THERE’S A SMORGASBORD OF BOSTON FOOD FESTIVALS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

It’s sunny outside, the temperature is rising, and spring is in full swing around the city. To celebrate, get outside and check out one of the multiple food festivals happening around town this weekend, from the long-awaited return of Japan Festival Boston to the Big Queer Food Fest in Downtown Boston. Check out details on everything below:

Big Queer Food Fest

Sunday, April 28, 5 to 8 p.m.

The Big Queer Food Fest, a national organization dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ culinary community, is bringing the party to Boston this weekend. Head to Downtown Boston food hall High Street Place on Sunday night to get in on the action, where host chef Tiffani Faison (Sweet Cheeks, Tenderoni’s) is cooking alongside other talented local and visiting queer chefs including Karen Akunowicz (Fox & the Knife, Bar Volpe), Tatiana Rosana (Para Maria), Kareem Queeman (Mr. Bake), and Rob Anderson (The Canteen in Provincetown). The food festival also lines up with the conclusion of the first-ever Queer Food Conference, held this weekend at Boston University. Tickets to the food fest are $50 per person and are available here.

Japan Festival Boston

Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After a five-year hiatus, the Japan Festival Boston is back and taking over the Boston Common all weekend long. Attend tea ceremony workshops, take in Japanese dance performances on the main stage, and, of course, browse over two dozen local Japanese food vendors — including ramen shops like Tsurumen and Yume Wo Katare, fan-favorite pop-up and soon-to-be restaurant Mimi’s Chūka Diner, and dessert spots like Beard Papa’s and Lady M — that will be participating in the festival. Entry is free, but be sure to consult the festival’s list of food vendors and plan ahead for cash-only stalls.

The Boston Sauce Party

Saturday, April 27, 12 to 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, 12 to 5 p.m.

Okay, this one is more of a condiment festival, but that still counts, right? Harpoon Brewery in the Seaport is hosting the Boston Sauce Party this weekend to celebrate all things hot sauce. There will be lots of New England hot sauces to try and lots of beer to wash it all down. Plus, there are hot sauce eating challenges that look like they will be very fun to watch, from the “Marshmallows From Hell Challenge” at 3 p.m. on Saturday to the “Spiked Pizza Eating Challenge” at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 per person for each day and are available here.

2024-04-26T19:42:41Z dg43tfdfdgfd