The 25 Best Summer Food Festivals in Europe

Dining al-fresco is one of the highlights of summer, but enjoying food in the summer sunshine, with music in the background, the sights and smells of a wide range of delicious food cooking and more – it’s the perfect reason why food festivals in the summer are that much better.

From local chefs to some of the biggest names in the culinary world sharing their tips and tricks, as well as local produce to global favourites on your doorstep, this summer, Europe is home to some of the biggest and best food festivals in the world. Here are 25 of the best:

Savouring Summer with European Food Festivals

25. Bite of Amsterdam – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: 19th – 21st June 2026

Bite of Amsterdam attracts some of the Netherlands’ biggest names in cookery, and it is a fantastic place to experience the very best of Dutch cuisine.

Whether you want to sample Dutch classics cooked gourmet-style by leading chefs or traditional street food with a Dutch twist, this is the best festival in Amsterdam to do so.

If you’re into fine dining, there’s even a top Chef’s Table, where guests can enjoy gourmet meals served Michelin-style.

24. Geneva Street Food Festival – Geneva, Switzerland

Dates: 25th June – 5th July 2026

Fondue, raclette, rösti, gruyère cheese, milk chocolate, Alpine muesli…the list goes on and on for well-known Swiss foods. And where better to experience these – and others – than in the heart of Geneva this summer?

Now in its 10th year, Geneva Street Food Festival sees over 60 vendors turn up to sell their wares, offering everything from an authentic taste of Switzerland to cuisines as far afield as East Asia and South America. With a strong focus on recycling and reusability, guests pay a small deposit on reusable plates and glasses in an effort to reduce unnecessary waste.

The festival is also family-friendly, with dedicated children’s play areas throughout, as well as DJ sets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings to keep the party going into the early hours.

23. Abergavenny Food Festival – Abergavenny, Wales

Dates: 19th–20th September 2026

From its humble origins in 1999, where two local farmers found their livelihoods threatened by mad cow disease, to its 27th year, the Abergavenny Food Festival has shown what happens when a community rallies together, and it has grown from strength to strength.

The festival is primarily a celebration of the UK farming industry, and encourages visitors to change the way they think about food, with a strong emphasis on farm-to-fork cookery.

Featuring local chefs, producers, farmers and more, you can expect cookery talks, demonstrations, live music and food tastings at this incredible Welsh festival.

22. Grillfest – Pärnu, Estonia

Dates: 12th – 13th June 2026

Pärnu, in southwest Estonia, might not be the first place that you think of visiting in the summer, but if you’re a foodie, then this hidden gem is well worth a visit.

Over 300 food vendors from across Estonia and much further afield descend on the popular Estonian summer holiday resort town, filling the air with the scent of barbecued meats, stir-fried vegetables, spicy curries, sweet desserts and more.

Entry is completely free, so it is ideal to visit if you’re travelling on a budget or visiting with your family. In addition, local bands and artists take to the stage during the day, while at night, official After-Grill parties are hosted in local clubs for those who want to carry on the celebrations.

21. Gourmet Fesztival – Budapest, Hungary

Dates: 4th – 7th June 2026

We hope that you’ve brought your appetite for this incredible festival in the Hungarian capital.

The festival is an authentic celebration of Hungarian cuisine, and this ranges from street-food style vendors to celebrity chefs hosting talks and live demonstrations.

The idea of this festival is that food from around Hungary, grown by Hungarian farmers, made by Hungarian chefs and celebrated by Hungarian people, should be enjoyed and respected by all, and if you’re not Hungarian, then you are offered an insight into some of the finest food in the country.

Whether you’re familiar with Hungarian cuisine or not, by the time you have visited Gourmet Fesztival in Budapest, you certainly will be.

19. Neustifter Kirtag – Vienna, Austria

Dates: 20th – 23rd August 2026

If you like your food festivals with a heavy dollop of traditional culture, then a visit to Neustifter Kirtag in the Austrian capital this August is a must.

In fact, the emphasis on traditional Austrian culture is so strong that many attendees (Austrian or not) turn up dressed in traditional Austrian lederhosen to really get into the spirit.

Neustift is one of Vienna’s most well-known wine regions, and the festival is perfect for wine lovers. Huge, long wooden tables line the streets, with numerous pop-up wine taverns along the route to enjoy a glass or two of authentic Austrian wine with traditional Austrian food.

A party atmosphere, incredible food and even better wine – what better way to experience Vienna’s foodie culture?

19. Taste of London – London, England

Dates: 17th – 21st June 2026

One of the UK’s most well-known food festivals, Taste of London takes over Regent’s Park in the capital for the ultimate summery food experience. 

From live cooking demonstrations, cookery classes and tastings, to pitchers of Pimm’s in the London sunshine, to live music as the sun goes down, Taste of London is a fantastic way to experience the multi-cultural hub that London is through its food.

With plenty of bars around, it makes for a fun afternoon and evening out – and you’re not short of anywhere to grab a quick snack from to soak up the alcohol after a boozy afternoon either.

18. Skopje Street Food Festival – Skopje, North Macedonia

Dates: 3rd – 7th June 2026

An unassuming destination for many, Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is home to one of the summer’s best food festivals.

This vibrant, multi-day culinary experience is a perfect showcase of Macedonian and Balkan cuisine. The Balkan region has historically been influenced by foods from Turkey, West Asia, North Africa, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe and more, so it is the perfect cultural melting pot of ingredients.

With Balkan burgers, crepes, desserts, drinks and more on offer, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. After you’ve enjoyed sampling some of the delicious cuisine, stick around as the festival trades desserts for DJs, and the party carries on into the early hours of the morning.

17. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain

Dates: 26th August 2026

A food festival like no other, La Tomatina in Spain is actually the world’s largest food fight. 

Starting in 1945, La Tomatina was originally a food fight between a group of teenagers that got out of hand, and it is now a globally recognised event, with people travelling thousands of miles to attend.

After the tomatoes have been thrown and the streets washed down, the event turns into a lively street party, making it a thoroughly unique celebration of food.

With over 150,000 tomatoes at the ready for this one insane day of fruit-flinging, it’s an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

16. Matfestivalen Skövde – Skövde, Sweden

Dates: 28th – 29th August 2026

This free-to-enter food festival in Skövde, around 150km from Gothenburg, is one of Sweden’s best hidden gems.

Held over the final weekend in August, the festival features a mixture of local and international chefs, selling cuisine ranging from Swedish to South Korean.

Whether you’re on the search for a traditional culinary experience or something with a more modern twist to it, a visit to Matfestivalen will certainly satisfy your taste buds.

Live music is featured throughout the day and evening to add the perfect soundtrack to your food festival experience.

15. Maschsee Festival – Hanover, Germany

Dates: 22nd July – 9th August 2026

Set on the shores of Masch Lake, this incredible food festival in Germany attracts thousands of festival-goers every year.

And it’s not just traditional German food on offer either: Caribbean, African, East Asian, South Asian, Italian, Scandinavian, you name it – they’re all available to sample at Maschsee Festival.

The lakeside huts, which serve the food and drinks, are illuminated once the sun sets, and the party begins with bars serving German beer, guitars and DJs warming up the crowd, and the place, which has been crowned Germany’s biggest open-air party, really comes to life.

14. Indian Food Festival – Brussels, Belgium

Dates: 22nd – 23rd August 2026

Since the 1970s, Belgium has had a strong relationship with its Indian community, and the Indian Food Festival in Brussels is a fantastic way to celebrate Indian culture in Belgium.

Hosted at Cinquantenaire Park in the city centre, the festival has two distinct elements: Indian food and Indian Mela.

The food showcases everything from Belgian classics with an Indian twist to authentic Indian dishes, prepared by top-class Belgian-Indian chefs. After the delicious food has been served and sampled, the festival turns into a traditional Indian Mela, with Indian music, dancing, and even more food for those who want a late-night snack.

This is a great festival to visit for a truly authentic Indian celebration in Belgium.

13. Stranraer Oyster Festival – Stranraer, Scotland

Dates: 11th – 13th September 2026

For seafood lovers, few festivals hold more sway than the Stranraer Oyster Festival in Scotland.

The festival celebrates Scotland’s last native and wild oyster bed, with celebrity chef live demonstrations, Oyster Shucking Championships advertised using the witty hashtag #ShuckOff, family-friendly events, live music and a huge oyster bar, with fresh oysters from the nearby Loch Ryan.

This is a truly unique celebration of the humble oyster, and a celebration of Scottish cuisine based around the mollusc.

12. Gourin Crêpe Festival – Gourin, France

Dates: 25th – 26th July 2026

While France and crêpes are synonymous, Gourin is known as the crêpe capital of the world, and the Gourin Crêpe Festival showcases exactly why.

This entire festival is dedicated to the humble yet mighty crêpe, and no fewer than 50 stall holders will be there – with every single one of them selling crêpes!

This is a truly unique festival where you can experience authentic French crêpes, whether you like them savoury, with melted cheese and locally sourced ham, or sweet with local honey and home-grown lemon juice squeezed on top.

Alongside the crêpes, there is also a full program of live music from local artists who take to the stage throughout the weekend, adding a vibrant and upbeat feel to the festival.

11. Gladmat Festival – Stavanger, Norway

Dates: 24th – 27th June 2026

Now in its 28th year, the Gladmat Festival is Stavanger’s premier food festival. Known as ‘the most fun food festival in the world’, Gladmat – which can be translated as ‘happy food’ – showcases the very best of what food can offer and do for us.

With a wide range of food stalls selling everything from meat and fish to sweet treats and fruit, there’s something for everyone here. On top of that, there’s even the iconic chilli-eating contest – only the reckless, brave, or recklessly brave need apply to enter!

There is also a hub with children’s activities, making it ideal for a family day out, while local and celebrity chefs offer live cooking demonstrations throughout the festival. This is truly one of Scandinavia’s best food festivals.

10. Gailtaler Speckfest – Hermagor, Austria

Dates: 5th – 6th June 2026

Are you a bacon lover? No, are you a serious bacon lover? Then you need to get yourself to this Austrian food festival dedicated to bacon, now in its 32nd year!

While there are multiple stalls dedicated to this porky treat, from bacon cheeseburgers, bacon and potatoes, and even bacon-glazed doughnuts, there is plenty more on offer for those craving something different.

A range of local Austrian wines and craft beers is available from other food stalls, and the ‘Bacon Party’ starts from 9 pm onwards, with live, traditional Austrian music to keep the vibes going well into the night. A genuinely fun and unique festival for people looking to celebrate authentic Austrian culture and all things bacon.

9. Taste of Transylvania – Ghimeş, Romania

Dates: 3rd – 6th September 2026

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of Europe’s hidden gems when it comes to food festivals.

Hosted in the heart of Transylvania, Romania, this food festival brings together local restauranters and producers with the primary aim of restoring Transylvania’s culinary heritage, and putting Romanian food firmly on the foodie map.

The festival is a revival of traditional and sometimes long-lost Transylvanian recipes, and aims to bring them to light through demonstrations, tastings and talks – all of which aim to inspire visitors to try this food for themselves, and support local Romanian producers.

For a festival that’s not all glamour, lights, glitz, music and more, this is a fantastic one to visit if you want to be educated in food history and support local businesses.

8. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival – Galway, Ireland

Dates: 25th – 27th September 2026

The ultimate festival for seafood lovers, and especially if you’re an oyster fan!

Not only is this Ireland’s biggest oyster festival, but it’s also the biggest and longest-running oyster festival in the world.

Alongside the countless seafood options, there is also live music, dancing, live cooking demonstrations and more – but the main highlight of the event is the World Oyster Opening Championship, where the top oyster shuckers across the globe compete for the number one spot.

This is a fantastic festival atmosphere for foodies of all ages, and set against Ireland’s wild and rugged Atlantic coast, it is the ultimate setting for a seafood festival.

7. Big Feastival – Oxfordshire, England

Dates: 28th – 30th August 2026

Hosted on Alex James’ (the bassist from Blur) farm in the Cotswolds, the Big Feastival is one of the most well-known British food festivals in the culinary calendar.

With Michelin-starred chefs alongside local street food stalls, the Big Feastival is a celebration of all things food for everyone, from seasoned professionals to families looking for a fun day out in the idyllic surroundings of the Cotswolds.

Plus, because it’s a musician who hosts it, there’s no surprise that live music is also a huge part of the Big Feastival, with this year’s line-up featuring bands and artists including Bastille, Basement Jaxx, Rudimental, The Streets, The Coral and more.

From live cooking demonstrations, educational talks, street food stalls, food tastings, live music and more, this is one of Europe’s best summer food festivals.

6. Alma do Vinho – Alenquer, Portugal

Dates: 17th – 20th September 2026

Found just half an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Alma do Vinho celebrates the very best of Portuguese wine, food and culture.

If you’re an oenophile, or even just a wine-lover, then you’re in luck, as not only do you get to sample different types of Portuguese wines, but you get to meet the makers of the individual wines, and hear the stories and theories behind why their wine tastes as it does.

In addition, there are even wine barrel-rolling competitions, grape-squashing contests and a whole range of other activities, as well as traditional folk dancing to set the atmosphere for an incredible food festival experience.

5. O Carballiño Octopus Festival – Galicia, Spain

Dates: 9th August 2026

Found in the Galicia region in northern Spain, this food festival is one of the most unique in the world.

Octopus is not normally a food that many people are familiar with, but if you’ve tried it – and love it – then a visit to O Carballiño Octopus Festival is a must.

Between 25,000 and 30,000kg of octopus are prepared for eating at this Spanish festival, showcasing numerous different methods of cooking and ways to enjoy this sea creature, which has been eaten in the region for centuries.

Don’t worry if you don’t like the octopus, though: there are also a range of local Ribeiro wines on sale, as well as local and traditional breads and pies to sample, too.

4. Sardine Festival – Portimão, Portugal

Dates: TBC, usually early August

Over the last year or so, largely thanks to the power of social media, eating tinned fish has seen a surge in popularity. And one of the most popular options is sardines, rich in Omega 3 and good fats, so if you’re on the tinned fish train – why not celebrate all things sardines at the largest sardine festival in Europe, minus the tins?

Found in Portimão in the Algarve, this festival celebrates the mini but mighty sardine in their peak season, and some of the finest in the world are found off the coast of southern Portugal.

From enjoying them the traditional Portuguese way – served on a hunk of fresh bread, peel off the skin and eat the meat, then eat the bread that has soaked up all of those delicious juices. This is the perfect food festival for fish lovers, although there are other foods available if you’re not a sardine lover. DJs keep the party going long into the night when the sun goes down for the ultimate food festival party atmosphere.

3. Fête de l’Ail Rose – Lautrec, France

Dates: 7th – 8th August 2026

If you’re the type of person who automatically doubles the amount of garlic required in a recipe without a second thought, then this is the festival for you.

The Fête de l’Ail Rose – or Pink Garlic Festival – celebrates pink garlic, Lautrec’s local delicacy. It’s no secret that the French love their garlic, but in Lautrec, it’s an entirely different level of affiliation for this simple bulb.

The streets come alive with the smell of garlic cooking, and alongside engaging demonstrations, tastings, entertainment and even garlic-themed crafts, this is the perfect place for garlic lovers to visit.

You’ll come away inspired with a whole new respect for the humble garlic, and with plenty more recipe ideas in mind.

2. Copenhagen Cooking – Copenhagen, Denmark

Dates: 21st – 30th August 2026

One of Denmark’s – and Scandinavia’s – biggest food festivals, Copenhagen Cooking sees the capital city transform into a food-lover’s paradise for nine days in late August.

The food festival showcases Danish ingredients used across a multitude of different global cuisines, offering a glimpse into the versatility of Scandinavian food. One such example includes Korean kimchi, made with the first Danish apples of the season.

While celebrating Danish ingredients and produce, the festival also helps to bridge the gap between high-end restaurants and everyday foodstuffs, showing that regular people – with some professional guidance and education – can make top-quality dishes at home using local ingredients.

1. Cork on a Fork Festival – Cork, Ireland

Dates: 12th – 16th August 2026

One of Ireland’s most famous food festivals, Cork on a Fork, is everything that a food festival should be.

With over 150 events scheduled over the space of five days in the capital of the Rebel County – from community-focussed events, street food stalls, interactive dining experiences, food history tours and more – Cork comes alive with the sights, smells and sounds of food.

With a strong emphasis and focus on sustainability, local produce and culture, Cork on a Fork is a fantastic way to learn about Ireland’s vibrant, traditional and deeply historic food scene, often showcasing recipes that have been passed down through generations with sustainability and local community support at the heart of it.