It's no secret that Arkansas has a deep tie to food. So what better way to celebrate our culture and farming industry than with a food festival or two? Some of the upcoming festivals to look forward to focus on different world cultures while others stick to celebrating local staples. Let's plan your year of foodie fun as we look at the upcoming 2018 food festivals.

1. Chocolate Festival - Hot Springs

Feb. 4th. Indulge in all things chocolate at the 14th annual festival. Besides the endless chocolaty options, there will also be a silent auction benefiting the Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic as well as live music.

For more information, go here.

2. Edamame Festival - Mulberry

Apr. 6th - 7th. Did you know Mulberry is the edamame capital of the US? This more peculiar food-based festival has no shortage of activities to help celebrate the town's soybean factory. The 5th annual event will have a mix of vendors, BBQ cook-off, and rides.

For more information, go here.

3. Downtown Crawfest - Arkadelphia

May 5th - 6th. This festival will have a carnival for kids and community crawfish boil. Show your crustacean dedication at the crawfish eating contest and run off the extra calories at the Crawfest Crawl 5K.

For more information, go here.

4. Greek Food Festival - Little Rock

May 18th - 20th. Celebrate the cuisine and culture of the Mediterranean while also supporting different local charities. A variety of world dance groups from Dabkeh Middle Eastern Dancers to O'Donovan School of Irish Dance will be performing throughout the weekend. Be sure to bring your appetite of course, try Gyros, Pastitsio, Tsoutzoukakia, Ka-bobs, and more!

For more information, go here.

5. PurpleHull Pea Festival - Emerson

Jun. 29th - 30th. The origin of this unique festival is too good to leave out: In 1990, a local resident named Glen Eades thought his town needed some excitement. As Glen put it, "We were so boring, we didn't even have a cop." Glen came up with the idea for the PurpleHull Pea Festival. Besides the normal festival events like parade, vendors, and cook-off, this is also home of the World Championship Rotary Tiller Race.

For more information, go here.

6. Johnson County Peach Festival - Clarksville

Jul. 19th - 22nd. This is actually the oldest outdoor festival in all of Arkansas. Take advantage of different peachy vendors, crafts, terrapin race, and fishing derby. Then compete in the featured event, the peach pit spitting contest.

For more information, go here.

7. Cave City Watermelon Festival

Jul. 26th - 28th. Join Cave City for a free watermelon feast and tons of carnival and water activities. The festival will also have a variety of live music, 5k Watermelon Dash, and pancake breakfast.

For more information, go here.

8. Arkansas Cornbread Festival - Little Rock

October, date TBA. A vital part of any southern meal, cornbread takes the spotlight for this festival in the SoMa area of Little Rock. Bring your culinary skills to the cornbread contest or just sample some of the entries.

For more information, go here.

9. Little Italy Italian Festival

October, dates TBA. The Little Italy township northwest of Little Rock takes its Italian heritage seriously. Join the community for a spaghetti dinner or try traditional Italian treats at their bake sale. Pair your meal with wines from the local wineries that will also be in attendance.

For more information, go here.

Which festival are you looking forward to the most? Share with us and be sure to check the comments for festivals we may have missed!

For another upcoming event, check out the town goes all out for Mardi Gras.