Big Queer Food Fest's Grand Tasting: Presented by Food Network - Day 1

This is it! The main event—the delicious, dynamic heart of Big Queer Food Fest, presented by Food Network.

Join us for the first day of our tasting, sipping, dancing, grand tasting, block party extravaganza that brings together dozens of queer chefs, mixologists, bakers, culinary creatives, and all-star queens from across the country for an unforgettable celebration of LGBTQ+ food, drink, community, and fun.

Wander your way through an all-you-can-savor spread of bites, cocktails, sweets, and special pours. From rising stars to fan favorites, this is your chance to meet the tastemakers redefining queer hospitality.

Expect DJs, drag pop-ups, surprise moments, and a whole lot of queer joy—all under one roof within High Street Place, and all over High Street with our outdoor stage, bars, and experiences. Whether you’re here to eat everything, dance between bites, or just soak up the energy, the Grand Tasting is the place to be.

Chefs & Culinary Creatives:

• Jon Kung (viral sensation & cookbook author)

• Rick Martinez (cookbook author & food personality)

• Dan Souza & Elle Simone Scott of America’s Test Kitchen

• Charming Gardner by Tiffani Faison (culinary showcase—Tiffani’s team will be bringing the bites!)

• Karen Akunowicz of Bar Volpe (Top Chef alum, James Beard winner)

• Michele Ragussis of Gedney Farm (Food Network alum)

• Renee Touponce of The Port of Call (James Beard nominee)

• Edy Massih of Edy’s Grocer (cookbook author)

• Gregory León of Amilinda (James Beard nominee)

• Zac Young (TV personality & dessert genius)

• Rob Gonzalez (Spring Baking Championship finalist; Fuji at Wink & Nod, Nuveaux Patisserie)

• Max Ritcey of Ritcey East

• Meghan Vaughan of Rare Steakhouse

• Tatiana Rosana of Para Maria

• Mai Nguyen of Coje Group

• Nick Peters Bond (Top Chef alum)

• Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman

• Guac Estrada

• Blend, the Dorchester Institution!

• Justin Burke (chef, writer, and host of “Just a Taste”)

Sips & Spirits:

• Supergay Spirits

• Rhodium – Rhode Island Spirits

• Dorchester Brewing

• Absolut

• Cod’r

• Hampton Water Wine

• Boston Brewing

Books & Signings, Powered by All She Wrote Books:

Meet & greets and on-site signings with:

• Rick Martinez

• Justin Burke

• Edy Massih

General Admission – Includes access to the full tasting experience with unlimited bites and sips, with a 1pm entry.

Early Access – An extra hour of fun, get more time to sip, sample, eat, and mingle by a full hour, starting at 12pm.

VIP – Be the first to enter, enjoying everything before the crowd and the full party hits, enjoy an exclusive lounge with delectable VIP-only chefs and bites, plus bonus cocktail moments.

Before attending a BQFF event, please check out our code of conduct. Tl;dr we're here for a joyful, beautiful good time! We encourage self-expression, inclusivity, and positivity. We will not tolerate intolerance, voilence, or agression.

Full-sized beverages will be available for purchase.

All ages welcome. Booze is reserved for 21+ with ID.

Host or Publisher Big Queer Food Fest