By Daisy Polowetzky, Photo By Praveen Gupta (Unsplash)

The Big Apple will be heating up this summer, and so will its food scene. If you are planning on visiting the city that never sleeps this summer, you will want to be sure to stop by some of these outdoor food festivals that will be scattered throughout the five boroughs. 

Manhattan

JAPAN Fes: 

JAPAN Fes brings a taste of Japan to Manhattan this summer, with over 500,000 annual visitors and over 1,000 vendors, making JAPAN Fes the world’s largest Japanese food festival. The festival takes place every Sunday from 10AM to 6PM, in different areas of Manhattan. While the majority of JAPAN Fes is celebrated in the summer months, the last day to attend is November 9th. Most of the festival’s locations are in Manhattan, however, it is sometimes hosted in Brooklyn and Queens locations. Past vendors have included Onisoba Fujiya, a 5-time Ramen Contest Champion from Japan, Nakkaya Hakka, which sells rice balls and mini bento, and Kraken, which presses tako senbei, a traditional Japanese octopus cracker originating in Enoshima. At JAPAN Fes, there is truly something for everyone!

The Bronx

Bronx Night Market:

Every first Saturday from April to October, 1 Fordham Plaza in the Bronx hosts the Bronx Night Market, the longest-running event series in the borough. Bronx natives and beyond can experience the flavors of Arnie and Ebony Catering LLC, Chocolicious NYC, Grumpy Dumpling Co., and more! While sampling the delicious food of the market, attendees can sit back and enjoy performances from DJ Riddim, Uptown Melody, Success Academy Charter Schools, and Kids Breaking League. You don’t miss this incredible event!

Queens

Queens Night Market:

Perhaps one of New York City’s most famous food festivals, the Queen Night Market is home to 72 food vendors, as well as numerous artisans and makers. Be sure to try the fried ice cream from Sam’s Fried Ice Cream, and the Filipino chicken adobo and halo-halo from Kanin NYC. If you’re full after that, you can get your henna done at Sabrina’s Henna, browse the apparel from Somos NY, or try on the jewelry from Kat’s Handmade Jewels. The Queens Night Market proves why the borough is one of the most diverse places in the world. 

Brooklyn 

Brooklyn Night Market:

No sleep till… Brooklyn Night Market. The Brooklyn Night Market brings many of the same vendors of the Bronx Night Market to Industry City, a former warehouse-turned retail, work, and dining space, in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn. Feast on a wide range of the City’s cuisines, from Mexican, to Indian, to Chinese. The Brooklyn Night Market is well worth the subway ride.

Philippines Fest:

On Sunday, May 19th, New York City’s first Filipino food festival will be back and better than ever in Brooklyn. Park Slope will be bursting with flavor from vendors selling everything from lumpia to lechon. The Philippines Fest is a celebration of Filipino artisans, performers, and small businesses, and all that Filipinos have given to American culture. Can’t make it to Brooklyn on May 19th? Don’t worry, The Philippines Fest will be held on additional dates at additional locations.   

Staten Island

Food Truck Festival at the Mount:

Staten Island may be small, but this summer it is sure to have big flavor. June 7th, 8th, and 9th, the Catholic Charities of Staten Island will be hosting the Food Truck Festival at the Mount. Take the free Staten Island ferry, and try what each food truck has to offer. Last year, the festival had empanadas from Empanada Guy, funnel cake and zeppole from Rosalia and Ashley’s, and lobster rolls from The Main Lobster, among other flavorful food options.