It's festival season and the Pocono Mountains' event calendar is filled with fun and funky celebrations. This week, we're putting the focus on food and spotlighting ten events known to have awesome eats.
From brats and brews to traditional fair foods, these Pocono Mountains festivals serve up the best of the best with a side of family fun. Read on for our list of ten Pocono festivals foodies won't want to miss.
June
Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival
Split Rock Resort
Date: Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, June 26, 2016
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: $30/adult; group rates available
Sample wines from over 30 wineries! Now in its 26th year, the Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival celebrates all things gourmet with educational seminars, food and craft vendors, live entertainment, a beer tent and more. General admission includes a complimentary wine glass for tasting.
July
Poconos’ Wurst Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Date: Saturday, July 16 to Sunday, July 17, 2016
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Advance: $12/adult; $10/child. Day of: $15/adult; $12/child; free for children four and under. Two-day tickets are available. See website for details.
It’s the wurst! With both Polish and German themes, this annual festival features three stages of music, games for children and adults, costumed dance performances and of course, plenty of wursts, wieners, kielbasa, pierogis and ice-cold brews.
August
154th Annual Wayne County Fair
Wayne County Fairgrounds
Date: Friday, August 5 to Saturday, August 13, 2016
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. fairgrounds; noon to 11 p.m. midway and rides
Cost: $10 per person includes most grandstand shows and rides
The Wayne County Fair is widely known for its classic and craveable concessions. The nine-day celebration includes big-name country music shows, grandstand entertainment, rides, games and "apparently" so much more!
Pennsylvania Wing Festival
Chalet Village at Pocono Raceway
Date: Saturday, August 13, 2016
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $10/adult; $5/military; children under 48” tall enter free. Wing tickets are $1 each.
The best wing joints from across the state compete for bragging rights and big prizes during this food festival at Pocono Raceway. Fans vote on the best buffalo wing and best alternative wing. Judges select the hottest and chef/VIP choice. Proceeds benefit Monroe County Meals on Wheels.
Sweet Corn & BBQ Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Date: Saturday, August 13 to Sunday, August 14, 2016
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Advance: $8/adult; $6.50/child. Day of: $10/adult; $8/child; free for children four and under. Two-day tickets are available. See website for details.
New for 2016, this food festival celebrates the state’s sweet corn harvest. Dozens of local vendors and farm stands will serve up BBQ and sweet corn creations. There will be non-stop entertainment with a country-western theme, line dancing demonstrations, corn-eating contests, trivia games and more fun for all ages.
Beer Fest at Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort Summit Terrace
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2016
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: $35/adult; $10/designated driver
Blue Mountain’s second annual Beer Fest brings unlimited beer and bourbon samplings and tasty BBQ creations. Expect live entertainment, craft vendors, and breathtaking views of the Pocono Mountains from PA’s highest vertical. Admission includes a commemorative sampling glass. Ages 21+ only.
The West End Fair
West End Fairgrounds
Date: Sunday, August 28 to Saturday, September 3, 2016
Time: Varies
Cost: $5 adults; free for children 11 and under
Bring your appetite to this classic country fair! Vendors serve up everything from soups and sausages to sweets and specialty coffees. Enjoy carnival rides and games, agricultural exhibits, live stage shows and more old-fashioned fun for the whole family.
September
The Pocono Garlic Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Date: Saturday, September 3 to Sunday, September 4, 2016
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Advance: $9/adult; $7.50/child. Day of: $12.50/adult; $8.50/child; free for children four and under. Two-day tickets are available. See website for details.
Celebrating 22 years of garlicky goodness, the Pocono Garlic Festival features over 60 food and craft vendors, live music, educational demonstrations, and a garlic-eating contest. Garlic stars in everything from vinegar and ice cream to pottery and paintings at this Labor Day Weekend event.
October
Oktoberfest
Blue Mountain Resort
Date: Saturday, October 1 to Sunday, October 2, 2016
Time: Noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Celebrate Oktoberfest with great food and panoramic views. Blue Mountain’s Oktoberfest is free for all ages and includes live polka music, Bavarian-style food, traditional brews, craft vendors, scenic chairlift rides and fireworks on Saturday night.
Pocono Food Truck & Art Festival
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
Date: Saturday, October 15 to Sunday, October 16, 2016
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Advance: $8/adult; $6.50/child. Day of: $10/adult; $8/child; free for children four and under. Two-day tickets are available. See website for details.
This one-of-a-kind event brings over 70 artists and 30 food trucks to the Pocono Mountains. Trucks from New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia offer up creative concoctions from sweet and savory to spicy and delicious.
But wait—there’s more! Browse our complete list of upcoming festivals and be sure to book a place to stay. You’ll thank yourself when the food coma sets in.
Bon appetit!
