Pack your appetite and come hungry – these festivals will feed both your stomach and your soul.
In the Southwestern USA, Native American heritage, Mexican traditions and cowboy culture come together in ways that are both deeply rooted and delicious. From the smoky heat of Texas barbacoa to the complex spices of New Mexican chile festivals, here’s your guide to the region’s most flavorful celebrations.
Named “Best Southwestern Culinary Festival” by The New York Times, Devour Culinary Classic is a two-day event held each February at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Take advantage of tasting stations from dozens of Arizona‘s top restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries. Sample signature dishes, meet award-winning chefs and have fun learning about regional ingredients through live demos and interactive panels. One bite can lead you to your next favorite restaurant – or your next trip to Arizona.
In late fall, the Tasting Texas Wine & Food Festival draws food lovers to San Antonio to experience top chefs and flavors from across the USA and Mexico. Over the course of four days, prepare to chow down on a range of tastings, intimate dinners, luncheons and workshops. Join chef-led tastings and special events in historical Travis Park and wander along the iconic River Walk as you savor award-winning wines. Backed by the prestigious James Beard Foundation, this festival highlights the heart and soul of the “Culinary Capital of Texas.”
Every August, the small town of Rush Springs, Oklahoma, welcomes nearly 20,000 guests to celebrate its state vegetable at the Watermelon Festival. The day begins with a 10K run supporting local youth sports, followed by arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and food booths. Save your appetite for the free watermelon feed, where over 50,000 pounds of juicy melon are shared with the masses. Other highlights include the crowning of the Watermelon Queen, a rodeo and a car show, making this charming festival a true slice of Oklahoma culture and fun.
Stop through Santa Fe in September for the Wine & Chile Fiesta, a five-day event celebrating the unique flavors of New Mexico. Guests can explore tastings from acclaimed local and international wineries, enjoy chef-driven dinners featuring chile-inspired menus and participate in hands-on cooking classes. The festival also offers signature experiences like the Grand Tasting, wine-paired brunches, a spirited Chile & Cheese Pairing and artisan markets showcasing local crafts.
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