A Syracuse food event has been named of the top 10 cultural festivals in America.
The International Taste Festival, held annually at the New York State Fairgrounds, was named the 9th best cultural festival by USA Today. A panel of experts chose the top 20 finalists, and public voting determined the final rankings.
Syracuse’s International Taste Festival drew praise for its mix of “Asian, Middle Eastern, Pan-African, and European cuisine, food from Central and South America, and homegrown favorites, all for a reasonable price.” The event also features music and family-friendly entertainment from around the world.
The event, which began in 2021, previously made USA Today’s list of the top 10 food festivals in the nation in 2023 and 2024, joining similar fests in other places like Hawaii, Florida and Louisiana.
“We’re honored to be noticed nationally for the work we’re doing to bring cultures together,” festival organizer Stephanie Pestillo said in a statement. “It’s a better world when we can all eat and dance and sing together.”
The 2025 International Taste Festival takes place Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Center of Progress Building at the NYS Fair. This year’s highlights include 32 vendors offering a variety of food and drinks (including $2 sample items), plus a 5K/10K race, music and dance performances, entertainment for children, arts and crafts, and more.
Presale tickets are available for $5 at internationaltastefestival.com; day-of admission is $10. Children under 10 are admitted free and parking is also free.
Registration information for the International Taste Festival 5K/10K, is available at runsignup.com/Race/NY/Syracuse/InternationalTasteFestival5K10K.