Loosen your belt for these 6 can't-miss Dallas fall food festivals

Newsflash, Dallas: not all food festivals are created equal. There are some that are thrown together in a matter of days and others that take a full year to make happen. Here are the six events of fall that go above and beyond the everyday foodie festival. From barbecue to veggies and everything in between, you will not go hungry.
Harvest, September 15
This event at The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market is now in its fourth year. It brings out the best local chefs, resulting in delicious food along with specialty cocktails, entertainment by DJ Steffi Burns, and silent and live auctions. All proceeds benefit the senior and child programs of the North Texas Food Bank. Tickets are $200, and the event starts at 7 pm.
Smoked Dallas, September 23
Pitmasters from all over the state — including Taylor's Louie Mueller Barbecue and Amarillo's Tyler's Barbecue — come together at Main Street Garden Park downtown to show off their barbecue skills. There is also a stellar lineup of live music, with performances by Vandoliers and Charley Crockett. Tickets start at $50, and general admission starts at 3 pm.
Park & Palate, October 13-14
In its third year, this two-day party at Klyde Warren Park just seems to get better and better. It kicks off with the Down to the Roots event, where chefs from every major city in Texas highlight the biggest and best of the state's cuisine. But the main attraction is the grand tasting on Saturday, with 60 chefs and 30 wineries offering tastings, cooking demos, and book signings. All proceeds go directly back to Klyde Warren Park. Tickets start at $75 for the grand tasting, which lasts from 2-6 pm.
Texas Veggie Fair, October 21
This free, dog-friendly event is wildly popular in Dallas, and you should expect a packed park full of veggie enthusiasts. Taking place at Reverchon Park, it’s the largest veggie festival in Texas and features speakers, chef demos, live music, and vendors galore. Speakers include author and chef Eddie Garza and Grey "The Vegan Rapper." Plus, there will be a vegan beer garden by Trinity Irish Pub. The festival lasts from 11 am-6 pm.
Chefs for Farmers, November 2-5
If you can only attend one food festival this fall, we'd pick this one. How can you resist supporting both chefs and the farmers that help us feast on the best food in Dallas? The Main Event on November 5 features more than 120 food vendors from all over the country who set up shop alongside DJs and other live entertainment at Lee Park. Tickets are $100, and the event starts at 2 pm. Can't make the Main Event? Other fun Chefs for Farmers events are happening throughout the week.
Meat Fight, November 12
This wildly popular event benefits the National MS Society. Tams of Dallas’ top chefs compete for smoked meat bragging rights, as determined by barbecue authorities like Texas Monthly’s Daniel Vaughn. Tickets go on sale on October 3 and sell out almost instantly, so set a reminder on your phone. Location TBD.

Article courtesy of Culture Map