5 Great Food Events to Check Out This Weekend

You definitely won't want for things to do in and around Philly this weekend, between festivals, food competitions, and farmer's markets. Here's a handful of top picks for food-centric revelry:

The Vendy Awards

The Vendys are back for their fifth year, pitting 15 local food trucks against each other in pursuit of glory. Along with a panel of judges, you'll get to vote on the winner of the Vendy Cup, as well as additional winners in the Rookie of the Year and Dessert categories. (Plus, if you attend, you can check off three from our list of essential trucks in one go, in addition to trying out some killer newcomers like Seoulfull Philly and Philly Fry.) Tickets include food from all the trucks as well as unlimited beer from Sly Fox (they'll have Pikeland Pils, Grisette, Mai Bock, and Dad Vail pale ale on tap, as well as cans of SRT, Rt. 113, Phoenix, and Helles). If you hurry, you can get $10 off your last-minute tickets by using the promo code "STREETFOOD" at checkout. Proceeds benefit the Food Trust and the Philly Mobile Food Association. Saturday, June 13, JFK Bridge, 1 to 6 p.m., $65, official site.

Burger Brawl

More burgers than you could ever hope to sample in one day will go head-to-head at the fifth annual Burger Brawl, which benefits Philly public schools and other education-minded nonprofits. More than 60 restaurants are competing this time around: many already established giants of our burger scene, and as always, a few surprises. Aldine's usual fare doesn't have much to do with burgers, but chef-owner George Sabatino impressed with the one he devised for Morgan's Pier back in 2013. Tredici, a forthcoming restaurant from the Zavino team, isn't even open yet — but that didn't stop Blue Duck Sandwich Co. from taking home a win at last year's brawl. Come hungry. Sunday, June 14, Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Ave., 3 to 6 p.m., $35 GA/$100 VIP, official site.

Odunde Festival

Now in its 40th year, there are lots of reasons to check out the massive Odunde Festival, including incredible live music and dance and maybe even more incredible food. A wide array of African, Caribbean, and soul foods set this festival apart from the pack (and create some seriously enticing smells). Sunday, June 14, centered around South Street between 20th and 23rd streets, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., pay-as-you-go, official site.

Ambler Arts & Music Festival

If you've never been to Ambler or haven't made it out in a while, consider a quick trip out of the city this weekend during the town's big celebration of local art and music. The festival will feature food trucks and vendors (including the Pie Stand, Sum Pig barbecue, Gigi's and Big R, Humpty's Dumplings, and more), a beer garden, and an excellent chance to check out the town's best restaurants and bars. In addition to existing destinations like Forest and Main brewpub, this weekend will see the debut of a second location of Dennis Darr's excellent Alice Bakery and Confectionery, right in the thick of things on Ambler's main strip. (Take Septa to save yourself from parking; the festival is right by the station.) Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, centered around Butler Ave. between Main and Lindenwold, free admission, food and drink pay-as-you-go, official site.

High Street Farmer's Market

If you're looking for something new to check out that's far more low-key, High Street on Market has partnered with Plowshare Farms to kick off a new Saturday farmer's market right outside the restaurant. In addition to produce, the market will showcase the High Street team's favorite purveyors of cheeses, grains, and even dishware (Port Richmond's Felt + Fat, of course). High Street on Market, 308 Market St., every Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or sell-out, pay as you go.