Dumpling Fest Philadelphia

Dumpling Fest Philadelphia returns on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 9 PM, and it's a self-guided tasting tour that spreads across participating restaurants throughout the city. The format is intentionally loose: you get the list of restaurants, a map, and a menu only three to five days before the event, and you make your own way between stops by car or public transit. There's no set route or schedule, so you can hit as many spots as you like in the four-hour window.

The food leans on the global family of dumplings, and the variety is wide. You'll find soup dumplings, Korean mandu, Nepalese momos, Indian kofta, Mexican tamales, and potstickers among the possibilities. The organizers encourage each stop to offer a vegetarian option, though they can't guarantee accommodations for vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, or nut-allergy diets. Your ticket gets you a tasting plate at each restaurant you visit.

It's open to all ages, and children three and older need a ticket if they're eating. Advance purchase is required, so you'll want to grab yours before the night. Tickets are $49 through Oct. 11, and the price goes up to $59 and then $69 as the event gets closer, plus fees and tax.