Food vendors serving hungry festival-goers at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival

Food and Drink

No festival experience is complete without great food, and the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival delivers with a diverse array of culinary options to satisfy every appetite. From classic festival fare to unique local specialties, our food vendors bring flavor and variety to every corner of the celebration.

A Taste of the Festival

The Heritage Festival's food court and scattered vendor locations offer something for everyone:

Classic Festival Favorites

  • Grilled favorites from burgers to bratwurst
  • Fresh-cut french fries and onion rings
  • Corn dogs and other portable classics
  • Funnel cakes and elephant ears
  • Popcorn, cotton candy, and caramel apples
  • Ice cream and frozen treats

Local and Regional Specialties

  • Locally sourced produce and farm-fresh options
  • Michigan-style pasties and specialties
  • BBQ from award-winning local pitmasters
  • Ethnic cuisines representing our diverse community

Health-Conscious Options

  • Fresh salads and vegetable options
  • Grilled proteins without heavy sauces
  • Fruit cups and healthy snacks
  • Vegetarian and vegan selections

Beverage Options

Stay refreshed throughout your festival experience:

Non-Alcoholic

  • Water and sports drinks
  • Fresh-squeezed lemonade
  • Soft drinks and iced tea
  • Coffee and specialty beverages
  • Fruit smoothies and slushies

Adult Beverages

The Beer Garden offers a curated selection of craft beers, with Michigan breweries well represented. All alcohol sales require valid ID and consumption is limited to designated areas.

Food Vendor Information

Our food vendors include a mix of professional concessionaires who travel the festival circuit, local restaurants and caterers showcasing their specialties, and community organizations offering their signature dishes as fundraisers.

The National Restaurant Association notes that food is often the highlight of festival experiences, creating sensory memories that attendees cherish long after the event ends.

All food vendors meet health department requirements and undergo inspection to ensure food safety. Vendors accept cash, and many also accept credit cards, though we recommend bringing cash for the fastest service during busy periods.

Tips for Festival Dining

  • Arrive hungry - Festival food is part of the experience; don't fill up beforehand
  • Share with friends - Sample more variety by splitting portions
  • Timing matters - Midday sees the longest lines; consider early or late lunch
  • Stay hydrated - August heat requires plenty of fluids; water stations are available
  • Explore the grounds - Different vendors are located in different areas
  • Ask locals - Long-time attendees can recommend hidden gems

Become a Food Vendor

Interested in bringing your culinary creations to the Heritage Festival? We welcome applications from professional concessionaires and local food businesses. Food vendor applications are available through our vendors page, with categories for full-service concessionaires and single-item specialists.

The Heritage Festival's food offerings contribute significantly to the celebration atmosphere, turning simple sustenance into shared experiences.