Summer Ethnic Food Festivals in New England

For a taste of something new, visit these summer ethnic food festivals in New England. Call ahead or check Web sites for the latest information on schedules and possible admission fees. La Kermesse Franco-Americaine St. Louis Field, jct. West & Prospect Sts. Biddeford, ME 207-282-2894, 207-468-3921 www.lakermessefestival.com The largest Franco-American festival in New England highlights food (don’t miss those meat pies), music, and writings. Check out the La Kermesse Idol Contest. Green Mountain Chew Chew Food & Music Fest Waterfront Park, jct. College & Lake Sts. Burlington, VT 802-864-6674 www.greenmountainchewchew.com Nestled next to Lake Champlain, with a railroad theme, this fest will host Vietnamese, Chinese, Pakistani, Afghani, Mexican, and Middle Eastern food vendors, among others. Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival India Point Park, India St. Providence, RI 401-617-9833 www.ricapeverdeanheritage.com Longest-running Cape Verdean fest in the country, with traditional foods; a “culture tent” with arts, crafts, and memorabilia; plus plenty of music and dance. Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Madeira Field, off Belleville Ave. New Bedford, MA 508-992-6911 www.portuguesefeast.com At the largest Portuguese and Madeiran festival in New England, sponsored by Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento, you can sip Madeira, barbecue your own sirloin kebabs (carne de espeto), and chow down on dozens of Portuguese specialties. Taste of the Caribbean & Jerk Festival Mortensen Riverfront Plaza 300 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 860-306-1693 www.cayasco.org/taste In one of the country’s largest West Indian communities, join in the domino competition; get your groove on to the sound of steel drums; gnaw on that jerk chicken; and wash it all down with ginger beer, at this annual festival sponsored by the Caribbean American Young Adult Social and Civic Organization. Southeast Asian Water Festival Esplanade & Sampas Pavilion Lowell Heritage State Park 500 Pawtucket Blvd. Lowell, MA 978-596-1013, 978-596-1000 www.lowellwaterfestival.org Local Khmer, Vietnamese, Thai, and Laotian communities present a blessing of the waters. See the floating remembrance candles, watch the dragon boat races, and check out all the nime chow and pad Thai you can eat. Heritage Day Festival Rhode Island State House Lawn jct. Gaspee & Francis Sts. Providence, RI 401-222-4133 www.preservation.ri.gov/heritage/events.php Music, dance, crafts, and food from cultures around the world represent the diversity of Rhode Island’s citizens: African American, Bolivian, Cape Verdean, German, Guatemalan, Indian, Irish, Korean, Laotian, Panamanian, Portuguese, and Puerto Rican. Oktoberfest Inn at Danbury & Alphorn Bistro 67 Route 104 Danbury, NH 866-326-2879, 603-768-3318 www.innatdanbury.com/oktoberfest Plenty of lederhosen and accordions, along with wheat beer, wurst, and a potato-pancake eating contest. Glendi  St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral & Greek Cultural Center 22 St. George Road, off Main St. Springfield, MA 413-737-1496 stgeorgecath.org/glendi.htm Food, music, dancing, art and cultural exhibits, kids’ activities, cathedral and chapel tours, Greek vendors, and more great food.Glendi Greek Culture & Heritage Festival St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral 650 Hanover St. Manchester, NH 603-622-9113 Glendi schedule The largest Greek fest north of Boston features three large tents of food, from lamb dinners and real gyros (lamb and beef) to spinach pie and baklava (walnut or pecan).