18 Must-Visit Food Festivals for Every Foodie’s Bucket List

For food lovers, there’s nothing quite like a festival that brings together passionate chefs, unique dishes, and local flavors. From gourmet experiences to street food celebrations, food festivals are an ideal way to taste new flavors, learn from culinary pros, and immerse yourself in a city’s food culture. Here are 18 must-visit food festivals around the world that every foodie should have on their bucket list.

1. Taste of Chicago – Chicago, Illinois, USA

Held every summer in the Windy City, Taste of Chicago is one of the largest food festivals in the world. With food from dozens of Chicago’s best restaurants and food trucks, this event highlights everything from classic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to innovative global cuisine. Beyond the bites, there’s live music, cooking demonstrations, and even dance performances, making it a full-blown celebration of the city’s diverse culinary scene.

2. Salon du Chocolat – Paris, France

Chocoholics, rejoice! Salon du Chocolat is the world’s premier chocolate festival, featuring everything from chocolate sculptures to haute couture outfits made of, yes, chocolate. Held annually in Paris, this event brings together chocolatiers from all over the globe for tastings, workshops, and creative displays. Visitors can learn the art of chocolate-making, meet world-renowned pastry chefs, and, of course, sample some of the best chocolates in the world.

3. Pizzafest – Naples, Italy

For anyone with a soft spot for pizza, Pizzafest in Naples is the ultimate pilgrimage. Held annually in the birthplace of pizza, this week-long event celebrates all things pizza, from the classic Margherita to more contemporary interpretations. Master pizzaiolos (pizza makers) from Italy and beyond come together to share their craft, and visitors can watch pizza-making competitions, attend workshops, and—most importantly—devour as much pizza as they like.

4. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – Melbourne, Australia

Known for its vibrant culinary scene, Melbourne hosts one of the biggest food festivals in the Southern Hemisphere. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival includes everything from food pop-ups and wine tastings to masterclasses and regional farm tours. Highlights include the World’s Longest Lunch, where thousands of people dine together on a 500-meter table, and an urban foraging tour showcasing local, sustainable ingredients.

5. Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland, Maine, USA

For seafood lovers, the Maine Lobster Festival is the place to be. Held each August in Rockland, Maine, this five-day festival celebrates the state’s famed crustacean with lobster dinners, cooking contests, and a “Great International Lobster Crate Race.” Beyond lobster, there’s live music, parades, and even a sea goddess coronation, making this festival a unique taste of New England culture.

6. La Tomatina – Buñol, Spain

While technically more of a food fight than a food festival, La Tomatina is a must-visit event for the adventurous foodie. Held annually in the Spanish town of Buñol, this festival sees thousands of participants tossing overripe tomatoes at each other in a wild, red-splattered celebration. After the food fight, locals and tourists gather to enjoy traditional Spanish tapas and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.

7. Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest might be known for its beer, but it’s a paradise for foodies too. Held in Munich each fall, this massive festival features Bavarian specialties like pretzels, roast pork, sausages, and dumplings. Visitors can pair traditional dishes with beer brewed exclusively for the event. With music, parades, and people dressed in traditional lederhosen and dirndls, Oktoberfest is as much about the culture as it is the cuisine.

8. Napa Valley Wine & Food Festival – Napa Valley, California, USA

Set in California’s wine country, the Napa Valley Wine & Food Festival is a sophisticated gathering of top chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts. Guests enjoy wine tastings, gourmet meals, and cooking demos set against the stunning vineyard scenery. From farm-to-table fare to rare wine pairings, this festival offers an upscale, immersive experience in one of the world’s premier wine regions.

9. Vegetarian Food Festival – London, UK

One of Europe’s largest vegetarian festivals, this London-based event showcases the best in plant-based cooking, with hundreds of food stalls and chef demos. From vegan street food to upscale vegetarian dishes, this festival is a paradise for plant-based eaters. Besides tastings, there are workshops and panels on sustainable eating, making it an inspiring experience for anyone interested in a greener lifestyle.

10. Baconfest – Chicago, Illinois, USA

This festival is all about bacon in all its glorious forms. Baconfest features top chefs and restaurants serving up creative bacon dishes, from bacon sushi to bacon cocktails. Attendees get to sample unique dishes, meet chefs, and vote on their favorites. This indulgent celebration of the crispy, savory goodness is a must for bacon fans, with proceeds often supporting local charities.

11. Tokyo Ramen Show – Tokyo, Japan

For noodle lovers, the Tokyo Ramen Show brings together ramen chefs from all over Japan. This multi-day event showcases regional ramen styles, offering flavors from spicy miso to savory shoyu. Guests can slurp their way through a variety of ramen bowls and learn about the history and techniques behind this beloved Japanese dish.

12. Gilroy Garlic Festival – Gilroy, California, USA

Celebrating the mighty garlic, the Gilroy Garlic Festival is known for its “Garlic Alley,” where you can sample everything from garlic fries to garlic ice cream. This California festival is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold flavors, featuring cooking competitions, live music, and a gourmet alley dedicated to garlic-inspired dishes.

13. Carnival of Binche – Binche, Belgium

This unique festival in Binche, Belgium, combines food, tradition, and a carnival atmosphere. The festival is known for the “Gilles,” costumed locals who toss oranges to the crowds as part of a centuries-old tradition. Beyond the fruit-throwing fun, visitors can enjoy Belgian waffles, chocolates, and some of the best beers in the world.

14. New Orleans Wine & Food Experience – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

In a city known for its vibrant food scene, this festival celebrates the best of New Orleans cuisine and international wines. Guests can attend tastings, seminars, and even parades celebrating Cajun and Creole flavors. From gumbo to beignets, the food is as festive as the city itself, making this a foodie’s dream come true.

15. World Gourmet Summit – Singapore

The World Gourmet Summit in Singapore gathers international culinary experts and Michelin-starred chefs for a week of fine dining and masterclasses. The event features exclusive dinners, cooking demos, and a spotlight on local ingredients. This festival is a fusion of global culinary talent, making it a top destination for foodies with a taste for the finer things.

16. Truffle Festival – Alba, Italy

Held in the scenic town of Alba, this festival is all about the luxurious truffle. Visitors can hunt for truffles, taste truffle-infused dishes, and explore truffle markets with local and international vendors. It’s a true feast for the senses, with a focus on this rare, aromatic delicacy that’s often called the “diamond of the kitchen.”

17. NYC Wine & Food Festival – New York City, New York, USA

One of the biggest food festivals in the United States, the NYC Wine & Food Festival brings together top chefs, restaurateurs, and celebrities for a four-day culinary extravaganza. Guests can attend cooking classes, wine tastings, and exclusive dinners in some of the city’s best restaurants. Plus, proceeds support hunger-relief charities, making it a fun and flavorful way to give back.

18. Night Noodle Markets – Sydney, Australia

Imagine a whole market dedicated to noodles, with Asian-inspired dishes from dumplings to bao buns. The Night Noodle Markets in Sydney offers a lively atmosphere, with street-food vendors serving up creative takes on traditional Asian dishes. It’s a vibrant evening event under the stars, complete with live entertainment, making it a fun and delicious addition to Sydney’s food scene.