If you are a foodie living in Central Massachusetts, two festivals this month will help you kick off fall with a burst of flavor. The Chili and Chowder Festival and The Clustertruck Festival are coming to Worcester in September. The Chili and Chowder Festival is organized by Pulse, in collaboration with the City of Worcester. Local restaurants will compete for the title of Best Chili or Chowder, and attendees will reap the benefits. Admission to the Chili and Chowder Festival bestows the responsibility of voting for Worcester’s Best Chili or Chowder after sampling each of the offerings.

Previously held in August, the event has been moved to late September. According to Pagio events coordinator and marketing manager, Mitchell Perry, “We moved the Chili & Chowder Fest from the summer to fall with the idea that hot soups are more enjoyable in colder weather. While the event has always been well-received, we hope to draw a larger crowd this September and to provide an environment where people can more comfortably enjoy some of the amazing food the competitors turn out each year.”

There is nothing that screams autumn in New England like a cup of steaming hot chili or chowder on a cool afternoon, and this festival will allow the residents of Central Massachusetts the opportunity to sample their fill.

If you want to diversify, the Clustertruck Festival at The EcoTarium is sure to tickle your tastebuds. The brainchild of Amy Waxler, the Clustertruck Festival originated in Lancaster after she began searching for a way to get back into the workforce after medical complications. Sponsored by Pulse, the event will not only feature food but also music.

“We are offering live music, because we know that people living in Worcester really value live artists. We will feature Dr. Robert, as well as other artists at our festival,” Waxler said.

The Clustertruck Festival is a unique food truck experience, bringing together local food trucks, breweries and musicians to create a fun and relaxed vibe. “We have food trucks that are sometimes 40 feet long, sometimes small carts, and they come from all across New England. In all of my festivals, I ask if they are locally sourcing their food, so we can say we are a locally sourced festival. You keep jobs local when you eat local,” Waxler said.

The ability to keep this festival a locally sourced festival is paramount and aligns with the mission of other Worcester restaurants that have adopted the farm-to-table philosophy. Both of these festivals offer something unique for everyone; whether you love the warmth of soups or your palette longs for a range of enticing flavors, Worcester is where you want to be in September.

Fortunately, these events are a week apart, so you don’t have to choose just one. Enjoy the array of food trucks available at the Clustertruck Festival, then indulge in all the chili or chowder your New Englander heart desires. If you visit the Clustertruck Festival, Waxler suggests, “Don’t overlook Aaron’s Taco Cartel and their chicken and pork tacos. The food is so good!”

The Clustertruck Festival is from 5-10 p.m. Sept. 23 at the EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester. Admission is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Visit clustertruckworcester.com for tickets. The Chili and Chowder Festival is from 1-5 p.m. Sept. 30 at Vintage Grill, 346 Shrewsbury St., Worcester. Admission is $15. For more information, visit worcchilichowderfest.com.

Victoriahope McAuliffe