The Taste of Abby returns this fall, inviting everyone to explore Abbotsford’s agriculture and culinary scene. Held from September 15th to 24th this fall food festival launches with a night market followed by a week of unique farm experiences, seasonal bites, spirit, cider, and beer releases, a guided Circle Farm Tour, a foraging workshop, the art and wine walk in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, grape stomping, discussions on healthy food systems, and the annual Food and Farm Excellence Awards.
Beyond the opportunity to savour some delicious dishes, the festival introduces residents and visitors to new and local experiences, connecting them with the growers and producers responsible for these amazing flavours and ingredients,” says Craig Nichols, Executive Director of Tourism Abbotsford.
The September 15th evening night market will be held at Jubilee Park in Historic Downtown Abbotsford bringing live music from local musicians, artisan shopping, and fall flavours from Abbotsford’s makers including farmers, chefs, and winery, brewery and cidery owners.
Throughout the week, visitors can experience a variety of food creations and farm-to-table menus, and fun events that include everything from bees and robotic animals to pickleball and pints.
Sponsored by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, the week ends with the Food and Farm Excellence Awards, recognizing Abbotsford’s best culinary talents and agricultural producers with awards presented at Eco Dairy on September 24th.
The healthy food systems video series will run throughout Taste of Abby. Facilitated by Aaron Pete, host of the Bigger Than Me podcast, four people were chosen to discuss sustainable and heathy food\ systems in three-to-five-minute videos. Co-owner and Chef, Jeff Massey, of Restaurant 62 will speak to collaborating with local food growers, Amir Maan from Maan Farms will be discussing ag tech integration and vertical strawberry farming, Paul Sweeting, owner of Raven’s Brewing will share his Indigenous-owned business plans, and MLA Pam Alexis, the Minister of of Agriculture, will talk about the government’s efforts to enable and protect healthy food systems.
Visit here for tickets.