Food comes in many forms, all of which deserve celebration. North Dakota is pretty much based on food - our agriculture is a huge part of the state and feeds millions of people. There are fairs and festivals held all over the state year round that are any food lover's dream. From specific ethnic food to the classic fried fair food we all know and love, these 6 festivals are a must-visit for everyone this year.
1. Best of the West Ribfest - Watford City
If you're looking for a day dedicated to the most delicious, amazing ribs in the western half of the state, then you absolutely need to check out Best of the West Ribfest. There are tons of street food vendors here, too; you can find something for everyone. Warning - the smell of the BBQ alone will make you hungry here. You can't get better, and that's why it's the best!
Best of the West Ribfest will be held on August 12th on main street in Watford City.
2. Potato Bowl USA - Grand Forks
Potato Bowl USA isn't just great for football, it also hosts the world's biggest french fry feed every year. There's more french fries than you could ever dream of - seriously. Last year they broke a record of the most french fries served at a single event: an impressive 5,220 pounds. Enjoy free french fries by the bucketload, all made from potatoes grown right here in ND. You can't pass this up!
The Simplot French Fry Feed will be held at the University Park in Grand Forks on September 15th. The entire Potato Bowl USA event lasts from September 13th to September 17th.
3. North Dakota State Fair - Minot
Who doesn't love the state fair? Besides the crazy fun you can have on the rides, watching the rodeo, or playing carnival games, there is all the classic fair food you could want! Funnel cakes, cotton candy, fried-anything-on-a-stick, and so many more. It's a blast for everyone who attends, even if you're just there for the food.
The North Dakota State Fair's dates this year are July 22nd to July 30th at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot.
4. Happy Harry's Ribfest - Fargo
Ribfest is a meat lover's paradise! Mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and more. People from all over come here to show off their BBQ skills and you can enjoy the results. The festival is full of fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, and PLENTY of food!
The 2016 Ribfest will be held from June 8th until June 11th at the Fargodome.
5. Norsk Høstfest - Minot
Embrace the Scandinavian heritage at one of the biggest festivals dedicated to it here in North Dakota at Norsk Høstfest. Tons of Scandinavian foods are showcased, like lefse or rommegrot, and this amazing creation shown here - the spud dog. A sausage baked inside of a potato with sour cream, cheddar, and bacon on top. Now THAT sounds good! Top chefs from Norway serve some fancier dishes at the festival, or you can sail over to the Viking Ship for perfectly prepared walleye. And that's only the beginning - check out the rest by going yourself!
The Norsk Høstfest will be held on September 28th through October 1st at the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot.
6. Red River Valley Fair - West Fargo
This huge fair is host to tons of food vendors serving pretty much everything you could imagine. If you can deep fry it and put it on a stick, then you will be able to find it here. Enjoy the fan favorites like corn dogs and snow cones, or try something a little different like deep fried Oreos. There's tons of live entertainment and fun to be had all throughout the fair every single year but most importantly, if you love fair food, you'll love it here.
Red River Valley Fair will be held this year on July 12th through July 17th at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo.
Do you plan on going to any of these festivals? Which one are you looking forward to most?
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