Philadelphia, PA
- Philly foodies and wine lovers: For savory eats and gourmet wines, these festivals deliver eclectic tastings, hands-on cooking demos, and breathtaking venues. Check out these must-try Philadelphia foodie events and festivals.
Franklin Square in 20171.) Le Dîner en Blanc Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon.Le Dîner en Blanc - Paris now attracts over 10,000 people each year.
Past surprise locations for Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia have included 2012’s Logan Circle, 2013’s JFK Bridge, 2014’s Avenue of the Arts, and 2015’s The Navy Yards, Marine Parade Grounds, 2016's Philadelphia Art Museum, and Franklin Square in 2017. The event has grown from 1,200 in 2012, to 2,550 in 2013, to 3,500 in 2014, 4,500 in 2015 and 5,000 in 2016. For 2017, DiBona and Moran have big plans to host the largest event of its kind in the United States with at least 5,200 guests.
While Le Dîner en Blanc - Philadelphia has been the recipient of “best foodie event” and “best pop-up” awards from publications such as PhillyBite Magazine and Main Line Today, the event’s greatest distinction is having the highest guest return rate of all the Dîner en Blanc events in the United States. 
Center City District Restaurant Week2.) Center City District Restaurant Week - A highlight of the season, Center City District Restaurant Week, sponsored by TD Bank and OpenTable, is usually held in September. It runs 10 consecutive days, including Saturday for the first time in 2017, for most of the 120 participating restaurants offering various culinary delights. Restaurants throughout Center City offer signature three-course dinners for only $35 per person, with select restaurants featuring a three-course lunch for $20 per guest, not including tax, gratuity, or alcohol.
“Center City District takes great pride in the variety and quality of the extraordinary cuisine available in our city. We are one of the hottest food scenes in the country,” said Michelle Shannon, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Center City District. Reduced parking rates for Center City District Restaurant Week guests are available at various Philadelphia parking facilities through a partnership with the Philadelphia Parking Authority and Philadelphia Parking Association.
FEASTIVAL - FringeArts.3.) FEASTIVAL - World-class performance art and cuisine converge at the 2017 Audi for Philadelphia’s only powerhouse culinary and live arts bash benefitting FringeArts.
Created in 2010 by Audrey Claire Taichman, Audi FEASTIVAL’s magical design, exquisite culinary talents, and amazing performances thrill and delight an energized crowd representing Philadelphia’s diverse culinary business, social and cultural communities.
Described as a “completely delicious and amazing” evening and named “one of the best events in the last decade,” FEASTIVAL celebrates both our artistic and culinary scenes – two great economic engines that push Philadelphia forward. FEASTIVAL has been hailed as “the cultural event of the year,” “best party in Philadelphia,” and “a party from a different world.”
The Great Chefs Event 4.) Great Chefs Event - The event will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Vetri Community Partnership. More than 1,200 guests will gather from 6-9 p.m. at the beautiful Urban Outfitters, Inc.’s corporate campus in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard for the culinary event of the year. The party will continue into the night at the equally in-demand After Party at Lo Spiedo for chefs, sponsors, and VIP ticketholders. General admission and After Party Access tickets are currently on sale at vetricommunity.org and AlexsLemonade.org.
In years past, Marc Vetri has hand-selected the list of participating chefs, calling on friends and respected colleagues from LA, NYC, Chicago, Italy, and more. The chefs will donate their time, talent, and food, creating delicious samplings indicative of their own personal styles. Participating chefs include both veterans of the event as well as several noteworthy newcomers. Among the new participating chefs this year are Hugh Acheson of 5 & 10 in Athens, GA; Frank Castronovo & Frank Falcinetti of Frankies Spuntino & Prime Meats in Brooklyn; Derek Dammann of Maison Publique in Montreal, QC; Evan Funke of Felix in LA; Sara Jenkins of Nina June in Rockport, ME; and Ryan Poli of The Catbird Seat in Nashville. Returning chefs include Paul Kahan of Blackbird, avec, The Publican and Big Star in Chicago; Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter in NYC and television personality on The Food Network; and back for the first time since 2013, Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore and star of The Food Network’s Ace of Cakes and Cake Masters.
Upon a Roof - "The Chefs of Passyunk"5.) Up on a Roof - "The Chefs of Passyunk," Twenty chefs and restaurateurs from Philadelphia’s restaurant row will celebrate the neighborhood's thriving culinary scene with a cocktail party and benefit on top of Bok Bar (800 Mifflin) in the former Bok Technical High School. Guests will enjoy one of the city’s most picturesque views while enjoying cuisine from top chefs like Nicholas Elmi, Joncarl Lachman, Todd Wentz, Chris Kearse, Lee Styer, Lynn Rinaldi, and others. New restaurants participating in this second-year event include Barcelona, Capogiro, Plenty Cafe, and P'unk Burger. Tickets are $40 and available at bit.ly/passyunkboktickets. Proceeds benefit programs and initiatives by EPABID, including supporting the East Passyunk restaurant valet program. The rain date is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
“Upon a Roof showcases the diversity, talent, and generosity of our many chefs and restaurants,” said EPABID Executive Director Pam Zenzola. “This event celebrates our very close and supportive culinary community where the city’s top chefs work, live, and collaborate every day. Look for your tried and true favorite dishes - and be ready to experience new flavor sensations being prepared just for the night.”
6.) The James Beard Foundation’s Taste Philly - For the first time since 2013, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America event series will be making its way to Philadelphia to celebrate the city’s local culinary talent at the Museum of the American Revolution. The evening kicks off with a VIP Reception hosted by Chef Guillermo Pernot of Cuba Libra Restaurant & Rum Bar, followed by a cocktail & tasting reception featuring Chef Richard Landau (Vedge, V Street, Wiz Kid), Chef Nicholas Elmi (Laurel), Chef Scott Anderson (Mistral, elements), Chef Camille Cogswell (Zahav) and Chef Nate Horwtiz (Morimoto Philadelphia). Following the reception, guests will be treated to a four-course seated dinner featuring courses by Chef Jean-Marie Lacrox (Brulee Catering), Local Star Chef Greg Vernick (Vernick Food & Drink, 2017 JBFA Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic Winner), All-Star Marc Murphy (Lanmarc & Benchmark Restaurants NY), and Pastry Chef Pat O’Malley (The Hungry Pigeon). The night concludes with an exclusive after-party at Aqimero at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, hosted by Chef & Owner Richard Sandoval.