Want your first taste of summer? Get ready to enjoy it to the fullest.
The weather is getting warmer, which means the delicious tradition of food festivals is back, and there's no shortage of tasty options across Greater Fall River.
Book your dates for upcoming local events where food and fun are the main focus.
Fall River food trucks gather at the gates
Dates: June 13th (Thursday), July 11th (Thursday), August 8th (Thursday)
The Portuguese Day festivities, a weekend-long event (June 6-9) at Gates of the City that spotlighted Portuguese culture, music and cuisine, unofficially kicked off this year's Fall River culinary circuit.
And this week, Fall River food trucks are returning to The Gates, and people are flocking there once again to get a taste of the South Coast.
Now in its third year, organizers of the event on the Spindle City waterfront are promising a “foodie's paradise” on Thursday, June 13th with a mouthwatering lineup of more than a dozen food trucks from around the region and local entertainment.
This is the first of three food festivals hosted by PVD Food Truck Events in partnership with the City of Fall River, held on the first Thursday of each month over the summer. Events are also scheduled for July 11 and Aug. 8 from 5-8:30 p.m. at Gates of the City.
“Set against the beautiful backdrop of the historic waterfront, this event promises an unforgettable evening filled with delicious food, lively music and a vibrant atmosphere,” reads a description on the PVD Food Truck event website. “With the majestic Braga Bridge lighting up the night and the gentle flow of the Taunton River flowing nearby, indulge in a feast that will satisfy all your senses.”
There will be a little something for everyone at the June 13 event. Participating vendors include BBQ y Mas, Bem Bom Portuguese/American Culinary Fusion, BerrySweets, 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 setting up stalls and serving local beer and wine.
Admission is free. Guests only pay for what they eat and drink. For more information about each event, including a full list 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
Want a taste of pierogi and Polish culture? Don't miss the annual St. Stanislaus Polish Festival, a long-standing Fall River tradition, held the weekend of June 14th and 15th from 5pm to 9pm at St. Stanislaus School (37 Rockland St.). Enjoy authentic Polish food, kids' activities, raffles, a variety of vendors, and live entertainment including special performances by Polish dancers.
Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival (Westport)
Date and time: Saturday, June 15th
What could be more fun than sampling wines at the numerous wineries and vineyards along the Coastal Wine Trail in Southeastern New England? All in one place! The Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Festival is celebrating its 11th year and will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 11am to 7:30pm at the Westport Fairgrounds (200 Pinehill Road). The event will feature more than 45 wines from 15 wineries and vineyards throughout the region, as well as local cheesemakers, chocolatiers and artisan products. Tickets for the 21+ event range from $20 to $60. Visit the Facebook event page for a link to purchase tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/1531921794307458/
Norton City Pier Food Truck Friday (Fall River)
Dates: June 28th (Friday), July 26th (Friday), August 30th (Friday)
If you can't make it to the food festival on Thursday at the Gates, the city has you covered. Introducing Thomas Norton City Pier Food Truck Friday, a collaboration between the City of Fall River, the Fall River Redevelopment Authority and Viva Fall River. Food Truck Friday will take place on the last Friday of June, July and August from 4-8 p.m. at the city's pier, located at 600 Davol St. Each month will feature a different food truck. Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy delicious takeout food while taking in the views. Trucks including Gnarly Vines Farm, Chicked Out Nuggz and Twisted T's will be at the event on June 28.
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108th Celebration of the Eucharist (New Bedford)
Dates: August 1st to 4th
Corpus Christi is back with top-notch entertainment for all ages. Join the Festivities Committee at the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception as the Festivities kick off with a special procession and blessing. There's something for everyone with ongoing live performances at five locations, including cabaret music and fado singers at the Courtyard Café.
Don't miss out on traditional Madeiran Portuguese cuisine, including delicious malasadas and barbecued beef, plus a Family Day program with plenty of family-friendly activities, including face painting.
New England Holy Ghost Festival (Fall River)
Dates: August 21-25
Though the lineup has yet to be announced, people are already gearing up for one of the main events of the Portuguese fiesta season: the Great Feast of the Holy Spirit in New England.
Known as one of the largest Azorean Portuguese festivals in the world, Fall River's Great Feast takes place annually in late August on the grounds of Kennedy Park at the corner of South Main and Bradford Streets, drawing thousands of visitors from near and far to an event centered around faith and Portuguese culture.
Here you can indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine while enjoying a weekend filled with live music and activities, including the traditional “Bodo de Leite” parade and religious procession. In the food tents, you can enjoy traditional treats and snacks such as cacoira sandwiches, chorico and peppers, bifana and fava beans. And don't forget to queue for malasadas before the sweet fried bread tastes go away.
New Bedford Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival
Date: October 5th
Join fellow foodies for a delicious experience from noon to 5 p.m. at the Fort Tabor Food Truck Festival, located at 1000 S Rodney French Blvd. in New Bedford. More than 30 local food trucks will be serving up delicious fare, and guests can enjoy craft beer, family-friendly games and live music. Advance tickets are $5 and tickets at the door are $10.
