For anyone living with celiac disease or following a gluten-free lifestyle, finding a place where every food option is safe to enjoy can be incredibly rare. That’s exactly what attendees can expect when the Wicked Gluten Free Expo & Food Festival returns to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks this month.
Billed as the largest gluten-free food festival in the United States, the annual event is expected to welcome approximately 5,000 attendees while featuring more than 110 restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, artisan food makers, health organizations, and specialty brands.
Every food vendor has been individually vetted to ensure products are gluten-free and celiac-safe, while many also offer vegan and allergy-friendly options.
A festival designed with the gluten-free community in mind
Unlike traditional food reviews, attendees can sample and shop with confidence knowing every participating food vendor meets strict gluten-free standards.
Visitors can browse everything from soft pretzels, empanadas, pierogi, pastries, pizza, fried chicken, and sandwiches to ice cream, candy, soups, breads, granola, popcorn, teas, and specialty baking products.
Complimentary samples will be available throughout the day, along with opportunities to purchase favorites to take home.
The festival will also feature live cooking demonstrations, educational presentations, family-friendly activities, and exhibitors sharing resources for those managing celiac disease and food sensitivities.
What to expect
Visitors can look forward to:
- More than 110 gluten-free and celiac-safe vendors
- Food trucks, bakeries, restaurants, and artisan food makers
- Complimentary food samples
- Live cooking demonstrations
- Family-friendly activities and kids’ area
- Vegan and allergy-friendly options
- Giveaways, swag bags, and vendor coupons
- Free parking
- A special America 250-themed “Freedom from Gluten” cake-cutting ceremony
A celebration of safe eating
To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, the festival will kick off with a “Freedom from Gluten” cake-cutting ceremony featuring a specially designed gluten-free cake created by The Happy Mixers Gluten Free Bakery. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary sample.
Organizer Abby Helman Kelly emphasized that the event goes well beyond great food.
“Attendees spend the day sampling, eating and purchasing items to take home, all safely gluten free. And for folks who typically can’t eat the food at food festivals, this is a really special day – we see a lot of happy tears.”
Wicked Gluten Free Expo: Event details
- 📍 Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456
- 📅 Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- 🕙 Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Timed entry slots begin at 10 a.m.; guests may stay all day.)
- 🎟️ Tickets: Adults $27.50; children ages 6–12 $8; ages 5 and under are free.
- 🛍️ Admission includes: Complimentary tote bag, vendor samples (while supplies last), live presentations, family activities, and free parking.
- 🎉 Special feature: “Freedom from Gluten” cake-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., plus a gluten-free happy hour with vendor specials from 3–5 p.m.
