The Cincy Region has an exciting food scene, including MANY different food festivals that bring together diverse flavors, local traditions, and community spirit. From the streets of downtown Cincinnati, known for its iconic chili, to the up-and-coming food scenes across the river in Covington and Newport, the region plays host to a variety of food festivals that highlight everything from soul food and goetta to international cuisine. All year long locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy live music, activities, beverages, and of course, an unforgettable taste of the region's best bites. Here are just a few tasty events you can experience during a trip to Cincy. 

Image is of Asian noodles and salad.
Asian Food Fest

Festivals in Downtown Cincinnati

Asian Food Fest – April 26-27, 2025

For the last 14 years, locals have gathered in downtown Cincinnati to enjoy the annual Asian Food Festival. Enjoy small Asian plates, live entertainment, craft and Asian beer, and family activities.

Image is of the Taste of Cincinnati in Downtown Cincinnati from the sky.
Taste of Cincinnati

Taste of Cincinnati — May 24-26, 2025

For over 40 years, the Taste of Cincinnati has been a foodie mecca every Memorial Day Weekend. This is truly Cincy's food scene at its best - featuring over 65 restaurant, food trucks and breweries. Don’t miss this incredible event, the longest-running culinary arts festival in the U.S.!

Image is of African Drums, African Masks and Food with the words "Afrifest Cincy, Taste of Africa".

AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa — July 19, 2025

Sawyer Point & Yeatman’s Cove host the AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa, featuring an abundance of African food, shopping, dancing, and a fashion show! Learn more about the diversity and vibrancy of Cincy's African community at this unique festival.

Meetings - Meet in Cincy - Diverse Meetings - Cincinnati's Diversity
Fountain Square

Cincy Soul Food Fest: The Black Taste — July 26-27, 2025

Head down to Fountain Square for a weekend of free live music, local vendors, and a variety of cuisines provided by local food trucks at the Cincy Soul Food Fest: The Black Taste. Even better? This festival happens during Cincinnati Music Festival, one of the most exciting weekends all year in Cincy. Get your tickets today!

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati @shaemphoto
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (photo credit: Shaemphoto)

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati — September 18-21, 2025

Welcome to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest in the United States! Don your best dirndl and lederhosen and enjoy a full weekend of entertainment, German cuisine, and cold beer. Head down to Sawyer Point/Yeatman’s Cove and get ready to raise a stein to toast Zinzinnati's German heritage. Prost!

A poster that says "Maifest Covington, Kentucky, May 16-18".

Northern Kentucky Food Festivals

Maifest — May 16-18, 2025

Celebrate spring like a local at the annual Covington Maifest at Goebel Park. Guests can expect German fare, beer, music, and of course, maypole dancing!

Image is of a variety of cannoli's including ones with sprinkles and ones with chocolate chips.
Newport Italianfest Cannoli's

Newport Italianfest — June 12-15, 2025

Get ready to celebrate Italian culture at the annual Newport Italianfest! Located at Newport Festival Park, along the Ohio River and next to Newport on the Levee, this summer festival is filled with Italian dishes, live entertainment for both adults and children, and stunning views of the Ohio River and the downtown Cincinnati.

A hand picking up a sandwich made with a glazed donut, goetta, and cheese
Goetta Doughnut Sandwich

Glier’s Goettafest -- July 24-27 and July 31-August 3, 2025

How much do we love Goetta? So much so that we dedicated two full weekends to it! Guests can experience Goetta, a local variety of breakfast sausage that's made from pork, beer, steel-cut oats, and seasonings, at Glier’s Goettafest. Goetta is a true local delicacy, unique to our region, and we highly encourage you to try it in all its glory at this foodie festival. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment, beer, and games for the kids!

Seafood Festival Burp
Shrimp Kebab

Great Inland Seafood Festival – Aug 14-17, 2025

The landlocked Cincy Region might not be close to the ocean, but we love seafood just as much as those on the coast. The Newport Festival Park next to Newport on the Levee hosts the annual Great Inland Seafood Festival. Try everything from Maine lobster and gator to tasty crab cakes. Enjoy live music, bourbon slushies, and inflatables for the kids!

Four hands holding large glass steins of beer at Newport Oktoberfest
Newport Oktoberfest

Newport and Covington Oktoberfest – Sept 12-14, 2025

Both Newport and Covington are hosting their Oktoberfest celebrations on the same weekend this year, September 12-14. Enjoy a great Oktoberfest weekend in both river cities featuring live music, German beer, and food!

 

For a full listing of all the festivals and other exciting events happening in our region, visit our events page, updated daily. If you are visiting from out of town and are looking for accommodation, visit our places to stay tab for a full listing of hotels, campgrounds, and more. Need a visitor’s guide? Grab your copy here!