SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Food festivals — those large-scale, walk-around, stuff-yourself tastings — are prevalent in the Lehigh Valley.
But Dorney Park plans the return of a day-to-night, larger-than-life, international celebration.
And if you want food, they’ve got it.
- Dorney Park's Grand Carnivale returns for the 2023 season from July 22 to Aug. 6, excluding Tuesdays
- Entry is included with park admission, but tasting cards and bundles are available to buy
- This year, Grand Carnivale will showcase China, France, Germany, Italy and Spain
The Grand Carnivale International Festival will run from July 22 to Aug. 6 (excluding Tuesdays), transporting guests from a land of roller coasters and thrill rides to a world of art, food and entertainment from around the globe.
This year, Grand Carnivale will showcase China, France, Germany, Italy and Spain with authentic food, music, dance and a celebration of the rich traditions of each country.
Tasting cards, bundles
Entry to Grand Carnivale is included in park admission. But for those looking to enhance their experience, Grand Carnivale Tasting Cards and bundles are available for purchase online prior to the event.
If you’re going to attempt a tasting, come hungry.
“Our tasting cards include either six or 10 Grand Carnivale items from the five countries represented this year,” Dorney Public Relations and Communications Manager Ryan Eldredge said.
A Tasting Card starts at $39.99 (plus taxes and fees). Or the Grand Carnivale Bundle includes three tastings, free parking and admission and is priced at $59.99 for a full-day ticket or $39.99 for the “After 4 p.m. bundle.”
The flavors of the world
Grand Carnivale will offer a wide array of authentic foods from the featured countries, along with several unique cocktails for adults to enjoy.
Check out the menu:
China
- Bang-Bang Chicken: Skewered chicken tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with scallions
- Mongolian Beef: Double cooked beef in a ginger-soy sauce with carrots and scallions, served over rice
- Sesame Balls: Dough filled with a sweet filling, dusted with sesame seeds and lightly fried
France
- Crêpe Champignon: Thinly griddled crepe filled with a wild mushroom sauce, gruyere cheese, shallots and herbs de Provence
- Croque Monsieur: Toasted brioche sandwich with hardwood smoked pit ham, bechamel sauce, Brie cheese and fresh thyme
- Pain au Chocolate: Chocolate wrapped in a flaky dough and dusted with powdered sugar
Germany
- Sauerbraten Slider: Slow-roasted, marinated beef on buttered slider buns with gingersnap sauce, red cabbage, tomato and pickle
- Apfelstrudel: Traditional apple dessert in buttery pastry with powdered sugar and whipped cream
- Pretzel Bites: Baked pretzel bites served with a Bock-style beer cheese sauce
Italy
- Panzerotti: Golden brown dough filled with provolone, ricotta, spinach, tomato and fresh basil served with marinara
- Caprese Fresca: Traditional salad from Capri with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze, served with pita chips
- Krapfen di Carnivale: Berry and cream-filled doughnut dusted with powdered sugar
Spain
- Paella: Classic saffron rice with shrimp, chicken, sausage, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes and peas
- Vegetable empanada: Potatoes, butternut squash and cheese in fried pastries, served with saffron and garlic mayonnaise
- Natillas de Leche: Vanilla custard infused with lemon and dusted with cinnamon
Grand Carnivale Tasting Cards and bundles are available for purchase online prior to the event, offering a culinary journey through the flavors of the world.
