One delicious experience may be the highlight of an entire trip.
Group travel planners have many things to consider when choosing times and places of their trips. One factor that deserves attention is the special events, celebrations and festivals that showcase a destination in all its tasty splendor.
From sipping wine in Washington to enjoying shrimp and grits in the heart of coastal Georgia or timing a visit to Michigan for cherry delicacies, there is something for every person and palate at these five food festivals happening from spring through fall in Washington, Hawaii, South Carolina, Michigan and Georgia.
Taste Washington: The Grand Tasting
Seattle
March 21–22
This spring, Taste Washington will host The Grand Tasting, the 26th edition of its annual food and wine festival, held indoors at the Lumen Field Event Center.
“Attendees can partake in various activities and events over multiple days, from educational seminars with national personalities, intimate wine and food events with celebrity chefs, or the Grand Tasting featuring 200 wineries, 75 restaurants and surprises around every corner,” said Heather Bradshaw, senior director of communications and constituent relations at the Washington State Wine Commission.
The festival’s culinary partners serve everything from handmade cheeses to barbecue, and the Bubbles & Bingo event unlocks the opportunity to taste special vintages of sparkling wines. Live cooking demonstrations, live mural painting and DJ sets take the experience to the next level, making it immersive beyond food and drink.
For travel planners looking to up the ante with an elevated festival experience, VIP tickets include early entry, a tote bag and a Taste Washington lanyard, plus VIP lounge access with exclusive wine and food offerings. Groups can plan their stay at the 282-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square at preferred rates as part of the festival room block and be within steps of the festival activities.
Black Food Truck Festival
Charleston, South Carolina
April 24–26
One of the country’s richest examples of African American foodways is in the Lowcountry, the coastal region of South Carolina where Charleston sits. Since 2021, it’s been home to the city’s two-day Black Food Truck Festival, a celebration featuring over 40 food trucks and supporting other Black entrepreneurs who help make the event possible. The featured trucks bring flavors from across the African diaspora, from soul food to West African dishes.
Groups planning to make a weekend out of the experience should plan an early arrival to attend the opening party, Rhythm and Booze, which is typically held at The International African American Museum in downtown Charleston. The black-carpet party features a DJ, live entertainment and light bites, and allows guests to see the museum’s exhibits, making it an ideal way for groups to dive into the city’s rich Black history before tasting their way through the culture at the festival.
Beyond the eats, the festival hosts multiple lounges, including a bar and hookah lounge and a mobile cigar lounge. Groups can bring attendees of all ages, as the festival is family-friendly and even features a kids zone.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
Maui, Hawaii
June 25–28
One of the oldest food and wine festivals in the U.S. is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year in Hawaii on the island of Maui. The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, started by the Kapalua Wine Society, brings together winemakers, celebrity chefs and local restaurant favorites for winemaker dinners and tasting seminars that feature global wines over the festival weekend.
Attendees can feel good about their ticket purchases, as the festival’s primary beneficiary is the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Culinary Arts Program, which supports local students with scholarships and program underwriting. During the festival, students receive mentorship through instruction and hands-on experiences as they work alongside celebrity and regional chefs. The event also supports several local grassroots organizations, including the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and the Aloha Wine Foundation.
kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City, Michigan
July 4–11
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th year in 2026, the National Cherry Festival will mark its 100th anniversary with a centennial edition. The event began in 1926 as a group of local cherry growers celebrating the region’s thriving cherry industry and bringing the community together, but it has grown into something much larger.
“What started as a small, local celebration has grown into a nationally recognized festival that honors tradition, celebrates and promotes cherries, community involvement and the Grand Traverse Region, creating generations of fun,” said Mandy DePuy, marketing and communications manager at the Festival Foundation.
Held along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay, groups planning to attend this year’s festival can expect a parade, air shows, amusement rides, fireworks, cherry pie-eating and pit-spitting contests, live music, and more. There’s even a cherry farm market on-site. DePuy said the festival gives groups the chance to experience Northern Michigan’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty in one trip.
Given 2026’s centennial celebrations, the festival team recommends that groups plan several months in advance to secure accommodations and event access. The festival is 90% free to attend, but ticketed events have limited availability and may not offer group discounts. The Grand Traverse region offers a range of group-friendly hotels, resorts and vacation rentals, many within easy access to festival venues. Planners should contact Traverse City Tourism for more information.
Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival
Jekyll Island, Georgia
October 23–24
How many different ways can you enjoy shrimp and grits? Groups can do their best to find the answer at this festival. Live music, fireworks, crafts and, of course, food will fill Georgia’s Jekyll Island this fall during the 20th annual Shrimp & Grits Festival. Launched in 2006, the festival’s humble beginnings included folks cooking in trailers and mom-and-pop-style vendors selling quilts. Now the celebration is the state’s marquee festival honoring the classic Southern namesake staple and draws over 45,000 people to the historic district of Jekyll Island.
Entry into the festival is free, but attendees should be prepared to pay for specific activities and experiences inside the event. For groups, advance planning is essential because hotels tend to fill up fast. On the island, there are a few options to choose from, including the 187-room The Westin, Home2 Suites, or the neighboring Courtyard and Residence Inn properties. Many on-island hotels will shuttle guests to the festival entrance.
