North Dakota Best Food and Drink Festivals 

When it comes to culinary escapades, North Dakota might not be the initial destination that springs to mind. However, beneath its unpretentious plains and enchanting small towns lies a food and drink festival haven that is orchestrating a symphony of delectable events, guaranteed to enchant your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.

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Under Brew Skies: June

 

This premier craft beer festival remains one of North Dakota's most anticipated annual events, drawing over 1,000 enthusiasts to the Bismarck Municipal Ballpark. Under Brew Skies celebrates the state's thriving craft beer scene with more than 20 breweries, including local favorites like Laughing Sun Brewing, Dialectic Brewing Co., and Buffalo Commons Brewing Company. Festival-goers can sample over 100 different beers while enjoying live performances from regional bands like Trip Wire and The Periodicals on the main stage.

 

Local food trucks serve up artisanal pairings, with Prairie Fire Pizza and Let's Be Frank hot dogs among the popular vendors. A specially designated VIP area offers exclusive beer tastings and meeting opportunities with master brewers. The festival features unique touches like a home brewing demonstration area and a "People's Choice" competition where attendees vote for their favorite brew of the day.

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Happy Harry's RibFest: June

 

The largest outdoor food festival in the upper Midwest features award-winning barbecue masters serving up sizzling ribs, pulled pork, and brisket to eager crowds at the spacious Fargodome venue. Happy Harry's RibFest consistently draws over 40,000 attendees annually who come to sample offerings from twelve premier barbecue vendors including Johnson's Bar-B-Que, Famous Dave's, Desperado's, and Cowboys BBQ & Rib Company. Visitors can quench their thirst with a selection of regional craft beers, domestic favorites, and specialty cocktails while enjoying live music performances from nationally recognized country and rock artists on the main stage.

 

Each vendor competes for the coveted "People's Choice" and "Best Ribs" awards, determined by festivalgoer votes throughout the four-day event. The festival grounds include a dedicated family fun zone with face painting, inflatable games, and interactive activities for children of all ages. Beyond the traditional barbecue fare, vendors offer unique menu items like bacon-wrapped corn on the cob, smoked mac and cheese, and homemade banana pudding.

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Brew at the Zoo: August

 

One of North Dakota's most popular libation celebrations unfolds among exotic wildlife at the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck. Local distributors McQuade and Jerome anchor the event alongside craft brewers including Laughing Sun, Buffalo Commons, Bismarck Brewing, Black Leg Brewery, and Gideon's Brewing. Guests wander through the zoo's winding paths, sampling an array of local beers, hard ciders, seltzers, and wines while taking in views of the resident animals.

 

The combination of the zoo's natural setting and regional beverages creates a unique tasting experience that showcases the best of North Dakota's growing craft beverage scene. The outdoor venue allows visitors to explore animal exhibits while enjoying samples from the region's most innovative breweries and wineries. The adults-only event has become a cornerstone of Bismarck's summer social calendar, blending local craft beverages with the distinctive atmosphere of the Dakota Zoo.

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Whether it's indulging in cheesy slices, or sipping brews at the zoo, these festivals promise an extraordinary fusion of flavors and enjoyment, leaving you with a contented stomach and a heart brimming with Midwestern cheer.