What it is about October that attracts all the foodie festival planners? We're not sure. All we know is, Halloween is just the sugary crown to a month full of good eating. Here are 14 foodie festivals all happening this month:
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
through Nov. 16
Epcot
200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista
407-824-4321
Get a feel for some of this year's Food & Wine Fest offerings here.
Maitland's Taste of the Town
noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Lake Lily Park
641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland
407-644-0741
$10
Formerly known as the Taste of Maitland, Maitland's revamped Taste of the Town showcases 20 restaurants selling sample-sized portions of a variety of menu offerings, including Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen, Olea Mezze Grill, Hawkers Asian Street Fare and more.
Serb Fest 2015
7-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10; 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
St. Petka Orthodox Church
1990 Lake Emma Road, Longwood
407-831-7372
free
14th Annual Taste of Thailand Food Festival
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11
Wat Florida Dhammaram
2421 Old Vineland Road, Kissimmee
407-397-9552
$12
Taste of Altamonte Springs
6-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12
Cranes Roost Park
274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs
407-571-8180
$30-$35
Winter Park Wine & Dine
6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14
Winter Park Farmers Market
200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park
$45-$75
Among this year's confirmed participants are Santiago’s Bodega, Boca Winter Park, Ten 10 Brewing Co., Ocean Prime, K Restaurant, Sushi Pop and Lineage Coffee Roasting.
Taste of Thornton Park
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
Thornton Park, Summerlin Avenue and Washington Street
$40
Food & Music Arab Fest
1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
Orlando Fashion Square
3201 E. Colonial Drive
free
Latin Food and Wine Festival
noon-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Seneff Arts Plaza
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 S. Magnolia Ave.
844-513-2014
free
Orlando Jerk and Caribbean Culture Festival
2-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Central Florida Fairgrounds
4603 W. Colonial Drive
$25-$90
Featuring performances by Lady Saw, Luciano, Mr. Vegas and Frankie Paul
photo via OrlandoJerkFestival.com
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Festival Park
2911 E. Robinson St.
407-381-5310
free
This annual celebration of vegan and vegetarian living offers workshops, speakers, vendors selling eco-friendly products, and lots and lots of delicious vegetarian food.
The Foodie Expo
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Good Neighbors Farmers Market
1101 Lloyds Lane, Oviedo
$10-$100
Hosted by Food Network star Emily Ellyn, with cooking demos by Cutthroat Kitchen winner Chef Manny FD, a sushi class by Teresa and Robert of SusHi Eatstation, live music, food trucks, petting zoo and kids maze, and presentations on sustainable living concepts, raising animals and growing your own vegetables.
Cows 'n Cabs
7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
Winter Park's West Meadow
150 N. New York Ave., Winter Park
$110-$500
Country-themed event that supports two local charities: Community Food and Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando. Mingle with chefs and philanthropists while chowing down on bites from 20 high-end restaurants and plenty of wine.
Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 30-31
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista
800-227-1500
$50-$117
Ticket price gets you unlimited food and wine samplings from around the world at this annual event; overnight hotel packages also available.
photo via Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
