Food Events & Festivals

Food and drink are great magnets for bringing people together, as this list of events clearly indicates. People unite for good causes around food; they share their secrets and special dishes, pay tribute to ethnic cuisines and cultures, display and serve their “pride and joy” creations and even do battle- BBQ Battle that is! And while food and drink is the focus of the events, all kinds of fun get added to the mix. You can learn local history, wine making skills or the art of tea. You can play Bocce Ball, dance to live music or star gaze. You can watch a cowboy fast-draw competition or a blacksmith plying his craft. So do go and don’t forget- you’re there to eat and drink too.

JANUARY

MUSICALITEA
January 22, 2012. In Concert Sierra fundraiser with a musical theme held during National Hot Tea Month. Tea related songs by Sierra Master Chorale, short talk on fascinating aspects of tea, luncheon including scones, tea sandwiches and decadent desserts. Best Hat Contest. (530) 273-3990. Advisable to check date. www.inconcertsierra.org

MARCH

FOOTHILLS CELEBRATION
March 3, 2012. Eleventh annual progressive wine and food tasting, over 30 foothill wineries, 30 area restaurants, music. Downtown Grass Valley. Sponsored by Grass Valley Downtown Association and Sierra Vintners. (530) 272-8315. www.historicgrassvalley.com

WILD FOR THE YUBA
April 21, 2012. Celebrating regional grapes, hops and bites featuring dozens of regional wineries and breweries serving up their finest tastings along with fantastic fare, entertainment and an auction. (530) 265-5961. www.yubariver.org/annual-events/

APRIL

ART & WINE WALK
In historic Grass Valley. Mill, Main, Bank, S. Auburn and surrounding area. Map available at downtown tasting rooms, art galleries and participating businesses. (530) 272-8315

MAY

SIERRA VINTNERS WINE TRAIL
Last weekend in May. Saturday, Sunday, 12 – 4 pm. A self guided tour of 15 wineries and vineyards in Nevada County. Receive a commemorative wine glass and access to all participating wineries and their Wine Trail festivities. Taste barrel samples, new releases and library wines. Enjoy fine wine and local cuisine. Get a first hand view of working wineries and meet the winemakers. www.sierravintners.com

JUNE

SMOKIN' IN THE OAKS BBQ COOK-OFF CHAMPIONSHIP
Features great BBQ, sanctioned Championship BBQ Cook-Off and Dutch Oven Cook-Off Championship. Also beer garden, music, cowboy gun fights, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Championship, World Fast Draw Championship. Penn Valley Rodeo Grounds, 10513 Spenceville Rd. www.pennvalleyrodeo.com

BREAKFAST IN THE PARK
Fundraiser sponsored by Friends of Hospice at St. Canice Social Hall, Reward Street, Nevada City. Twenty-eighth annual; full breakfast. (530) 274-5121.

TRUCKEE BREWFEST
Breweries, brews, brats, silent auction, collector tasting glass. Truckee River Regional Park. (530) 582-9062; www.truckeeoptimist.com

TRUCKEE RIBFEST
Sample delicious ribs prepared by the best chefs in the Tahoe area. Citizens Bank Plaza, Donner Pass Road, Truckee. (530) 550-2252; www.truckeeribfest.com

TRUCKEE CHILI COOKOFF
Truckee Regional Park. Community fundraiser, chili tasting, non-stop entertainment, food, beverages, activities for adults and children. www.TruckeeChiliCookoff.org

JULY

STARRY, STARRY NIGHTS Outdoor event with dinner, dancing and star gazing. Everyone wears white. Empire Mine State Historic Park outside Grass Valley. Sponsored by the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation. (530) 477-9700. www.supportsierranevada.org

AUGUST

NEVADA CITY UNCORKED
August 6th. 1 pm - 4 pm in historic downtown Nevada City. Sponsored by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce and Sierra Vintners. Nearly 20 wineries and restaurants at locations set up within walking distance on Spring, Pine, Broad and Commercial Streets. The ticket price includes a commemorative wine glass to use at each wine tasting plus 5 food tickets. Attendees can purchase additional food tickets for 2/$5 or 5/$10 at the event. www.nevadacitychamber.com

UNITED WAY ANNUAL BBQ BATTLE
August 25. The BBQ teams will be competing for some valuable prizes. There will be two judging categories; one decided by the populace and the other will be decided by a small group of "critic's choice" judges. For more information or to register your team call 274-8111. www.uwnc.org

SIERRA BREWFEST
August 27. Fundraiser for Music in the Mountains. Thirty-five micro-brewers and 100 different brews. Music, food vendors. Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley. (530) 265-6124. www.musicinthemountains.org

LAKE TAHOE AUTUMN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Grape stomp, wine walks, seminars, cooking demonstrations, grand tasting, culinary competitions, mountain chef cook-off and more. Northstar Resort. (800) 824-6348; www.gotahoenorth.com

SEPTEMBER

TASTE OF THE GOLD COUNTRY
September 24. Popular food, beer and wine tasting event. Sponsored by the Grass Valley Downtown Association and Sierra Vintners in conjunction with the Draft Horse Classic at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley. (530) 272-8315. www.nevadacountyfair.com; www.sierravintners.com

NEVADA COUNTY ITALIAN FESTIVAL
Western Gateway Park located in Penn Valley. National and Local Musical Acts, arts & crafts, Italian & American food, concessions, chef demonstrations, wine garden, children`s games, heritage tent, Bocce Ball tournament. www.nevadacountyitalianfestival.com

ROUGH & READY CHILI COOK-OFF
September 25. Chili tasting, music by the Fruit Jar Pickers, crafter’s booths, watch town blacksmith. Downtown Rough & Ready. (530) 272-4320. www.roughandreadychamber.com