Yonkers NY Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Nestled beside the scenic Hudson River, Yonkers stands out as a lively city teaming with diverse delights and dynamic festivals. From savory street eats to acclaimed beverages, Yonkers boasts a variety of experiences that captivate the taste buds. 

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Bronx Zoo Brew at the Zoo: June

 

This annual craft beer celebration held at New York's largest and most historic zoo welcomes over 3,000 attendees for an evening of local brews and bites. Brew at the Zoo features more than 40 regional craft breweries including Gun Hill Brewing Company, Bronx Brewery, and Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, serving unlimited samples of their signature and seasonal beers. Guests can explore the zoo's exhibits and animal houses while enjoying live music from local bands performing across multiple stages throughout the grounds.

 

Food offerings include diverse options from some of the Bronx's favorite restaurants and food trucks, with dishes ranging from wood-fired pizzas to artisanal sliders. While wandering the 265-acre venue, visitors can participate in special animal enrichment demonstrations and keeper talks highlighting the zoo's diverse wildlife collection. The festival includes unique experiences like guided twilight tours, photo opportunities with select animal ambassadors, and commemorative tasting glasses for all attendees.

 

Westchester Magazine Wine & Food Festival: June

 

One of New York's premier wine and culinary events returns annually to showcase Westchester County's finest chefs, restaurants, and vintners. The Westchester Magazine Wine & Food Festival, hosted at historic Playland in Rye, draws over 3,000 attendees from across the tri-state area. More than 60 vendors participate, including notable establishments like X2O Xaviars on the Hudson, Moderne Barn, and La Bocca Ristorante.

 

Guests can sample artisanal wines from local Hudson Valley vineyards alongside international selections, paired with gourmet offerings ranging from fresh seafood to hand-crafted desserts. Live music creates an upbeat atmosphere with performances by local jazz ensembles and acoustic artists throughout the grounds. The festival features special demonstrations from celebrity chefs, a beer garden showcasing craft breweries, and a Grand Tasting Village where attendees can vote for their favorite dishes.

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Yonkers RiverFest: September

 

The largest one-day festival in Westchester County takes place annually along the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers. This free event draws more than 15,000 people and features four separate stages with live music spanning various genres, including country, soul, hip-hop, rock, and classics. Over 100 international food vendors offer a diverse culinary experience, complemented by arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers, and children's activities.

 

The festival boasts over 15 live bands on three stages, with past performers including Grammy-nominated Bilal and R&B group Silk. Visitors can enjoy carnival games, explore the environmental and wellness areas, and participate in the NY BEC Cook-Off. The event also includes a dedicated Fiesta Corner featuring Latin band battles, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of this community celebration.

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Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival: September

 

A high-spirited gathering of food and wine enthusiasts draws over 4,000 attendees to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck each year. The Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival features more than 100 New York State wineries, craft beverage producers, and gourmet food vendors, including popular local favorites like Brotherhood Winery and Whitecliff Vineyard. Food trucks and artisanal vendors serve everything from wood-fired pizzas to locally-made chocolates, with cooking demonstrations by regional chefs happening throughout the weekend.

 

Live music fills the air from two stages, with past performers including blues artist Slam Allen and folk group The Overtones. Special features include a craft beer pavilion showcasing over 30 breweries, hands-on wine education seminars, and a VIP tasting lounge. The sprawling fairgrounds provide ample space for visitors to enjoy wine tastings, food pairings, and picnicking on the grounds, with many guests bringing lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the festival atmosphere.

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These festivals provide just a glimpse of the numerous culinary delights that Yonkers has to offer. With its eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, Yonkers stands as a paradise for enthusiasts of food and drink.