The Best Food Festivals, Series And Events Fall 2017

Blame it on the leaves changing colors or the official kickoff of football season, but fall always feels like the start of something new. In addition to cruising the farmers' market for new ingredients to cook with and a holy host of new restaurants to try out, the season also packs in a whole new roster of can't-miss food festivals, events and TV shows that make the most of our favorite time of year. Check out our fall to-do list below.

August 21 to November 13

This festival has something for everyone, whether you want to brush up on your cooking skills or learn more about wine and spirits. You can even sign up for cheese seminars where you'll pick up pointers from the experts. Depending on your dates of attendance, you can expect appearances from celebrity chefs, such as Carla Hall and Buddy Valastro.

September 9 and 23, November 3

If you love all things cheese like we do, then this festival should be your first stop. With three dates and locations (Cincinnati, Atlanta and Houston), you have plenty of chances to taste artisanal cheeses from all over the world. And what would a cheese festival be without something to wash it down? Luckily, there's plenty of wine, beer and bourbon to go around.

September 16 to December 9

The James Beard Foundation is taking its New York City kitchen on the road with a multi-city tour dinner series. Similar to dinners at the Beard House, each meal will begin with a cocktail reception followed by multicourse dinner paired with wines. More than 20 cities are on the list, including Charleston, Nashville and Savannah.

September 15 to 18

Portland's biggest food festival returns for its sixth year. This four-day event will feature big-name chefs from the surrounding areas like Gregory Gourdet (Departure, Portland), as well as from across the country including Barbara Lynch (Menton, Boston), Greg Baxtrom (Olmsted, NYC) and Michael Solomonov (Zahav, Philadelphia). Can't-miss events include the Sandwich Invitational and the Grand Tasting.

September 21 to 24

As the dining and bar scenes continue to heat up in Greenville, South Carolina, this annual event is the perfect opportunity to hit a smattering of the South's top chefs in one fell swoop, including Michelin-starred chefs like Curtis Duffy. In addition to culinary demos, competitions and classes, there will be scenic bike rides and an epic barbecue with no less than 10 pitmasters. You'll also get the chance to check out some of the newest restaurants and bars openings, including Husk, Jianna and Vault & Vator.

October 12 to 15

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of one of the largest food and wine festivals in the country. It brings together more than 500 chefs and industry professionals from all over the world. You'll have the opportunity to attend a dinner with Gabrielle Hamilton, Nancy Silverton and Dominique Crenn, or sip rosé with the who's who of the culinary world at the Top of the Standard.

October 27 and 28

The cast from the Boston-based cooking show, America's Test Kitchen, is bringing together more than 40 top chefs and restaurants for a two-day festival. The event will be held at their new headquarters in Seaport, and attendees can look forward to tastings, book signings, cooking demonstrations, panels and more. Those from the Boston area already know the culinary scene is something special, but if you're in town just for a quick visit, now's your chance to explore some of Boston's best neighborhoods for dining, like Cambridge and Somerville.

November 9 to 12

Head on down to Highlands, North Carolina, for this annual festival where there will be plenty of food, wine and music from local artists to keep you entertained. Don't miss the Grand Tasting, where you'll be able to sample small bites from more than 13 restaurants paired with wine, craft cocktails and beer, all while you listen to some of the area's best musicians.

Premieres Fall 2017

This summer, Food Network announced that Iron Chef America is getting another spin-off series, Iron Chef Showdown, and it's going to be hosted by none other than Alton Brown. Our favorite Iron Chefs will also return, including Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, Alex Guarnaschelli, Jose Garces and Stephanie Izard. The network hasn't confirmed the premiere date yet, but it is expected to air before the end of the year. 

Check out the rest of our Fall Preview to get dialed in to the best restaurants, bars, cookbooks and more.