In Canada’s Food Island it takes 5 weeks to properly celebrate the rich bounty of the land and sea. Entering its 12th year, the PEI Fall Flavours Festival (Aug 30 – Oct 6, 2019) is an Island-wide culinary extravaganza that showcases the talented chefs, farmers, fishers and food producers that are shaping Prince Edward Island’s foodscape and cementing its reputation as a must-visit food destination. Celebrity chefs from across Canada join the party, which features numerous Signature Events, Culinary Events, Culinary Adventures, and a Restaurant Dining Program.
As the capital city and home to the Culinary Institute of Canada, Charlottetown boasts a rich culinary scene all year-round, but during Fall Flavours the city ups its food game even more, playing host to several of the Festival’s highest-profile and most beloved events. Read on for the scoop on every Festival event in Charlottetown!
First up, East meets West in an Exclusive Evening at Redshores with Chef Ned Bell and Chef Andrew Smith (Sept 11). Chef Ned Bell, founder of Chefs for Oceans and Culinary Director of The Vancouver Club will team up with Red Shores’ Executive Chef Andrew Smith to create a 5-course feast showcasing the Island’s finest ingredients plus the best of the West. Enjoy enticing dishes including PEI Mussel Chowder, Slow Roasted Certified Island Beef Tenderloin, Wild BC Salmon Braised Short Rib, Avonlea Cheddar Croquette and Ned’s Famous (sea)Weed Brownie. Paired with wines at each course and spectacular views of the historic Charlottetown Driving Park, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember.
The Great Island Grilled Cheese Challenge (Sept 15) is landing on the Charlottetown waterfront this year, in front of Founders’ Hall! This a family-favourite afternoon event, perfect for those on a budget and those who simply love all things cheesy. friendly culinary competition of legen-dairy proportions sees chefs from across the Island duke it out to create the greatest grilled cheese sandwich. Enjoy scrumptious samples from each station, go back for seconds of your favourites and remember to vote for the top cheese.
Things really kick into high gear in the capital with the PEI International Shellfish Festival (Sept 19-22), a raucous 4-day kitchen party that showcases the Island’s rich bounty of seafood and the celebrates PEI’s unique culture. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to the Festival’s kick-off event, Feast & Frolic (Sept 19), where you’ll be treated like royalty and savour PEI seafood at its very best. Then settle in with hosts Chef Lynn Crawford and Chef Michael Smith for a weekend filled with lots of shellfish (of course!), culinary demos, not-to-be-missed competitions and nightly kitchen parties with epic headlining bands Signal Hill, Big Bad Party Band, and the Love Junkies!.
A must for craft beer connoisseurs, the PEI Beer Festival (Sept 27 & 28 ) seeks to educate visitors and Islanders alike on the art and craft of brewing and tasting beer, while also serving up a great variety of beers, live entertainment and good vibes.
Saving the best for last, Fall Flavours culminates with a trio of fabulous food events in the city from Oct 4 – 6.
First up is Chef’s Island (Oct 4), hosted by the Culinary Federation of PEI with guest celebrity Chef Corbin. Join PEI’s top culinary talents at the Delta Prince Edward for a highly interactive and food-forward experience. Get your ‘Foodie Passport’ upon arrival and explore the Island’s food scene from tip-to-tip at this exciting roving feast, where you’ll get to watch (in awe, probably) as skilled chefs prepare spectacular dishes right before your eyes.
After a smashingly successful debut in 2018, Harbour Feast with Chuck Hughes (Oct 6) returns to the Charlottetown harbourfront for the biggest and best patio party of the year. This casual-yet-upscale shindig pairs Island vibes with an unforgettable local feast prepared by Chuck and local chefs. And what’s a party without live music? One of PEI’s favourite party bands, The Love Junkies, will be playing those summer tunes you know and love going all night long. It all goes down on Charlottetown’s most expansive waterfront patio at Peake’s Quay Restaurant, where breathtaking water views are always on offer.
Finally, closing out the Festival with flare and family fun, Farm Day in the City presented by the PEI Potato Growers (Oct 6) is the Island’s largest outdoor market, featuring +160 vendors and exhibitors. Join farmers, producers, artisans and crafters from across PEI in a celebration of all things local. Plan to spend the day in the heart of the city, enjoying fresh eats, supporting local producers and artisans, and enjoying the many free activities for kids and adults on offer? Did we mention there’s a beer garden, live music, lots of spud fun and a highly entertaining pie eating contest as well?! Free entry is the icing on the cake at Farm Day!