The nation's first week-long LGBTQ+ food festival is happening in Boston next week

Time Out

23-04-2025

Watch next week for a food festival we can't believe didn't already exist: the Big Queer Food Fest in Boston! It's the country's first LGBTQ+ food festival, featuring queer chefs, mixologists, bakers, authors and, of course, drag performers. It should be an incredible time of uplifting queer culture while eating amazing food and walking around a great city in springtime. The festival welcomes everyone: queer people and allies of all ages.
When is the Big Queer Food Fest?
The Big Queer Food Fest takes place over seven days from April 28 through May 4.
Where is the Big Queer Food Fest?
Various venues across the city of Boston will host events. The festival ends in a two-day Grand Tasting presented by the Food Network on May 3 and 4 at High Street Place food hall and the adjacent outdoor city block. The Grand Tasting encompasses 60,000 square feet of unlimited tastings from 40 local and national all-star chefs. The street party includes more vendors and a performance stage curated by OUTLoud which amplifies queer artists.
Who will be at the Big Queer Food Fest?
For food-making prowess: Stars like Tiffani Faison, Jon Kung, Karen Akunowicz, Mavis-Jay Sanders, Zac Young, Tatiana Rosana, Rick Martinez, Arnold Myint, Renee Touponce and Kareem Queeman.
For performance glam: Rupaul's Drag Race royalty Raja, Willam, Miz Cracker, Jujubee, Joslyn Fox, Kori King and social media superstars The Goddess Boys.
Is there a charitable component?
Yes, the nonprofit partners of the festival include Community Servings, which combats food insecurity, BAGLY (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth), which provides visibility and support for Boston-area LGBTQIA+ youth programs, and GLAAD, promoting LGBTQ+ representation and advocacy in the culinary industry and beyond.
What kind of events will there be at the Big Queer Food Fest?
The festival is full of daily events like the big queer beer meet-up on April 29, the big queer tea party on May 1 ('throwing tea to the sea!') or the 'Girl, PEAS! Why Queer Food Matters' conversation on May 1. And don't forget that the Grand Tasting has its own events listings.
What are ticket prices for the Big Queer Food Fest?
The festival itself is free, although some events carry an admission fee or require advance registration. Daily entry to the Grand Tasting is $95 for general admission ($145 for early admission an hour before the doors open, and $250 for VIP access). Kids age 3-12 pay a reduced admission of $25.