Food

5 must-try food festivals happening in Greater Boston this spring

Add hot sauce and paella to your calendar.

The Greek Food Festival is slated to take place in Brockton May 20 through 22. Globe Staff/Suzanne Kreiter

By Shira Laucharoen

Before summer hits us with a swell of food festivals in Greater Boston, we know that some gatherings are already starting to happen. With warmer weather comes the opportunity to head outdoors and explore vibrant culinary offerings, from pierogis to paella.

So we rounded up five spring food festivals happening across Greater Boston, including a virtual option for those who want to avoid the crowds. Share the spring food festival you are most looking forward to in our survey below or e-mail us at [email protected].

First Annual Boston Hot Sauce Festival

May 14-15
Warehouse XI, 11 Sanborn Court, Somerville

Get your taste buds ready for this first annual festival in Union Square to celebrate some of the best artisan hot sauce makers in the Northeast. Vendors include Barry’s Hot Sauce, Hook & Arrow, Hell’s Kitchen Hot Sauce, and The Spicy Shark. The festival has also partnered with Remnant Brewing and Topo Chico, offering mineral water to help handle the heat.

Greek Food Festival

May 20-22
457 Oak St., Brockton

Are you a fan of baklava, gyros, grape leaves and other Mediterranean eats? You may want to visit this food fest which is set to be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Brockton. Authentic Greek dishes and pastries will be served, with pre-orders available. Stop by for a taste of Greek culture.

Polish Fest Boston

May 15
82 Boston St., Boston

Held at the Polish American Citizens Club, Polish Fest Boston will return this year to honor the culture, contributions, and traditions of the city’s Polish-American community. This year there will be music, shopping from vendors like Gabriella’s Gifts and Triple Decker Candle Co., and of course local bites. Food vendors include Jaju Pierogi, Wild Fox Pierogi, and DJ’s European Market and Deli, a staple of Boston’s Polish Triangle, will also be on the scene.

Paellafest Boston

June 12
Suffolk Downs, 525 William F. McClellan Highway, Boston

This Spanish food festival comes with a special twist: A professional paella competition will take place right before your eyes. While the event is focused on the paella rice dish that the Valencia region is famed for, it will also feature other Spanish dishes, unique beers, and live entertainment. In addition to kids activities, games, and flamenco dance and music will also be offered.

YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City Celebration

May 19
Virtual

Now in its 13th year, Somerville non-profit The Welcome Project will host YUM, a virtual fundraiser that brings people together to celebrate cuisine from Somerville’s immigrant-run restaurants. You can show your support by ordering from spots like Lotus Xpress and Ethiopian eatery Fasika Cafe during the virtual program. This year, YUM will be “jam-packed with information about how to support issues affecting immigrant families in your community.”

We want to hear from you. Is there a food festival that you are particularly excited to attend this season? Share with us by filling out the form below or send us an e-mail at [email protected], and we may include your response in an upcoming article.