The Grand Tasting

It's the biggest and best culinary event of the year...

and it's only in Boston!

Enjoy unlimited sips and bites

by 50+ all-star chefs

May 3rd and 4th

Presented by:

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background
an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Top Chef alum + Nashville fave. Chef behind Suzy Wong’s and International Market. Queen of flavor and flair.

Boston chef, Chopped champ, Top Chef alum. Bold bites at Para Maria.

Detroit chef + author of Kung Food. Queer, viral, genre-defying deliciousness.

Join us for a Big Block Party in the Heart of Boston

From local legends to national names, these are the folks firing up the fun at this year’s Grand Tasting and beyond.

50+ legendary chefs and sickening talent from Boston AND across the country

NYC-based baker + TV personality known for over-the-top sweets and unapologetic joy. Founder of Mr. Bake Sweets. @mrbakesweets

Chef at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, MA. Food Network fave (Chopped, Food Network Star) known for rustic, seasonal cooking with heart. @chefmicheleragussis

NYC pastry chef + TV dessert darling (Top Chef: Just Desserts, Halloween Baking Championship). Creator of the Internet-famous PieCaken. @zac_young

Kareem Queeman

LA-based fashion icon, makeup artist, and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7. Serving high glam and avant-garde elegance. @sutanamrull

Actor, author, recording artist, and Drag Race legend. Known for sharp wit, iconic roles (A Star is Born, EastSiders), and being banned from the main stage. @willam

Boston-born queen and Drag Race fan fave across four seasons. Singer, host, and all-around icon with heart, humor, and high heels. @jujubeeonline

Party Royalty

We've got a few familiar faces serving at the Grand Tasting

BQFF's Grand Tasting

The most delicious party of the year!

Saturday & Sunday, May 3rd & 4th

An all-out, flavor-packed, high-energy weekend celebrating LGBTQIA+ chefs, restaurants, and entertainers.

Serving Unlimited tastings of unforgettable food and delicious spirits, wines, and beers.

DJs, legendary talent, and sickening surprise guests.

Delicious cocktails, beers, and wine by the glass from Daiquiris & Daisies, Bubble Bath, and Alewives.

We're spilling out onto the streets for a food and drink block party, serving up heaps of bites, sips, & spectacles.

Events Across the City to Excite & Unite Us All

Chef & Author Discussions
One-of-a-Kind Chefs Dinners
Queer Parties, Cocktails & Happy Hours

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Contributions to the Culinary World

Big Queer Food Fest unites chefs, winemakers, distillers, purveyors, non-profit organizations, and the broader community to celebrate, elevate, and amplify the remarkable contributions of the queer culinary community. Food transcends boundaries and connects us all. By bringing together diverse culinary talents, we create beautiful, inclusive spaces where culinary artistry thrives.

Queer food isn't defined or constrained by any particular cuisine; it's shaped by the stories and lived experiences of the chefs who make it. Through collaboration and celebration, we aim to inspire others while reinforcing the universal language of food that binds us together.

A group of chefs and BQFF staff posing in front of a The James Beard Foundation's Platform venue
A group of chefs and BQFF staff posing in front of a The James Beard Foundation's Platform venue

"Queer food tells the stories of resilience, resistance, and joy within our community."

- John Birdsall