Boston, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Boston Local Food Festival is scheduled to take place at Rose Kennedy Greenway, showcasing nearly 100 local food vendors and emphasizing sustainability. The festival, which has been held annually since 2009, features cooking demonstrations, family activities, and culinary competitions, all while promoting the benefits of locally sourced foods. Admission is free, making it an accessible event for all. Organizers aim to implement a zero-waste challenge to minimize environmental impact.
Boston
Boston Local Food Festival returns Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at Rose Kennedy Greenway; admission free
The Boston Local Food Festival takes place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Rose Kennedy Greenway at 191W Atlantic Ave., Boston. Admission is free. Nearly 100 local food vendors will participate, offering a wide range of cuisines and locally produced foods. The event is produced by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts’ Boston Local Food Program.
What to expect
The festival highlights locally grown and produced foods and emphasizes their benefits for health, the environment, and the regional economy. Programming across the day includes cooking demonstrations, a competitive cooking event focused on local seafood, family-oriented activities, and an exhibit promoting regional food self-reliance.
Event highlights
- Cooking demonstrations: Sessions will cover topics such as pickling, preparing ancient drinking chocolate, and adding edible flowers to shortbread cookies.
- Seafood Throwdown: Top local chefs compete using locally caught seafood in a timed culinary challenge.
- Family Fun Zone: Interactive activities for children will include face painting, lawn games, Vegie Print Making, crab smashing and tasting, and seed-bomb making.
- New England Village Gallery: An exhibit that promotes increasing regional food production with a long-term goal of producing at least 50% of New England’s consumed foods by 2060.
Sustainability and operations
The festival is carrying out a zero-waste challenge that aims to divert 90% of disposable materials to compost or recycling streams. Organizers and participating vendors will use compostable or recyclable serviceware where possible, and waste diversion stations will be available throughout the site.
Access and logistics
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is accessible by public transportation and has nearby parking options. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit when possible to reduce congestion. The festival operates as a single-day event and runs from late morning through late afternoon to accommodate families and daytime visitors.
Context and history
The Boston Local Food Festival has been held annually since 2009 and is among New England’s largest single-day food events. The festival’s mission centers on supporting local producers, connecting consumers with regional food systems, and demonstrating practical ways to prepare and enjoy locally sourced ingredients. Over the years the event has expanded its scope to include educational exhibits and sustainability initiatives that align with broader regional food policy goals.
Who is hosting
The event is hosted by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts’ Boston Local Food Program, a group that works to strengthen local food systems and support businesses that source regionally.
Daily programming and participant experience
Attendees can sample local flavors, learn food-related techniques, participate in hands-on activities, and observe culinary competitions. The lineup of nearly 100 vendors includes producers, food trucks, prepared-food sellers, and organizations promoting sustainable food practices and local agriculture.
FAQ
When and where is the festival?
The festival takes place Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, 191W Atlantic Ave., Boston.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission is free for all visitors.
How many vendors will attend?
Nearly 100 local food vendors will participate, offering a range of cuisines and food products.
What family activities are available?
The Family Fun Zone will include face painting, lawn games, Vegie Print Making, crab smashing and tasting, and seed-bomb making.
What sustainability measures are in place?
The festival has a zero-waste challenge with a goal to divert 90% of disposables to compost or recycling. Waste diversion stations and compostable serviceware are part of the plan.
Who runs the Seafood Throwdown?
The Seafood Throwdown features top local chefs competing with locally caught seafood as part of the festival’s culinary programming.
Is the site accessible by public transportation and is parking available?
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is accessible by public transportation and there is parking nearby for those who choose to drive.
How long has the festival been running?
The festival has been celebrated annually since 2009 and is one of New England’s largest single-day food events.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, September 14, 2025 |
| Time | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Location | Rose Kennedy Greenway, 191W Atlantic Ave., Boston |
| Admission | Free |
| Number of vendors | Nearly 100 local food vendors |
| Host | Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts’ Boston Local Food Program |
| Sustainability goal | Zero-waste challenge aiming to divert 90% of disposables |
| Main attractions | Cooking demos, Seafood Throwdown, Family Fun Zone, New England Village Gallery |
| Accessibility | Accessible by public transportation; parking available nearby |
| History | Annual event since 2009; one of New England’s largest single-day food events |
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Additional Resources
- The Patriot Ledger: Boston Local Food Festival 2025 Details
- Boston 25 News: Local Food Festival Events
- Bay State Banner: Boston Local Food Festival Overview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Festival
- Boston Globe: Boston Local Food Festival Returns
- Google Search: Boston Food Festival
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
