Fall Food Festivals and Events

I thought the end of summer would indicate a ramping down of food festivals, but the fall is gearing up to be packed with events.  While the sheer numbers are likely not as high in the past few months, the ones that are coming up in September and October are fairly high caliber, some backed by major Los Angeles-based publications, and most supporting charities.  Here are just a few of them, starting with a big one coming up this weekend…

Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival, August 27-30, 2015:  This four-day fest features events large and small, from cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs like Curtis Stone, to intimate lunches with chefs at their own restaurants, to nightly bashes featuring Questlove and The Roots.  It’ll be my first time attending and covering this event!  Benefits Berkley Foundation.

Los Angeles Times‘ The Taste, September 4-6, 2015:  This three-night event over Labor Day weekend is split into daytime and evening events on Saturday and Sunday, with a Friday opening-night party kicking things off.  Each event is hosted by a member of the Times’ Food staff, including Noelle Carter, Jenn Harris, Russ Parsons, Amy Scattergood, and, of course, Jonathan Gold!  I will also be attending and covering this event for the first time!  Benefits Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona.

L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade, September 12, 2015:  This fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was started by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (AOC, Lucques, Tavern) and David Lentz (The Hungry Cat) and has raised over $2.2 million for childhood cancer research.  I am hoping to attend, but have not determined if I can yet.

Angeleno Magazine’s Live & Dine LA, September 20, 2015:  Celebrating 16 years of the magazine’s publication with over 40 restaurants including Bestia, Chaya, Faith & Flower, Le Comptoir, Spago, The Bazaar by José Andrés, The Oyster Gourmet, at the Fairmont Miramar.  Hoping to attend this one as well.  Benefits Project Angel Food.

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The third Sunday in October has three events on the same day, that I’m aware of—there could be more!  For those crazy enough to attempt it, it actually is possible to attend all three, as the first event goes from 11am to 2pm, the second from 2pm to 5pm, and the third is 4pm to 8pm.  You’d have to zig-zag from Arcadia to Malibu to Silver Lake, and you’ll miss parts of each event, but it’s doable.  Maybe I’ll try to hit two of these events.  Even I’m not crazy enough to go for the hattrick!

LA Weekly‘s Brunch at the Races, October 18, 2015:  30 restaurants brunching it up at Santa Anita racetrack, including Abigaile, Du-Par’s, Go Get Em Tiger, Poppy & Rose, Status Kuo, and Superba Food + Bread.  Benefits Every Angeleno Counts and Homeboy Industries.

Los Angeles Magazine‘s The Food Event, October 18, 2015:  Hosted by Brook Williamson (Playa Provisions), Eric Greenspan (Maré), Neal Fraser (Redbird), and LA Mag’s own Lesley Bargar Suter, at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu.  With over 20 wineries and at least as many restaurants, including Animal, Cadet, Hatchet Hall, Leona, Saddle Peak Lodge, and Union, this event should be a spectacularly good time.  Benefits Kid’s Courage Foundation.

Eastside Food Festival, October 18, 2015:  Participants are still being finalized, but last year’s event featured Alimento, Home State, Mexicali, Pine & Crane, and more.  Check their website for updates on this year’s participants.  Benefits PATH.

Like I said, there may be more events occuring on that third Sunday in October, and of course other events will be happening that month.  If you have an event you want to share, please comment below!