Food festivals are rolling back into Greater Fall River. See what's coming this summer.
Hungry for your first taste of summer? Get ready to get your feast on.
The weather is heating up, which means the return of a tasty tradition — food festivals. And we certainly have no shortage of delicious options across Greater Fall River.
Save the date for these upcoming local events, where food and fun are the main course:
Fall River Food Trucks at the Gates
Date: Thursday, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8
Day of Portugal festivities unofficially kicked off this year's Fall River foodie circuit with a weekend-long event at Gates of the City (June 6-9) highlighting Luso culture, music and fare.
And this week, folks will gather there once again to savor the flavors of the SouthCoast with the return of Fall River Food Trucks at the Gates.
Now in its third year, organizers of this Spindle City waterfront event promise "a foodie paradise" when it returns Thursday, June 13, with a mouth-watering lineup of over a dozen food trucks from across the region, as well as local entertainment.
It will be the first in a series of three food festivals — organized by PVD Food Truck Events in partnership with the City of Fall River — that will be held on the first Thursday of each summer month, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Events are also slated for July 11 and Aug. 8 at the Gates of the City.
"Set against the scenic beauty of the historic waterfront, this event promises an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, vibrant music, and a lively atmosphere," reads its description on the PVD Food Truck Events website. "With the majestic Braga Bridge illuminating the night and the gentle flow of the Taunton River nearby, indulge in a feast for all senses."
There will be a little something for everyone at the June 13 event. Participating vendors will include BBQ y Mas, Bem Bom Portuguese/American Culinary Fusion, Berry Sweets, Bird's Nest Italian Street Food, Black Dog Donuts, Blount Clam Shack Food Truck, Fancheezical, Gnarly Vines Food Truck, Gonzalez Food Truck, Pitstop, Red's, The Grub Guru, Uhlman's Ice Cream, and What's Up Cupcake. Party with Primo and Troy City Brewing will also be on hand serving local beer and wine.
Entry is free. Guests just pay for what they eat and drink. For more details on each event, including the full roster of participating food trucks, visit https://www.foodtrucksin.com/food-truck-events.
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St. Stanislaus Polish Festival (Fall River)
Date: June 14-15
Craving some pierogies and Polish culture? Don't miss the annual St. Stanislaus Polish Festival, a longtime Fall River tradition that's returning the weekend of June 14-15, from 5 to 9 p.m., to St Stanislaus School, 37 Rockland St. Enjoy authentic Polish food, kids activities, raffles, various vendors and live entertainment, including a special performance from their Polish Dancers.
Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival (Westport)
Date: Saturday, June 15
What is better than a wine tasting at one of the many wineries/vineyards on the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England? Tasting wines from all of them, all in one place. The Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival is back for its 11th year on Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Westport Fairgrounds, 200 Pinehill Road. The event will feature over 45 wines from 15 wineries and vineyards across the region, alongside products from local cheesemakers, chocolatiers and artisans. Tickets for the 21+ event are $20-$60. Visit the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1531921794307458/ for a link to purchase tickets.
Norton City Pier Food Truck Fridays (Fall River)
Date: Friday, June 28, July 26, Aug. 30
Can't make it to Thursday food fests at the Gates? The city has got you covered. Introducing Thomas Norton City Pier Food Truck Fridays, a collaboration between the City of Fall River, Fall River Redevelopment Authority, and Viva Fall River. Food Truck Fridays will be held on the last Friday of June, July, and August from 4 to 8 p.m. at the city pier located at 600 Davol St. Each month will host a different selection of food trucks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy some delicious grab-and-go eats with a view. On June 28, featured trucks will include Gnarly Vines Farm, Chicked Out Nuggz and Twisted T's.
Fall River's Waterfront Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Thursday, July 4
It's not exactly a food festival, but for local foodies this event certainly won't disappoint.
Before sparks start flying with the city's annual fireworks display, there will be plenty to see — and eat — at this year's July 4 festivities, which will span three locations along the waterfront.
From 5 to 9 p.m., live music and a diverse array of sweet and savory fare will be featured at Heritage State Park, Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier and Bicentennial Park.
Independance Day brings eight food trucks to Heritage State Park: Friskie Fries, Blount, Big Dog Eats, Black Dog Donuts, Supa Dupa, No Joke Smoke BBQ, Del's Lemonade, and Cool Licks Ice Cream.
At Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier, get an air brush tattoo while you nosh on fare from Green Jar Cocina, Bun Buds, Pop's Brick Oven Pizza, What's Up Cupcake, Ice N' Roll, and Berry Sweets. And at Bicentennial Park, Dorothy Cox, Kona Ice, Gnarly Vines Farm, and BBQ y Mas will be on hand.
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108th Annual Celebration of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament (New Bedford)
Date: Aug. 1-4
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is back with top-quality entertainment for all ages. Join in on the fun as the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) kick off the festivities with a special procession and benediction at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. With continuous live performances at five locations, including cabaret music and Fado singers at the Courtyard Café, there's something for everyone.
Don't miss out on traditional Madeiran Portuguese cuisine, including delicious malassadas and barbecue beef. Plus, enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities such as face painting and more at the Family Day program.
Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England (Fall River)
Date: Aug. 21-25
While the lineup has yet to be announced, folks are already gearing up for one of Portuguese festa season's main events: the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England.
Known as one of the largest Azorean Portuguese feasts in the world, Fall River's Great Feast is held each year in late August on the grounds of Kennedy Park, at the corner of South Main and Bradford streets, and draws thousands of visitors from near and far for an event centered on faith and Portuguese culture.
There you can look forward to an exciting weekend of live music and activities — including a traditional "bodo de leite" parade and religious procession — and feast on an abundance of delicious Portuguese cuisine. Head to the food tent for classic feast eats and treats such as cacoila sandwiches, chourico and peppers, bifanas, favas, and more. And make sure to hit the malassada line before all the sugary fried dough deliciousness is gone.
New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival
Date: Oct. 5
Located at 1000 S Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, join foodies for a mouth-watering experience at Fort Taber's food truck festival from noon to 5 p.m. Over 30 local food trucks will be serving up their delicious cuisine while guests enjoy craft beer, family-friendly games, and live music. Pre-sale tickets are $5 and $10 at the door.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Your guide to summer food festivals in Greater Fall River
