Hey Stamford! Food Festival Returns For 6th Year

STAMFORD, CT — The Hey Stamford! Food Festival returns to downtown Stamford for two big weekends: Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20.

Presented by Co Create, First County Bank & Minchin GMC, the highly anticipated 6th annual event with a focus on food and community and will feature a food truck frenzy, with close to 50 food trucks and vendors each weekend; the ultimate CT pizza party; a Taylor Swift dance party, and more.

Joining the event this year is television personality, podcaster, Youtube sensation, and New York Times Bestselling author Teresa Giudice, who rose to fame as an original cast member of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," on which she has appeared for 12 seasons.

Giudice has written four New York Times bestselling cookbooks and a memoir, and appeared on "The Apprentice," "Dancing with the Stars," and more. She also hosts a popular podcast - "Namaste B$tches" - with Melissa Pfeister and highlights her love of food and cooking on her Youtube series Cook with Love.

Giudice will host a meet and greet, special Q&A, and more on Saturday Aug. 12.

Tickets are on sale now on the Hey Stamford! website.

The daily schedle is as follows. The festival will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Friday Aug. 11, PIZZAPALOOZA: CT’s Ultimate Pizza Party!

For just $25, attendees will embark on a pizza adventure like no other, enjoying slices from some of the area's best pizza restaurants, delivered right to Mill River Park. There will also be the Blind Rhino Beer Garden, live music and more. Ticket includes admission, up to four slices of pizza and a complimentary beverage (21-plus with valid ID).

Friday, Aug. 18: TaylorMade: Are you ready for it?

Calling all "Swifties" for a Taylor Swift dance party. Indulge in some of Talor's favorite eats and atop on specialty drinks inspired by the multi Grammy Award-winning artist. There will be fun pboto opportunities, local vendors and more.

Aug. 12-13 & Aug. 19-20

Get ready for a frenzy of over 50 of the region's top food trucks and restaurant vendors sure to satisfy your every craving.

• Saturday, Aug. 18 - Tropical Vibes: Savor the island vibes with a pig roast, tropical drinks, and island music
• Sunday, Aug. 19 - BBQ Sunday in the Park: A smokin’ hot BBQ featuring Avellino Family BBQ and pitmaster friends.

The Hey Stamford! Food Festival will also see great local and regional talent performing on the stage over both weekends, featuring everything from pop and rock from the 80s, to country-leaning, classic rock, danceable rock and acoustic. A full lineup of performances is forthcoming.

Over two weekends attendees can quench their thirst at the Blind Rhino Beer Garden with a refreshing drink lineup that includes Grey Goose lemonade, Bacardi punch, Patron paloma, Angel's Envy Smash, Canteen Spirits, Bad Sons Beer Co. Dole Whip mimosas, and Jarritos.

The festival also offers fun entertainment for attendees of all ages, from food eating contests and mechanical bull rides, to axe throwing, there’s something for everyone. Younger kids will be delighted with balloon artists, bounce houses, face painters, and more.

“Hey Stamford! Food Festival is truly what summertime is all about — coming together with friends and family to celebrate and enjoy delicious food and great music," said PJ Kennedy, founder & editor at Hey Stamford!, in a news release.

"We are thrilled to spread out the fun over two weekends once again with more food and drink, amazing live, local music and more excitement than ever this summer," added Ilario Altamura of Parachute Concerts.