Pack your wet naps, it's food festival season.
Taco celebrations and barbecue battles are the most popular types of festivals around Metro Detroit, but in 2026 there are also some more niche and unique events like a pickle fest in Lake Orion, a new hot sauce weekend in Detroit and a celebration of South Asian cuisine in Royal Oak with the Chutney Festival (which now has alcohol this year).
We'll also see Pig & Whiskey moving from Ferndale to Corktown, joining another longstanding Detroit barbecue event, the Ribs & R&B Weekend at Hart Plaza.
Read on for details about 10 area food festivals to look forward to this year.
Novi BBQ Fest — Fountain Walk
The smell of grilled meats and sweet, tangy sauces will hang in the air Memorial Day Weekend at Fountain Walk with the return of the Novi BBQ Fest. One of the first big food festivals of the season, the party features pitmasters from across the country. They'll bring their A-game in hopes of winning a title, too. There's also a selection of beer and whiskey to wash down the ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, beans, mac and cheese and more. Non-food activities include 20 bands on three stages, bounce house, magic shows, art projects and games. 5-10 p.m. May 22, noon-10 p.m. May 23-24 and noon-8 p.m. May 25. $7 admission in advance, $10 at the gate. 44175 W. 12 Mile, Novi.novibbqfest.com.
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Spring Veg Fest — Eastern Market
Shop and browse dozens of vendors selling plant-based meals, snacks, sweets, ingredients and more. The event also has nonprofits on hand and cooking demonstrations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7. Shed 5 and 6, 2810 Russell, Detroit.vegmichigan.org.
Burger Battle — Eastern Market
One of the city's most epic food battles, the Burger Battle Detroit celebrates its 10th anniversary this summer in Eastern Market. Around a dozen restaurants will be booked to serve burger samples to festival attendees at this indoor and outdoor event. A panel of judges will vote for a champion, and guests can also vote to choose the People's Choice winner. 1-5 p.m. June 28. $41.36 and up. Shed 5, 2934 Russell, Detroit.Burgerbattledetroit.com. Also: the same promoters will host the Taco Showdown at Shed 5 on July 26.
Festa Italiana — Freedom Hill County Park
Meatballs! Cannoli! Fireworks! It's all part of the festivities at this annual Italian American smorgasbord. The annual free festival showcases Italian wine and cuisine from across Metro Detroit. There's a meatball recipe battle, a beautiful baby competition and other contests, plus stuff for kids to do, live music and bocce courts. July 17-19. Admission is free, and on-site parking is $10. 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights.facebook.com/FestaItalianaMI.
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Sazón Latin Food Festival — Batch Brewing
Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean, Central and South America at this new outdoor food festival. The family-friendly one-day event will also have music and drinks. Noon-5 p.m. July 26. Free admission, but guests should RSVP online. 1400 Porter, Detroit.eventbrite.com/e/sazon-latin-food-festival-2026-detroits-taste-of-latin-american-food-tickets-1981453295145.
Pig & Whiskey — Corktown
Moving away from downtown Ferndale, where it has called home for many years, the Pig & Whiskey barbecue and booze festival returns for 2026 with a new home in Corktown. Organizers are still keeping a lot under wraps — including set times for bands, which vendors will be there and even the exact location of event — but we know that Reverend Horton Heat, Goober & the Peas and the Verve Pipe are the headliners. July 30-Aug. 2. Tickets start at $10. Corktown, Detroit.pigandwhiskeycorktown.com.
Hot Sauce Festival — Masonic Temple Detroit
Reflecting the growing consumer demand for all things spicy, Detroit is getting its own hot sauce festival this summer. Thefamily-friendly eventwill give local hot sauce makers a chance to shine, and there will be entertainment and things to do for everyone, even if you aren't into setting your taste buds ablaze. There will be sanctioned eating competitions from U.K.-based group League of Fire, classes on how to get your hot sauce company off the ground and other local food vendors. 10 a.m. Aug. 1-2. $20 and up. 500 Temple, Detroit.Detroithotsaucefestival.com.
Ribs & R&B Weekend — Hart Plaza
This longstanding party is just as much about the music as it is focused on expertly prepared barbecue cuisine. Chefs from around the country will battle for trophies for "best ribs" and "best sauce." A lineup of musical artists will be announced later this year. Aug. 7-9. Free admission before 4 p.m. Fri. and before 1 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $15 after. 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit.ribsrnbmusicfestival.com.
Chutney Festival — Royal Oak
An indoor and outdoor event, the Chutney Festival showcases cuisine from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and elsewhere. This year there's also a bar, plus vendors, live music, DJs and other attractions. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 20. $7.13 and up. Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak.eventbrite.com/e/chutney-festival-tickets-1981786775594.
Pickle Fest — Canterbury Village
For the love of all things brined and preserved, this fun festival for pickle enthusiasts has themed cocktails and pickle-inspired foods. The two-day bash has live music, a petting zoo for kids, photo opportunities and "pickle-themed surprises." Details are still coming together. Aug. 29-30. 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion.canterburyvillage.com/event/pickle-fest. Canterbury Village also has a Taco & Tequila Fest June 12-14, a BBQ & Bacon Fest Aug. 21-23 and a Donut & Cider Fest Sept. 12-13.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News:10 food festivals to look forward to this year in Metro Detroit
