Millions of people attend at least one festival in the U.S. per year – and those numbers are on the rise. With so many events to choose from (and ticket prices in the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars for some festivals), it can be hard to decide where to spend your time and money.
That’s why 10Best teamed up with a panel of festival experts to nominate the top events across five categories. Then, we asked readers to vote for their favorites, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list:
Best City Food Festival: Taste of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York
Taste of Buffalo wins Best City Food Festival for 2023 — Photo courtesy of Bill Wippert
Taste of Buffalo shows off Buffalo’s blossoming food truck and restaurant scene, as well as wines from New York State vineyards. Regional specialties, from beef on weck to sponge candy to Buffalo wings, abound. The event raises scholarship money for college-bound students who are committed to studying hospitality and culinary arts.
Full list of winners: Best City Food Festival »
Best Cultural Festival: National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.
Best Cultural Festival in the U.S.? National Cherry Blossom Festival wins — Photo courtesy of Joy Asico Photo
The annual blooming of the cherry trees in Washington, D.C. is a symbol of spring. Visitors crowd the Tidal Basin to watch it explode in a sea of pink and white. These magnificent trees were a gift of friendship from the People of Japan in 1912, and they’ve been gracing our nation’s capital ever since. The National Cherry Blossom Festival highlights Japanese culture, with a kite festival and a cross-cultural mix of live Japanese and American entertainment.
Full list of winners: Best Cultural Festival »
Best Film Festival: Out On Film in Atlanta, Georgia
Out On Film is the Best Film Festival of 2023 — Photo courtesy of Sher Pruitt / Out On Film
Out on Film was established in 1987 as one of the first film festivals dedicated to LGBTQ stories and artists. The festival now spans 11 days, with a full lineup of film screenings and premieres. Documentaries shine, many with a focus on timely issues, like discrimination, HIV/AIDS, religion and marriage equality.
Full list of winners: Best Film Festival »
Best Music Festival: Made in America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Made in America takes top honors for Best Music Festival — Photo courtesy of Greg Noire
Made in America is held along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway over Labor Day weekend. Curated by Jay-Z, headliners have included Bad Bunny and Tyler, the Creator. Over a dozen performers take the stage annually, including numerous hometown artists. Food trucks come from near and far, so bring your appetite.
Full list of winners: Best Music Festival »
Best Specialty Food Festival: Picklesburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Picklesburgh wins Best Specialty Food Festival for third time — Photo courtesy of Bradley B. Photography
Picklesburgh bills itself as “The Destination for All Things Pickled” for one weekend each July. Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente Bridge transforms into Picklesburgh, complete with a giant flying Heinz pickle balloon. Attendees can expect an assortment of foods and cocktails that feature pickled ingredients, as well as live demos and pickle merchandise.
Full list of winners: Best Specialty Food Festival »
Congratulations to all these winning nominees! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers’ Choice contests.