5 Flavorful Food and Wine Festivals in Connecticut

Connecticut might be one of the smallest states, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in flavor. Home to the very first apple pie recipe in American history, The Nutmeg State also boasts dozens of orchards, 600 miles of coastline and more than 40 vineyards that make great food and wine easy to come by. Looking for fun foodie events to attend in Connecticut? Check out these five delicious Connecticut food festivals that highlight some of the best flavors of the state.

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Southington Apple Harvest Festival

Southington

One of the largest and longest-running festivals in the Northeast, the Southington Apple Harvest Festival takes place over two weekends in October. In honor of the seasonal harvest of crisp, sweet apples, guests can sign up for the apple pie or apple fritter eating contest, enjoy fun and games at the carnival, or check out the arts and crafts festival. The family-friendly event also features live music, a laser show, fireworks, a parade and much more. Admission to the festival is free, and the free parking and shuttle bus make getting there easy.

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Milford Oyster Festival

Milford

What could be better than sampling from 30,000 different oysters harvested right in Milford? The Milford Oyster Festival takes over this small town on Long Island Sound every August. Billed as the largest one-day festival in New England, it features live music on two stages and invites festivalgoers to head out on a schooner, check out the arts and crafts fair or car show, and enjoy kayak races. But the festival’s biggest draw is the sweet, slightly salty and dense oysters harvested right off the coast.

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Shoreline Wine Festival

Guilford

A 19th-century orchard serves as the stunning backdrop for the Shoreline Wine Festival in the late summer. A number of Connecticut wineries to serve up delicious wines for guests to sip and sample while browsing the local food and craft booths. Festivalgoers will also have the chance to attend seminars and classes put on by local wine experts. Enjoy tasty food pairings and a soothing atmosphere at this laid-back wine festival.

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New England Chowdafest

Westport

The slight chill of early October is the perfect ​time to enjoy the New England Chowdafest, an unlimited sampling of soups, chowders and bisques prepared by more than 30 chefs and restaurants from all over New England. The event also includes a little friendly competition, as attendees choose their favorite soups in each category. Besides the bowlfuls of delicious flavors, guests will enjoy Italian and Mexican cuisine, beverage samplings, milk and cookies, and more. Sherwood Island State Park serves as a gorgeous host for this rain-or-shine event.

Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival

Bethlehem

The town of Bethlehem celebrates one of the most flavorful crops on the planet every fall at the Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival. Vendors selling everything from garlic oil to garlic cheese offer up an array of samples, sending guests home with more garlic-infused items than they ever knew existed. In the tasting area, try garlic sausage, garlic pizza and even garlic ice cream! The festival also features cooking demonstrations, gardening classes, and lectures on how to grow garlic and use it in the kitchen. Live music, rides, games and a craft market make this the perfect place for a family day out in Connecticut.