The food lover’s year
The world’s 100 best food festivals and food events
Truffle hunting in Alba, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, the Douro harvest, Oktoberfest, crawfish in Louisiana and kimchi season in Seoul: when they happen, how to go, and what to eat when you get there.
The whole year
- From January
Photo: Coolcaesar, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · JanCayman Cookout
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands14–17 January 2027 · from The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, checked Oct 24, 2026
Eric Ripert's beach festival at the Ritz-Carlton, with famous chefs cooking on the sand.
How to go: Packages are sold through the hotel; flights via Miami.
Photo: Queseria la Antigua de Fuentesauco, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · JanMadrid Fusión
Madrid, Spain1–3 February 2027 · from esMADRID, checked Oct 24, 2026
The world's leading chef congress; restaurants across the city run special menus around it.
How to go: The congress is for professionals, but the restaurant menus are for everyone; book tables early that week.
Photo: Elekes Andor, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Competitions · JanBocuse d'Or world final and Sirha
Lyon, France21–26 January 2027 (these are Sirha's dates; the Bocuse d'Or final days inside it aren't posted yet) · from Sirha Lyon, checked Oct 24, 2026
The "Olympics of cooking", held during the Sirha food fair at Eurexpo, with national teams and their supporters.
How to go: Tickets for the final sell fast; book a bouchon dinner around it.
Photo: CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · JanGran Festa de la Calçotada
Valls, Catalonia, SpainSunday 31 January 2027 · from Diari de Tarragona, checked Oct 24, 2026
The calçot festival, with grilled spring onions dipped in romesco and a calçot-eating contest.
How to go: An hour from Barcelona by train or car; calçotades run through March.
Photo: Biology Big Brother, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · JanBurns Night
Scotland, UKExpected Monday 25 January 2027 · always 25 January
Haggis piped in and addressed, with neeps, tatties and whisky, for Robert Burns.
How to go: Book a Burns supper in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Photo: Fortresseconomist, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Jan–FebLunar New Year
Asia and Chinatowns everywhere, AsiaSaturday 6 February 2027 (the Year of the Goat) · from PublicHolidays, checked Oct 24, 2026
The biggest food holiday in Asia: dumplings, nian gao, tossed yu sheng in Singapore and Malaysia, poon choi in Hong Kong.
How to go: Many small restaurants close for several days; banquets need booking weeks ahead.
Photo: Hungda, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Jan–FebTết
Vietnam, VietnamSaturday 6 February 2027 · from PublicHolidays, checked Oct 24, 2026
Vietnam's New Year: square bánh chưng rice cakes, pickled shallots, candied fruit and peach blossom markets.
How to go: Arrive a week before for the markets; many restaurants close for several days after New Year's Day.
- From February
Photo: moi-même, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Truffles · Feb–MarNero Norcia, black truffle fair
Norcia, Umbria, ItalyUsually late February to early March · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Umbria's black truffle and pork-butchery town celebrates the winter black truffle, with norcinerie selling cured meats.
How to go: Drive from Perugia or Rome; combine with a truffle hunt in the Valnerina.
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · FebSouth Beach Wine & Food Festival
Miami Beach, Florida, USA25–28 February 2027 · from Greater Miami CVB, checked Oct 24, 2026
The biggest chef festival in America: Burger Bash, beach tastings in the Grand Tasting Village and dinners cooked by famous chefs.
How to go: Tickets go on sale in the autumn and the dinners sell out early; stay in South Beach.
Photo: Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Markets · Feb–MarSalon International de l'Agriculture
Paris, France27 February to 7 March 2027 · from Paris je t'aime, checked Oct 24, 2026
All of rural France in one exhibition hall: cows, cheese, wine and regional food from every département.
How to go: Go on a weekday morning; it's at Porte de Versailles in Paris.
Photo: PROUTEAU JEAN-PIERRE, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · FebFête du Citron
Menton, Côte d'Azur, France13–28 February 2027 · from Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur tourism, checked Oct 24, 2026
Floats and giant sculptures made from tons of lemons and oranges, in the citrus town on the Riviera.
How to go: Thirty minutes from Nice by train.
Photo: Julian Lupyan, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Feb–MarRamadan nights
Istanbul, Cairo, Marrakech and beyond, Middle East and North AfricaExpected 8 February to 9 March 2027 · The National, subject to moon sighting
The streets wake at sunset with iftar tables, night markets and the sweets made only this month: güllaç, qatayef, chebakia.
How to go: Book iftar tables ahead; some restaurants close at lunch, and alcohol is harder to find.
Photo: Jonathan Harker, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · FebMarlborough Wine & Food Festival
Blenheim, Marlborough, New ZealandNot happening next time · Wine Marlborough says the 2027 festival is on hold, checked Oct 24, 2026
New Zealand's longest-running wine festival, in the vineyards of Marlborough, home of the sauvignon blanc.
How to go: Fly to Blenheim or take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, then 30 minutes by road.
Photo: Johnsparks75, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Competitions · Feb–MarWorld's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Houston, Texas, USA25–27 February 2027 · pencilled in, not confirmed yet (the rodeo runs 2-21 March 2027; the cook-off days before it aren't posted yet) · RodeoHouston, checked Oct 24, 2026
Hundreds of teams smoke brisket and ribs in the parking lots of NRG Park to open the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
How to go: Buy a cook-off ticket; most team tents are private, so find one that sells plates or join a corporate tent.
- From March
- Chef festivals · Mar
Charleston Wine + Food
Charleston, South Carolina, USA3–7 March 2027 · from The Local Palate, checked Oct 24, 2026
The South's chef festival, in one of America's best eating cities: lowcountry oyster roasts, dinners and the Culinary Village.
How to go: Book a room early; most events are walkable from downtown.
Photo: Tourism Victoria, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · MarMelbourne Food and Wine Festival
Melbourne, Australia5–21 March 2027 · from Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, checked Oct 24, 2026
One of the world's great food festivals: the long lunch, chef collaborations and hundreds of events across Victoria.
How to go: Book events when the program is released, usually in the summer before.
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · MarFiesta Nacional de la Vendimia
Mendoza, ArgentinaExpected Saturday 6 March 2027 · the main night is the first Saturday of March
Argentina's grape harvest festival, with parades and the Malbec harvest at its height.
How to go: Fly from Buenos Aires; book bodega lunches in the Uco Valley.
Photo: 19Tarrestnom65, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · MarLas Fallas
Valencia, SpainExpected 15–19 March 2027 · always 15-19 March
Valencia's fire festival, with buñuelos de calabaza and chocolate in the streets and paella contests.
How to go: Book rooms early; the city is loud day and night.
Photo: John Barnett, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Mar–AprSugar shack season
Quebec, CanadaUsually March and April · a season, not a single date
The maple sap runs: cabane à sucre feasts of pea soup, ham, eggs, beans and maple taffy rolled on snow.
How to go: Book a cabane à sucre an hour from Montreal; weekends fill early.
Photo: Original uploader was Vickerman625 at en.wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Mar–AprCherry blossom season
Tokyo and Kyoto, JapanUsually late March to early April · a season, not a single date
Picnics under the cherry blossoms, with sakura mochi, seasonal bento and street-food stalls in the big parks.
How to go: Book hotels months ahead; spread a mat early in Ueno Park or along Kyoto's Philosopher's Path.
Photo: Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · MarMaple Open House Weekend
Vermont, USA20–21 March 2027 · from Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Association, checked Oct 24, 2026
Sugarhouses across Vermont open for sap boiling, maple creemees and sugar-on-snow with pickles and doughnuts.
How to go: Three to four hours from Boston; pick two or three sugarhouses on the map the maple growers publish.
- From April
Photo: Olivier Lemoine (https://Photo-Terroir.fr), CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · Apr–MayTasting Australia
Adelaide, Australia30 April to 9 May 2027 · from Tasting Australia, checked Oct 24, 2026
South Australia's festival of wine and food, with the Town Square hub and dinners in the Barossa and McLaren Vale.
How to go: Fly into Adelaide; the wine regions are an hour away.
Photo: Yves Cosentino, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Beer and spirits · Apr–MaySpirit of Speyside Whisky Festival
Speyside, Scotland, UK28 April to 3 May 2027 · from Spirit of Speyside, checked Oct 24, 2026
Distilleries along the Spey open for tastings, dinners and tours rarely offered the rest of the year.
How to go: Stay in Aberlour, Dufftown or Grantown-on-Spey; events book up early.
Photo: Bruno Cordioli, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · AprVinitaly
Verona, Italy11–14 April 2027 · from Vinitaly, checked Oct 24, 2026
Italy's biggest wine fair, with thousands of producers; "Vinitaly and the City" brings tastings into Verona's piazzas.
How to go: The fair is mostly for the trade, but the city events are open to all; book Verona rooms early.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Lobillo assumed (based, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · Apr–MayFeria de Abril
Seville, SpainExpected 13–18 April 2027 · iCalendario, follows Easter; not yet fixed by the city
A week of casetas (party tents): fino and manzanilla, jamón, fried fish and sevillanas.
How to go: Most casetas are private; the public ones are open to all. Book a hotel early.
Photo: Bart Everson, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · Apr–MayNew Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans, USA22 April to 2 May 2027 (two weekends: 22-25 April and 29 April to 2 May) · from New Orleans & Company, checked Oct 24, 2026
As famous for its food booths as its music: crawfish Monica, cochon de lait po-boys, mango freeze.
How to go: Buy tickets ahead; book a room as soon as the dates are out.
Photo: Andrew Dalby, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Apr–MayGreek Easter
Greece, GreeceExpected Sunday 2 May 2027 · BimCal, Orthodox Easter Sunday
Greece's biggest feast: lamb roasted on the spit, magiritsa soup after midnight mass, red-dyed eggs and tsoureki.
How to go: Join a village celebration on the islands or in the Peloponnese, or book a taverna Easter lunch in Athens.
Photo: ArildV, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Apr–JunSpargelzeit (white asparagus season)
Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, GermanyUsually mid April to 24 June · a season, not a single date
The white asparagus obsession of Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, served with hollandaise, new potatoes and ham. It officially ends on 24 June.
How to go: Restaurants post a Spargelkarte (asparagus menu); farm stands along the roads sell it by the kilo.
- From May
Photo: Robbie Mendelson, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · MayBreaux Bridge Crawfish Festival
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USAUsually the first weekend of May · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The crawfish capital's festival of boiled crawfish, étouffée and Cajun music.
How to go: Two hours west of New Orleans.
Photo: Southern Foodways Alliance, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Competitions · MayWorld Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Memphis, Tennessee, USAUsually a weekend in mid-May · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Memphis in May's barbecue contest, with hundreds of teams smoking whole hogs and ribs on the river.
How to go: Team booths are mostly private; get invited, or eat from the public vendors.
Photo: Julia Sumangil, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · MaySpot Prawn Festival
Vancouver, CanadaUsually May, the start of the season · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The first live spot prawns of the season off the boats at Fisherman's Wharf, with a chefs' boil.
How to go: The boats keep selling from False Creek all season.
Photo: Alessio Sbarbaro User_talk:Yoggysot, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · MaySagra del Pesce
Camogli, Liguria, ItalyExpected Sunday 9 May 2027 · always the second Sunday of May
The fishing village fries tons of fish in a pan four meters wide and hands it out on the harbor.
How to go: Thirty minutes from Genoa by train; go early.
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · MayRose Festival
Kelaat M'Gouna, MoroccoUsually May · a season, not a single date
The Dades Valley's rose harvest festival, with rosewater sold everywhere and a rose queen.
How to go: Five hours from Marrakech over the High Atlas; stay in the Dades Gorges.
Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · MayBluff Oyster & Food Festival
Bluff, Southland, New ZealandExpected Saturday 15 May 2027 · usually the third Saturday of May
Celebrating the famous Bluff oysters, dredged from Foveaux Strait, with oyster-opening and eating contests and a lot of beer.
How to go: Fly to Invercargill, 30 minutes away; tickets sell out early.
- From June
Photo: moi-même, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Truffles · Jun–AugTruffle season in the Canberra region
Canberra region, AustraliaUsually June to August · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Southern-hemisphere black truffles, with hunts at the truffières around Canberra and truffle dinners in the city.
How to go: Book hunts with the truffle farms directly; Sydney is three hours away by car.
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · JunFood & Wine Classic in Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, USAUsually a long weekend in mid-June · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was June 19-21
Food & Wine magazine's festival in the mountains: cooking demos by star chefs, wine seminars and the Grand Tasting tents.
How to go: Passes sell out; book Aspen lodging months ahead or stay down-valley in Basalt or Snowmass.
Photo: Anamariasmith, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · JunTaste of London
Regent's Park, London, UKUsually five days in mid-June · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 17-21 June
London restaurants cook small plates in the park, with masterclasses and producers.
How to go: Buy timed tickets ahead; evening sessions are livelier.
Photo: BigSus, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · JunBatalla del Vino
Haro, La Rioja, SpainExpected Tuesday 29 June 2027 · always 29 June, Saint Peter's day
Thousands soak each other with red wine on a hillside outside town, then picnic.
How to go: Wear white; Haro is 45 minutes from Logroño.
Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · JunSantos Populares
Lisbon, PortugalExpected 12–13 June 2027 · Santo António is always 12-13 June; the festas fill all of June
Sardine grills and street parties in Alfama and Mouraria.
How to go: The 12th of June is the big night; arrive early in Alfama.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · JunSão João
Porto, PortugalExpected 23–24 June 2027 · always the night of 23 June
Porto's biggest night: grilled sardines on every street, bonfires and plastic hammers.
How to go: Stay up until dawn on the riverfront.
Photo: Estela Neto, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · Jun–JulFestas Juninas
Brazil, BrazilUsually June and July · a season, not a single date
Brazil's June festivals: pamonha, canjica, pé-de-moleque, quentão and bonfires.
How to go: The biggest are in the Northeast (Caruaru, Campina Grande); São Paulo's parishes hold their own.
Photo: irrational_cat, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Jun–AugDurian season
Malaysia and Singapore, MalaysiaUsually June to August · a season, not a single date
The king of fruits at its peak: Musang King, Black Thorn and D24, cracked open at roadside stalls and eaten on the spot.
How to go: Eat at the stalls in SS2 in Kuala Lumpur, in Balik Pulau on Penang, or in Geylang in Singapore. Hotels won't let you take one inside.
Photo: Rob Croes / Anefo, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · JunHollandse Nieuwe and Vlaggetjesdag
Scheveningen and Amsterdam, NetherlandsUsually June · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · No date yet for the next Vlaggetjesdag
The new season's herring, mild and fatty, eaten raw with onion and pickles; the first barrel is auctioned for charity and Scheveningen holds its flag day.
How to go: Eat at a herring cart in Amsterdam or on the Scheveningen boulevard.
- From July
Photo: Bernardojbp, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · JulGuelaguetza
Oaxaca, MexicoExpected 19–26 July 2027 · the two Mondays after 16 July
Oaxaca's festival of the seven regions, with dances, a mezcal fair and food from across the state.
How to go: Buy seats for the auditorium shows early.
- From August
Photo: (Digon3)., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Aug–OctNapa and Sonoma harvest
Napa and Sonoma, California, USAUsually late August to October · a season, not a single date
Crush season in California wine country.
How to go: An hour north of San Francisco; book tasting rooms ahead.
Photo: flydime, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · AugLa Tomatina
Buñol, Valencia, SpainExpected Wednesday 25 August 2027 · always the last Wednesday of August
The world's biggest food fight: an hour of throwing tomatoes in the streets.
How to go: Entry is by ticket and capped; take the train from Valencia, 40 minutes.
Photo: Juan Emilio Prades Bel, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · AugFesta do Pulpo
O Carballiño, Galicia, SpainExpected Sunday 8 August 2027 · always the second Sunday of August
Galicia's octopus festival: tons of pulpo á feira cut with scissors and served on wooden plates.
How to go: An hour from Vigo or Santiago by car.
- Festivals · Aug
Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland, Maine, USA4–8 August 2027 · from Visit Maine, checked Oct 24, 2026
Steamed lobster by the ton on the Rockland harbor.
How to go: Four hours from Boston up the coast.
Photo: Fraguando, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Aug–SepChiles en nogada season
Puebla and Mexico City, MexicoUsually August and September · a season, not a single date
Poblano chiles stuffed with meat and fruit, under walnut sauce and pomegranate, made only when the walnuts are fresh.
How to go: Puebla is two hours from Mexico City; eat them there or at the city's classic restaurants.
Photo: This image was produced by me, David Castor (user:dcastor)., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · AugCrayfish parties
Sweden, SwedenUsually August · a season, not a single date
The kräftskiva: piles of dill-boiled crayfish, snaps with drinking songs, paper hats and lanterns, all through August.
How to go: Restaurants in Stockholm run crayfish dinners; buy crayfish at Östermalms Saluhall if you're throwing your own.
Photo: Danbu14, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · AugNotting Hill Carnival
London, UKExpected 29–30 August 2027 · always the Sunday and Monday of the August bank holiday
Europe's biggest street festival, with Caribbean food stalls: jerk chicken from oil-drum grills, curry goat, patties and rum punch.
How to go: Go on the Sunday (family day) or Monday; bring cash and walk in from Westbourne Park or Ladbroke Grove.
- From September
Photo: Renardo la vulpo, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Beer and spirits · Sep–OctOktoberfest
Munich, Germany18 September to 3 October 2027 · from City of Munich, checked Oct 24, 2026
The world's biggest beer festival: Munich's six breweries, roast chicken, pork knuckle and pretzels in the tents on the Theresienwiese.
How to go: Reserve a tent table months ahead through the tents themselves; weekday afternoons are easier without one.
Photo: Henxter, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Beer and spirits · SepBelgian Beer Weekend
Grand Place, Brussels, BelgiumUsually the first weekend of September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 4-6 September
Belgium's brewers pour on the Grand Place.
How to go: Brussels is an hour and a half from Paris and two hours from London by train.
Photo: Kaplansa, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Beer and spirits · SepKentucky Bourbon Festival
Bardstown, Kentucky, USA16–19 September 2027 (the festival's own announcement) · from Breaking Bourbon, checked Oct 24, 2026
The bourbon capital's festival, with distillers' tastings and barbecue.
How to go: Pair it with the Bourbon Trail distilleries; Louisville is 45 minutes away.
Photo: Perguillaume, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · SepChampagne harvest
Reims and Épernay, FranceUsually September · a season, not a single date
The vendanges in the Champagne vineyards; houses run harvest visits and lunches.
How to go: Forty-five minutes from Paris by train to Reims; book house tours ahead.
Photo: davitydave, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Sep–OctBordeaux and Burgundy wine harvest
Bordeaux and Burgundy, FranceUsually mid September to October · a season, not a single date
The vendanges across France's great wine regions; château visits and harvest lunches.
How to go: Book château visits ahead; harvest weeks are busy for the wineries.
Photo: Rosino, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Sep–OctDouro Valley harvest
Douro Valley, PortugalUsually mid September to early October · a season, not a single date
Grape-treading in the stone lagares of the port quintas.
How to go: Take the train up the valley from Porto to Pinhão; stay at a quinta for the vintage.
Photo: Levan Totosashvili, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Sep–OctRtveli, the Georgian grape harvest
Kakheti, GeorgiaUsually mid September to October · a season, not a single date
Families harvest grapes, press them and bury the wine in clay qvevri, then feast at a supra.
How to go: Base yourself in Sighnaghi or Telavi, two hours from Tbilisi.
Photo: Zarateman, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · SepFiestas de la Vendimia
Jerez de la Frontera, SpainUsually September · a season, not a single date
The sherry harvest festival, with grape-treading in front of the cathedral.
How to go: Pair with the sherry bodegas of Jerez and Sanlúcar.
Photo: Bill Golladay, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepFeast of San Gennaro
Little Italy, New York, USAUsually eleven days in mid-September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The century-old Italian street feast on Mulberry Street: sausage and peppers, zeppole and cannoli.
How to go: Go on a weekday evening to beat the weekend crowds.
Photo: Gatorfan252525, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Competitions · SepAmerican Royal World Series of Barbecue
Kansas City, USAUsually September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 30 Sept-4 Oct
The world's largest barbecue contest, in the city of burnt ends.
How to go: Pair it with Kansas City's barbecue joints.
Photo: Netherzone, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · SepHatch Chile Festival
Hatch, New Mexico, USAExpected 4–5 September 2027 · always Labor Day weekend
The green chile harvest, with roasters turning in the fields and a festival in town.
How to go: Stay in Las Cruces, 40 minutes away.
Photo: Jessica Rossi, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepPEI Fall Flavours
Prince Edward Island, CanadaUsually all of September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Lobster, mussels and Malpeque oysters in Prince Edward Island's month-long fall festival.
How to go: Fly to Charlottetown; book the chef events ahead.
Photo: Philippe Alès, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Sep–AprOyster season in Brittany and Normandy
Cancale and Normandy, FranceUsually September to April · a season, not a single date
Eat a dozen oysters at the stalls on the Cancale seawall, facing the beds they came from.
How to go: Train from Paris to Saint-Malo (2.5 hours), then a short drive.
Photo: Lisa Harbin, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepGalway International Oyster & Seafood Festival
Galway, Ireland24–26 September 2027 · pencilled in, not confirmed yet · Galway Tourism, checked Oct 24, 2026
The world's longest-running oyster festival, with the Irish and world oyster-opening championships.
How to go: Three hours from Dublin by train or bus.
Photo: WelshDave, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepAbergavenny Food Festival
Abergavenny, Wales, UKUsually a weekend in mid-September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 19-20 September
The UK's most celebrated food festival, with producers' markets in a Welsh market town.
How to go: Trains from Cardiff and London.
Photo: Civa61, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepCous Cous Fest
San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily, ItalyUsually about a week in late September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Couscous cooks from around the Mediterranean compete in a Sicilian beach town.
How to go: Drive from Palermo or Trapani; stay by the beach.
Photo: _quest, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Sep–OctSagra del Pistacchio
Bronte, Sicily, ItalyUsually late September to early October · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · The 2026 edition has passed
The pistachio harvest town on the slopes of Etna, with pistachio cannoli, pesto and arancini in the streets.
How to go: An hour from Catania by car.
- Festivals · Sep
Cheese
Bra, Piedmont, ItalyUsually four days in September, in odd-numbered years · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Slow Food's cheese festival: raw-milk cheesemakers from around the world fill the streets of Bra.
How to go: Held in odd-numbered years; Bra is an hour from Turin by train.
Photo: Alessandro Vargiu, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepTerra Madre Salone del Gusto
Turin, ItalyUsually five days in late September, in even-numbered years · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Slow Food's world gathering of farmers, fishers and cooks, with a vast market of their food.
How to go: Held in Turin in even-numbered years; book rooms early.
Photo: Stevemconst61, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · SepNapoli Pizza Village
Naples, ItalyUsually about ten days, recently in September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The pizza festival on the Naples seafront, with the city's pizzerie firing ovens side by side.
How to go: Entry is free; you pay per pizza. Dates have moved in recent years.
Photo: H. Hoffmeister, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · SepExpo del Chianti Classico
Greve in Chianti, ItalyUsually early September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The Chianti Classico wine fair in Greve's arcaded piazza, with dozens of estates pouring.
How to go: An hour from Florence by bus or car.
Photo: clubvino, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · SepBudapest Wine Festival
Buda Castle, Budapest, HungaryUsually five days in September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
Hungary's winemakers pour on the terraces of Buda Castle, from Tokaj to Villány.
How to go: Pair it with a day in Tokaj, two and a half hours by train.
Photo: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · Sep–DecHairy crab season
Shanghai and Hong Kong, ChinaUsually September to December · a season, not a single date
Yangcheng Lake crabs, steamed and eaten with ginger and black vinegar; females are best in October, males in November.
How to go: Eat them at a crab house in Shanghai, or in Hong Kong's Cantonese restaurants.
Photo: Lybil BER, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Sep–OctMid-Autumn Festival
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, AsiaWednesday 15 September 2027 (the public holiday is the day after) · from PublicHolidays HK, checked Oct 24, 2026
Mooncakes with lotus paste and salted yolks, lanterns and family dinners under the full moon.
How to go: Bakeries sell out; buy in the days before. In Taipei families barbecue on the sidewalks.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · Sep–OctVegetarian Festival
Phuket and Bangkok, ThailandUsually nine days in the 9th lunar month · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 10-18 October
Nine days of jay (vegan) food from yellow-flagged stalls, with temple processions in Phuket and Chinatown's street food in Bangkok.
How to go: Phuket has the processions; Bangkok's Yaowarat Road has the best eating.
Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · SepWiener Weinwandertag
Vienna, AustriaUsually a weekend in late September · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026)
The Vienna wine hiking day: walking routes through the vineyards inside the city, with heurigen pouring new wine and Sturm along the way.
How to go: Take the tram to Neustift am Walde, Nussdorf or Stammersdorf and walk; it's free.
- From October
Photo: Kent Wang from London, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Truffles · Oct–DecAlba International White Truffle Fair
Alba, Piedmont, ItalyOn now, until 6 December 2026 (the market is open on weekends) · from Fiera del Tartufo d'Alba, checked Oct 24, 2026
The white truffle capital's fair: the truffle market in the Cortile della Maddalena, tastings, and dinners across the Langhe. The world white truffle auction is held at the Castle of Grinzane Cavour in November.
How to go: Stay in Alba or a Langhe village and book a truffle hunt with a trifulau and his dog through the fair or a local agency; book Langhe restaurants weeks ahead.
Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · OctNew York City Wine & Food Festival
New York, USA14–17 October 2027 · from NYCWFF, checked Oct 24, 2026
Dozens of events across the city, from Burger Bash to intimate chef dinners, with proceeds to fight hunger.
How to go: Tickets per event; the big tastings sell out.
Photo: Openmalware.exe, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · OctHawaii Food & Wine Festival
Honolulu, Maui and the Big Island, Hawaii, USAOn now, until 8 November 2026 (Oahu weekend 5-8 November) · from Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, checked Oct 24, 2026
Chefs from Hawaii and around the world cooking with island fish, fruit and beef.
How to go: Events are spread across the islands; plan which island first.
Photo: Gordito1869, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Chef festivals · OctSan Sebastián Gastronomika
San Sebastián, SpainUsually three days in October · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2027 is listed as pending confirmation
The Basque chef congress, held in the Kursaal, with a market of producers.
How to go: Pair it with pintxo nights in the Parte Vieja and a cider house lunch.
Photo: Sharat Chowdhury, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Beer and spirits · OctSaijo Sake Matsuri
Higashi-Hiroshima, JapanUsually a weekend in early to mid October · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 10-11 October
A sake town of seven breweries pours hundreds of sakes from across Japan.
How to go: Twenty minutes by train from Hiroshima; buy the tasting-hall ticket early.
Photo: Demeester, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · Oct–DecThe olive harvest and new oil
Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia, ItalyUsually October to December · a season, not a single date
Frantoi (mills) press the new oil, green and peppery; Umbria's Frantoi Aperti opens the mills to visitors on autumn weekends.
How to go: Visit a frantoio for a tasting of olio nuovo on bruschetta.
Photo: Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · OctFesta do Marisco
O Grove, Galicia, SpainUsually about ten days in early to mid October · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · 2026 was 1-12 October
The seafood festival on the Galician coast: percebes, centolla, oysters and razor clams.
How to go: Stay on the Rías Baixas; it's an hour from Vigo and Santiago.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · OctFiesta de la Rosa del Azafrán
Consuegra, La Mancha, SpainOn now, until 25 October 2026 · from Festivales de España, checked Oct 24, 2026
Saffron harvest festival under the windmills of La Mancha, with a crocus-stripping contest.
How to go: An hour and a half from Madrid by car.
Photo: J Mndz, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Oct–NovDía de Muertos
Oaxaca and Mexico City, MexicoExpected 31 October to 2 November 2026 · always 31 October to 2 November
Altars, marigolds, pan de muerto and mole; Oaxaca's markets and cemetery vigils are the heart of it.
How to go: Book Oaxaca months ahead.
Photo: Marianne Casamance, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · OctFête du Piment
Espelette, Basque Country, FranceSunday 25 October 2026 · from Guide du Pays Basque, checked Oct 24, 2026
The red piment d'Espelette dries in strings on the house fronts of a Basque village, with a market and a blessing.
How to go: Forty minutes from Biarritz by car.
Photo: Linda Tieu, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · OctEurochocolate
Perugia, Umbria, Italy13–22 November 2026 · from idealista, checked Oct 24, 2026
Europe's chocolate festival fills the medieval center of Perugia, home of the Baci.
How to go: Two hours from Rome or Florence by train.
Photo: Gino il Pio, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Harvests · OctSagra dell'Uva
Marino, Castelli Romani, ItalyExpected Sunday 3 October 2027 · always the first Sunday of October
The grape harvest festival in the Castelli Romani, when the town's fountains flow with wine for an afternoon.
How to go: Thirty minutes from Rome Termini by train.
Photo: Douglas Paul Perkins, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · Oct–NovTokyo Ramen Show
Komazawa Olympic Park, Tokyo, Japan23 October to 3 November 2026 · pencilled in, not confirmed yet (in three rounds; confirm on the official site) · Japan Travel, checked Oct 24, 2026
Ramen shops from every region of Japan line up in one park, from Hakata tonkotsu to Sapporo miso.
How to go: Buy meal tickets at the gate; go on a weekday afternoon.
Photo: Krista, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Food holidays · Oct–NovDiwali
India, IndiaSunday 8 November 2026 (Lakshmi Puja) · from SmartPuja, checked Oct 24, 2026
The festival of lights: sweet shops pile up kaju katli, barfi and gift boxes, homes cook for days, and the cities glow.
How to go: Delhi and Mumbai are joyful and packed; Old Delhi's sweet shops (Ghantewala, Chaina Ram) have lines out the door.
- From November
Photo: MatthiasKabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Truffles · NovMostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco, San Miniato
San Miniato, Tuscany, Italy14–29 November 2026 (the last three weekends) · from Italia.it, checked Oct 24, 2026
Tuscany's white truffle fair in a hill town between Florence and Pisa, with truffle stalls through the old streets.
How to go: A day trip by train from Florence (Empoli then bus) or by car; hunts can be booked with local truffle families.
Photo: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · NovHospices de Beaune wine auction
Beaune, Burgundy, France13–15 November 2026 (the auction weekend) · from France.fr, checked Oct 24, 2026
The world's most famous charity wine auction, with the town's cellars open and a street party.
How to go: Stay in Beaune or Dijon; the auction is free to watch.
Photo: DALIBRI, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Markets · Nov–DecChristmas markets of Germany and Austria
Nuremberg, Vienna, Munich and Berlin, Germany and Austria27 November to 24 December 2026 (Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt) · from City of Nuremberg, checked Oct 24, 2026
Glühwein, roasted almonds, lebkuchen and bratwurst under lights in the old squares.
How to go: Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt opens on the Friday before Advent; Vienna's and Munich's open in mid to late November.
Photo: Romynine, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Markets · Nov–DecStrasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg, Alsace, FranceFrom 27 November 2026 (the city hasn't posted the closing day yet) · from Swiss Activities, checked Oct 24, 2026
France's oldest Christmas market, with Alsace's bredele biscuits, vin chaud and pretzels.
How to go: Under two hours from Paris by TGV.
Photo: René Hourdry, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Wine · NovBeaujolais Nouveau
Beaujolais and Lyon, FranceThursday 19 November 2026 · from Lyon Mag, checked Oct 24, 2026
The new Beaujolais is opened at midnight on the third Wednesday into Thursday, with parties in the wine villages and Lyon's bouchons.
How to go: Stay in Lyon and go up to Beaujeu for the Sarmentelles.
Photo: by Caroline Knox at flickr, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Seasons · NovKimjang season
Seoul, South KoreaUsually November · a season, not a single date
Kimchi-making season, when families make the winter's kimchi together and the city holds its Seoul Kimchi Festival.
How to go: Join a kimjang class in Seoul, and eat bossam (boiled pork) with the fresh kimchi.
- Harvests · Nov
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Kona, Hawaii, USA6–15 November 2026 · from Hawaii.com, checked Oct 24, 2026
Hawaii's oldest food festival marks the coffee harvest on the Big Island's Kona slopes, with farm tours and a cupping competition.
How to go: Fly to Kona; stay up the slope in Holualoa among the farms.
- From December
Photo: moi-même, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Truffles · Dec–FebPérigord black truffle season
Périgord and Quercy, FranceUsually Tuesday markets in Lalbenque, and Sarlat's truffle festival in mid-January · next dates not announced yet (checked Oct 24, 2026) · Sarlat 2026 was 17-18 January
The black truffle markets of southwest France: Lalbenque's Tuesday afternoon market opens with a whistle, and Sarlat holds the Fête de la Truffe in January.
How to go: Base yourself in Sarlat or Cahors; truffle farms (trufficulteurs) take visitors for hunts in winter.
Photo: Mitu Gogoi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. Festivals · DecHornbill Festival
Kohima, Nagaland, India1–10 December 2026 · from Time Out India, checked Oct 24, 2026
Nagaland's tribes gather at Kisama with dance, smoked pork with bamboo shoot, rice beer and the famous ghost-pepper eating contest.
How to go: Fly to Dimapur and drive 2 hours to Kohima; Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit, foreigners register on arrival. Book homestays early.
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Every date says where it comes from and when we checked it, and Chef re-checks a few events every morning. When the next dates aren’t out yet we say so and show when the event usually happens; seasons and dates set by tradition, Easter or the moon say so too. Something missing from the list? Tell us.