Easton Garlic Fest 2024 in Pennsylvania

Easton Garlic Fest is an annual event, which takes place on the first weekend of October in Easton, Pennsylvania. The festival promises a family-friendly weekend filled with culinary delights, live entertainment, and a celebration of all things garlic. It offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of garlic-infused foods, enjoy live music, and participate in fun contests and activities. Here's everything you need to know about this year's festival.

Activities and Attractions

The festival, held in Centre Square, features over 80 regional and local garlic growers showcasing different varieties of garlic. Attendees can savor delicious garlic-infused foods from various vendors. According to the organizers, there will be multiple stages of live music. The Stinkin' Culinary Stage will host cooking demonstrations where local chefs will prepare garlic specialties. There’s also plenty of live entertainment, including strolling performers, a pirate ship adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow, and performances by local artists.

Festival-goers can also look forward to exciting contests, such as the Gastric Garlic People's Choice Contest and the Dangerous Dessert Contest, both starting at noon on Pungent Plaza on S. Third Street at Pine Street. Other highlights include the Table Iron Chef Cook-Off and the Mayors Cook-Off, where the mayors of Easton, Hellertown, and Phillipsburg compete in a cooking showdown.

Schedule, Tickets, and Program

The Easton Garlic Fest will take place from 10 am to 6 pm both days, rain or shine. Admission to the festival is free. However, the two following tasting events are $12, cash only. On Saturday, October 5, the Gastric Garlic People's Choice Contest kicks off at noon, where 400 attendees get to taste and vote on local chefs' best garlic dishes. Sunday, October 6, brings the Dangerous Desserts Contest, where 200 participants can sample creative garlic desserts ($12, cash only). Both days also feature the Stinkin' Culinary Stage with intense cook-offs, including the Chef's Choice Cook-Off and Mystery Basket Cook-offs, highlighting local culinary talent.

For younger attendees, Little Stinkers' Row offers a dedicated space where children can enjoy the moon bounce and obstacle course ($3 per ride, cash only), try their luck with games of chance (fees apply), or get creative by making their own paper garlic hat, a free and fun souvenir. Face painting is available as well (fees apply, cash only). Additionally, Holls’N’Bare brings their popular Fairy Hair to the festival, offering complimentary glitter strands for all ages. Kids can also challenge themselves with the Lehigh Valley Parkour Academy’s free obstacle course, where certified coaches will teach them to run, jump, and climb safely while building confidence.

The entertainment continues with strolling performers like the Grins & Grins stilt walkers, who will be roaming the grounds between 11 am and 1 pm and again from 3 pm to 5 pm on both days. Earl the Accordionist will also be performing throughout the festival. For stage performances, head over to Centre Square by the fountain. On Saturday, catch the comedy and juggling act of Ray Grins at 2 pm. On Sunday at noon, the Easton Arts Academy Choir will deliver a musical performance, showcasing local talent.

Finally, don’t miss the Culinary Kids Cooking Contest at 2 pm each day, where budding chefs aged 8-12 will compete to create the best garlicky pasta dish. It’s a delightful spectacle to watch, as the young participants put their culinary skills to the test in front of a live audience and judges.

Parking

While admission to the festival is free, parking in downtown Easton may incur a fee. Public parking garages, such as the N. 4th Street Parking Garage and the South Third Street Parking Garage, will charge a $20 flat fee for all-day parking. It's advisable to arrive early, between 10 am and noon, as the garages tend to fill up quickly. Both garages have limited handicapped parking spaces available. For those using ride-sharing services, drop-off locations are designated outside the festival footprint at N. 3rd St. & Bushkill Street, Larry Holmes Drive and S. 3rd Street, and Northampton Street & 6th Street. Metered spaces are also available, accepting quarters, nickels, dimes, and major credit cards, with metered hours on Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm. Surface parking lots, such as the former Days Inn Lot and the Larry Holmes Corporate Center, will also charge a $20 flat fee for all-day parking.

Location and Infrastructure

Easton Garlic Fest is held in Centre Square, located in the heart of historic downtown Easton, PA. While the city trolley will not be operating during the festival, the event is easily accessible by car or ride-sharing services. Downtown Easton boasts a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, providing plenty of options for visitors to explore beyond the festival.

History of the Festival

Easton Garlic Fest was established to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of the region, particularly focusing on garlic cultivation. Over the years, it has grown into a significant local event, attracting visitors from all over to enjoy its unique blend of food, music, and community spirit. From its humble beginnings, the festival has become a beloved tradition in Easton, known for its lively atmosphere and commitment to showcasing local talent and produce.