10 Best Food Festivals in Europe

The Napoli Pizza Village Festival is a 10-day celebration that transforms Lungomare Caracciolo, Naples’ scenic seafront promenade, into the world's largest pizzeria. The event honors the birthplace of pizza, showcasing a variety of styles, including wood-fired and gluten-free options. You can sample hundreds of different pizzas prepared by renowned pizzaiolos from Naples and beyond. You might find yourself tucking into a zucchetta, which is topped with pumpkin cream and cured ham, or a scarpariello, which melds tomatoes, cheeses, red peppers, basil, and olive oil.

The festival also features live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and educational workshops where you can learn the art of pizza making. This event attracts over a million visitors each year, making it a gastronomic highlight and a cultural celebration.

When: May-June

The Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival is one of northern Europe's largest culinary events, drawing food enthusiasts from around the globe. This 10-day festival celebrates Nordic cuisine with over 100 events that include tastings, workshops, and chef collaborations. Indulge in traditional Danish dishes like gravlax, salmon that has been cured in a mixture of salt, sugar, and dill, and served with mustard sauce and rye bread; or Norway’s national dish, fårikål, a hearty stew made from lamb or mutton and cabbage, seasoned with whole black peppercorns. It is traditionally slow-cooked for several hours and enjoyed during the autumn months, particularly on National Fårikål Day.

In between exploring innovative culinary trends that define Copenhagen's food scene, you can participate in activities such as open-air dinners, food markets, and themed events that highlight local producers and chefs. With its focus on community and collaboration, the Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival delights the palate and fosters a deeper appreciation for Nordic culinary traditions.

When: August

The annual Prague Food Festival showcases the best of Czech cuisine through a series of tastings and cooking demonstrations. Held in the beautiful gardens of the Prague Castle, this one-day festival features top chefs preparing traditional dishes using locally sourced ingredients. It provides you with the opportunity to taste a variety of foods from different regions of the Czech Republic, such as the Bohemia region’s svíčková, marinated beef sirloin served with a creamy root vegetable sauce.

In addition to tastings, the festival offers cooking workshops where you can learn new culinary skills from professional chefs. The Prague Food Festival is a feast for the senses and an educational experience that highlights the culinary heritage of the Czech Republic.

When: May

Taste of Stockholm is one of Sweden's premier food festivals, taking place in Kungsträdgården park. The five-day event marks the beginning of summer and features an array of food stalls offering signature dishes from some of Stockholm's best restaurants. In addition to sampling delicious food like meatballs and fermented herring, you can enjoy cooking competitions, chef duels, and interactive workshops that highlight Swedish culinary traditions.

This celebration of Swedish cuisine also emphasizes a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Many chefs adopt zero-waste philosophies and prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

When: June

The Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival is renowned as one of Europe's most famous food festivals and holds the title of being the longest-running oyster festival in the world. This event celebrates all things seafood, with a focus on oysters harvested from Galway Bay. Indulge in fresh oysters paired with local beers and wines while enjoying live music and entertainment.

The highlight of the festival is the World Oyster Opening Championship, where expert shuckers compete for glory in front of enthusiastic crowds. With its festive atmosphere and delicious offerings, this event is a must-attend for seafood lovers looking to experience authentic Irish hospitality.

When: September

The Abergavenny Food Festival is one of Wales' most celebrated culinary events, attracting over 30,000 visitors each year. This two-day festival features more than 200 exhibitors showcasing local produce, artisan foods like Welsh rarebit and cawl, a lamb and vegetable stew, and beverages from Wales and beyond. At the event, you can participate in tastings, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that cater to all ages.

The festival includes masterclasses on cheese making and bread baking as it highlights Welsh gastronomy and fosters community spirit through its engaging programs and activities.

When: September

Taste of Amsterdam transforms Amstelpark into a gastronomic paradise for four days each year. This event showcases dishes from some of Amsterdam's top restaurants, alongside interactive cooking classes led by renowned chefs. Sample a wide range of culinary delights, perhaps indulging in bitterballen, deep-fried balls filled with beef or veal ragout, followed by a sweet treat like stroopwafels, a classic Dutch treat consisting of two thin waffles filled with syrup.

Backdropped by live music performances that enhance the atmosphere, the event also features wine tastings, where sommeliers will guide you through pairing wines with various dishes. With its focus on food and entertainment, Taste of Amsterdam offers a comprehensive culinary experience that celebrates Dutch cuisine in an inviting setting.

When: May-June

The Baltic Herring Festival takes place annually in Helsinki's Market Square and celebrates one of Finland’s most beloved seafood delicacies, herring. The lively event features numerous stalls offering herring prepared in various ways, alongside other traditional Finnish foods. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and even participate in herring-related competitions.

You can also learn about sustainable fishing practices and local seafood culture through interactive exhibits. The Baltic Herring Festival provides an opportunity to experience Finnish culinary traditions while enjoying the atmosphere by the sea.

When: October

Budapest's Gourmet Festival is a premier event showcasing Hungary's top chefs and their innovative takes on traditional Hungarian cuisine. The three-day festival will see you sampling dishes from various restaurants while enjoying wine pairings from Hungary’s renowned vineyards. The festival also features masterclasses where you can learn cooking techniques directly from celebrated chefs.

With its focus on high-quality ingredients and creative presentations, the Gourmet Festival attracts food enthusiasts eager to explore Hungary's culinary landscape, including dishes like goulash, a stew of beef, vegetables, and paprika, or strudel, a pastry filled with fruit. The combination of food offerings and engaging activities makes the gathering a highlight on Budapest's cultural calendar.

When: June

I Primi d’Italia is dedicated exclusively to Italy’s beloved first courses, such as pasta, risotto, and soups. This four-day festival takes place in Foligno's historic center and features tastings of numerous regional cuisines from across Italy. You can enjoy innovative interpretations by starred chefs while exploring dedicated tasting villages focused on specific dishes or dietary needs.

After sampling first courses, participate in cooking classes led by professional chefs who share their expertise on Italian cooking techniques. I Primi d’Italia offers an immersive experience for food lovers seeking authentic Italian flavors as it emphasizes the country’s diverse culinary heritage centered around first courses.

When: September

Exploring the culinary festivals of Europe reveals rich flavors, traditions, and cultural experiences that celebrate the continent's diverse gastronomy. From the vibrant streets of Naples to the charming markets of Copenhagen, these gatherings showcase local delicacies and foster a sense of community among food lovers. Each provides an opportunity to savor authentic dishes while engaging with passionate chefs and artisans dedicated to their craft.

As you plan your adventure to the 10 best food festivals in Europe, gain more inspiration and travel tips from our Europe travel guide, Europe tours and vacations, or our trips of a lifetime series.