5 Food Events You Can't Miss This Month

Along with the cooler weather and colorful leaves, October also brings five food festivals to get a taste of the best local cuisine. Enjoy the outdoors while indulging in the greatest bites the area has to offer.

Phoenixville Food Truck Festival, Oct. 3, 12–6 p.m.

Over 30 local food trucks will roll into downtown Phoenixville for this pay-as-you-go event. Favorites like Heart Food Truck, Dia Doce, Ka’Chi, Sunflower Truck Stop and Uncle B’s BBQ Shack will be serving their on-the-go food along Bridge Street. Enjoy more fabulous Phoenixville food from Oct. 4–8 during Restaurant Week. For more information, visit www.phoenixvillefoodfestival.com.     

Ka’Chi tacos//Photo by Nina Lea Photography.

Chili Cook-Off//Photos by Nina Lea Photography.

West Chester Rotary Chili Cook-Off, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

West Chester’s Chili Cook-Off will heat up the streets for the 13th time, as restaurant and home chefs show off their chili cooking talent in a fierce competition for a great cause. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of West Chester. Sample chili creations from culinary teams from Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Landmark Americana and many more. Grab a wristband entitling you to all-you-can-eat chili for just $10 the day of the event, or purchase 3 for $25 in advance at a variety of convenient locations. Find additional information at www.westchesterchilicookoff.com.

Taste of Ardmore, Oct. 15, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Get a taste of the vibrant Ardmore restaurant scene at this exclusive celebration at Ardmore Toyota (219 E. Lancaster Ave.). Local restaurants A la Maison, Barbacoa, Tired Hands Brewing Company, Snap Pizza and many more will offer unique bites and signature cocktails. Raffle prizes and live music from Philly Gumbo will round out the evening of fun. Tickets are $40 per person (2 for $75) in advance or $50 at the door. For more information, visit www.tasteofardmore.com.

Thai L’Elephant pumpkin dish//Photo by Nina Malone.

Phoenixville Pumpkinfest, Oct. 17, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

It’s pumpkin time in downtown Phoenixville, so get ready to celebrate autumn’s favorite gourd! Watch a live expert carving contest, enter the painted pumpkin competition or race your pumpkin in the fun-filled pumpkin derby. Of course, no celebration would be complete without tasting the best pumpkin dishes in Phoenixville. Visit participating restaurants Marly’s BYO, Molly Maguire’s, Pepperoncini and Great American Pub Hotel prior to the festival, or get a taste of their cuisine the day of the event. Find more information at www.phoenixvillepumpkinfest.com.

Philadelphia Cheesesteak Festival, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Taste your share of Philly’s favorite food at the first-ever Philly Cheesesteak Festival at Lincoln Financial Field. Highlights include samples from over 40 different vendors, a cheesesteak cook-off, cheesesteak eating contest, mechanical bull rides, carnival games, live music, a cornhole tournament and beer outlets. General admission tickets (“witout”) are $20, “wit” tickets (including 10 cheesesteak samples and a festival t-shirt) are $40 and “the works” tickets (including 20 cheesesteak samples, a festival t-shirt and access to VIP dining area) are $60 per person. For more information, visit www.cheesesteakfest.com.