Boston, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Boston Local Food Festival is back at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, featuring a vibrant array of nearly 100 vendors, chefs, and activities for all ages. Attendees can indulge in local specialties while participating in cooking demonstrations and family-friendly fun. Highlights include a Seafood Throwdown and a New England Village focused on education and sustainable practices. With zero-waste initiatives in place, the festival aims to engage the community and promote local food systems.
Boston — The Boston Local Food Festival returns to the Rose Kennedy Greenway on Sunday, September 14, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event marks the festival’s 15th year and will feature nearly 100 chefs, fishermen, farmers, food producers, and local favorites, offering a wide range of cuisines and activities for attendees of all ages.
What to expect at the festival
Festival visitors can sample food from a broad array of vendors and enjoy cooking demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities. A featured highlight is the Seafood Throwdown, a timed competition where two chefs race to create a seafood dish. Cooking demonstrations will cover practical skills such as using edible flowers and pickling techniques. A family fun zone will provide face painting, lawn games, and hands-on activities.
Food and vendors
The festival showcases both local producers and international flavors. Attendees can try free samples and purchase items from vendors presenting local specialties, including:
- Yoma Burmese Foods rainbow noodles
- Oysters from Duck Island Shellfish Company
- Caribbean rice bowls from RaÃces Sofrito
- Southern-style sliders from Bake & BBQ
- Boozy ice creams by Crème de Liqueur
- Cider from Red Apple Farm
Education and sustainability
The festival includes a New England Village with educational galleries focused on food consumption, local production, and sustainable practices. The event promotes a zero-waste initiative, aiming to compost or recycle 95% of discarded materials generated during the festival. Organizers will provide waste-sorting stations and materials guidance to help reach that target.
Who is organizing and why it matters
The Boston Local Food Festival is hosted by the Local Food Program of the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts. The event is designed to celebrate the diversity and abundance of the local food system, support regional producers, and introduce residents and visitors to local culinary talent. By bringing together chefs, fishermen, farmers, and food producers, the festival highlights both cultural variety and seasonal ingredients available in the region.
Practical details
- Date: Sunday, September 14
- Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston
- Cost: Free to attend
- Audience: All ages welcome
Activities and highlights
- Seafood Throwdown timed chef competition
- Cooking demonstrations on topics such as edible flowers and pickling
- Family fun zone with face painting and lawn games
- New England Village educational galleries
- Free samples and vendor tastings
- Nearly 100 local chefs, producers, and fishermen
Background and context
Now in its 15th year, the Boston Local Food Festival has become an annual showcase for regional food systems and culinary creativity. The festival aims to connect city residents and visitors with the people who grow, catch, cook, and make food in the region. It also provides an opportunity for small businesses and producers to reach new customers and for attendees to learn about sustainable practices and seasonal eating.
Attendance and accessibility
The festival encourages people of all ages to attend and explore local flavors. The Rose Kennedy Greenway is centrally located and accessible by multiple modes of public transportation. Attendees are advised to arrive early for popular demonstrations and competitions and to bring a reusable water bottle and bag to support the event’s zero-waste goals.
FAQ
Is the Boston Local Food Festival free?
Yes. The festival is free to attend. Food samples and items for purchase may be available from vendors.
When and where does the festival take place?
The festival takes place on Sunday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston.
Who is organizing the event?
The event is hosted by the Local Food Program of the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts.
Will there be activities for children?
Yes. A family fun zone will offer face painting, lawn games, and interactive exhibits suitable for children.
What is the zero-waste initiative?
The festival aims to compost or recycle 95% of discarded materials and will provide waste-sorting stations and guidance to attendees.
Are there cooking demonstrations and competitions?
Yes. The festival features cooking demonstrations on topics such as edible flowers and pickling, and a Seafood Throwdown competition where chefs prepare seafood dishes under time pressure.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 14 |
| Time | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location | Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston |
| Admission | Free |
| Organizer | Local Food Program, Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts |
| Number of participants | Nearly 100 chefs, fishermen, farmers, and producers |
| Highlights | Seafood Throwdown, cooking demos, New England Village, family fun zone, free samples |
| Zero-waste goal | Compost or recycle 95% of discarded materials |
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Additional Resources
- Patriot Ledger: Boston Local Food Festival 2025 Dates & Details
- Boston 25 News: Local Food Festival Happening This Weekend
- Bay State Banner: Boston Local Food Festival Dishes Out Sustainable Eats
- Wikipedia: Food Festival
- CBS News: Weekend To Do List in Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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