobster, showcase their signature dishes and innovative summer fare. Visitors can sample artisanal ice creams, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails while enjoying live music performances from local jazz ensembles and acoustic artists on the fountain terrace.
Interactive cooking demonstrations from celebrated New York chefs take place throughout the event, offering attendees insights into professional culinary techniques and seasonal recipes. The festival features dedicated spaces for wine tasting sessions hosted by regional vineyards, along with a craft beer garden showcasing local breweries. Special features include a waterfront lounge area, culinary workshops for children, and an artisanal marketplace where local food producers sell their specialty products.
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For those who appreciate the art of craft cocktails, Manhattan's spirits festivals offer a delightful exploration of distilled beverages.
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NYC Whiskey Festival: March
This premier spirits gathering in Manhattan has become a cornerstone event for both connoisseurs and casual whiskey enthusiasts. The NYC Whiskey Festival, hosted at the elegant Metropolitan Pavilion, welcomes over 2,000 attendees to sample from more than 100 premium brands including notable names like Macallan, Glenlivet, and Hudson Whiskey. Local artisanal food vendors provide gourmet pairings ranging from aged cheeses and charcuterie to chocolate truffles crafted specifically to complement the spirits. The festival features live jazz performances throughout the evening from the acclaimed David Morgan Quartet, along with educational masterclasses led by master distillers.
Special features include an exclusive VIP hour with rare whiskey tastings, a crystal tasting glass for each attendee, and interactive cooperage demonstrations showing traditional barrel-making techniques. The event's specialized "Around the World of Whiskey" tasting stations allow guests to explore distinct regional styles from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and American craft distilleries, all while learning about production methods and flavor profiles from industry experts.
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NYC Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival: August
A grand gathering of craft beverage vendors takes place aboard the one-of-a-kind setting of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, an American military and maritime museum housed within a historic aircraft carrier on Manhattan's west side. The carefully curated selection of spirits, wines, and craft beers showcases both established brands and emerging producers offering unique small-batch creations. Local restaurants and food purveyors provide gourmet pairings, including artisanal cheese boards, charcuterie selections, and globally-inspired small plates to complement the drinks.
Set against the backdrop of vintage aircraft and stunning Hudson River views, the festival features live DJ sets throughout the day creating an energetic atmosphere. The VIP experience grants early access to exclusive tastings and a dedicated lounge area with specialty cocktails and premium food offerings. The event includes interactive mixology demonstrations from expert bartenders, brand ambassador meet-and-greets, and commemorative tasting glasses for all attendees.​
Manhattan's craft beer scene is flourishing, and beer festivals are the ideal way to taste the latest brews.
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Big Apple Craft Brew Festival: April
New York's booming craft beer scene comes alive at the Big Apple Craft Brew Festival, hosted in the expansive Chelsea Industrial space in Manhattan. Festival goers receive a commemorative 5-ounce sampling glass for unlimited tastings from dozens of carefully selected craft breweries. Notable participants include Old Klaverack Brewery, showcasing their signature ales, alongside Destination Unknown Beer Co. and Destihl Brewing offering their latest seasonal selections and flagship beers.
The festival's layout maximizes the industrial venue's character, with exposed brick and steel beams creating an authentic brewery atmosphere. Brewmasters share their expertise through intimate tasting sessions, offering insights into brewing techniques and beer styles. The venue's natural acoustics and open floor plan create an ideal setting for guests to sample brews while mingling with fellow craft beer enthusiasts.
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Central Park Brew at the Zoo: May
Beer enthusiasts and animal lovers converge for New York City's most unique tasting experience at the Bronx Zoo. Central Park Brew at the Zoo draws over 3,000 attendees each year to sample offerings from 40 craft breweries, including local favorites like Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint Brewery, and Blue Point Brewing Company. Food vendors serve gourmet bites from wood-fired pizzas to artisanal tacos, while guests enjoy after-hours access to select zoo exhibits and animal encounters.
Local bands provide live entertainment throughout the evening on two stages, with past performers including The Rakiem Walker Project and The Loyales. Guests can participate in special zookeeper talks, wildlife demonstrations, and up-close animal experiences while enjoying their beverages. VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to premium tastings, dedicated lounge areas, and special animal encounters in the Madagascar exhibit.
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Whether you're looking to tantalize your taste buds, refine your palate, or simply savor a few drinks in good company, these festivals offer an experience like no other. So, mark your calendars and prepare to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the Big Apple.