Foodie Events in October

Downtown Culinary Tours -- New Haven
Now through October 16, 2010
Experience a guided culinary walking tour through historic downtown New Haven with Stephen Fries, New Haven Register food columnist and professor of hospitality management. Enjoy tasty samplings along the way. Location: Tours depart from John Davenport's Restaurant at the Top of the Park (Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale). Time: 10:45 a.m. Cost: $59 per person Dates are April 24, June 12, July 10, August 14, September 25, and October 16. Information and tickets: 203-777-8550.

Tapping into Twain Oktoberfest -- Hartford, CT
October 1, 2010
This event includes live music, great food and over 20 microbreweries offering samples of the best local brewed beers. Location: Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Avenue. Time: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Cost: $40 in advance; $45 at the door; $15 for designated drivers. Information: 860-280-3130 or visit www.marktwainhouse.org.

Oktoberfest and Chowder Cook-Off at the Beach – New London, CT
October 1, 2010
This year’s Oktoberfest will feature more than two dozen microbrew companies with over 100 domestic and imported beers. Numerous area restaurants will “battle for the chowder crown” in a competition for the best chowder in Southeastern Connecticut. Live music will be provided by The Rhythm Method. The ticket price includes 15 beer tickets and plenty of prize-winning chowder tastings. Location: Ocean Beach Park, 1225 Ocean Avenue. Time: 6-9 p.m. Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door. Information: 860-912-0408

Garlic Harvest Festival -- Bethlehem, CT
October 9, 2010 to October 10, 2010
Enjoy two days of cooking demonstrations, garlic growing lectures, fresh garlic, garlic food court and specialty food vendors with lots of samples, and live entertainment. Location: Bethlehem Fairgrounds, Route 63. Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: $6; children under 12, $1. Information: 203-266-7350 or visit www.garlicfestct.com.

Fall Food Stroll -- New London, CT
October 20, 2010
During this first annual "Spooky Stroll" attendees wearing costumes get a treat. Stroll through the historic waterfront district and savor samples of seasonal delights from its finest eateries. Snack and shop in specialty stores, boutiques, galleries and salons. Enjoy live music while strolling more than 40 venues. Location: Waterfront District. Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 day of. Information: 860-444-2489 or visit http://www.newlondonmainstreet.org/.

Connecticut Cheese & Wine Festival -- New Preston, CT
October 16, 2010
This celebration of artisanal handcrafted cheeses and wines, small farms, and small batch producers of all natural specialty foods will include opportunities to sample a wide variety of cheeses, wines, all natural handcrafted breads, chocolates, jams, produce, flavored butters, sauces, honey, maple syrup and more. Location: Hopkins Vineyard, 25 Hopkins Road. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: adults, $10; children under 12, free. Information: 203 262-9390 or visit http://www.artisanmade-ne.com/.

Connecticut Tigers Octoberfest & Chili Cook Off -- Norwich, CT
October 16, 2010
The Connecticut Tigers Octoberfest; Chili Cook Off is a celebration of the Northeast's finest craft beers. Come wet your whistle at Dodd Stadium, home of the Connecticut Tigers, the Single-A New York-Penn League Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Guests will enjoy live music, local chili offerings, and many of the finest craft beers our region has to offer. Location: 14 Stott Avenue. Time: 1 - 5 p.m. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the gate; designated drivers, $10. Information: 860-887-7962 or visit web.minorleaguebaseball.com.