Around the World in 6 Food Festivals

Around the World in 6 Food Festivals

Food festivals are an excellent opportunity to learn about various cultures and sample delectable cuisine worldwide. The best part is that there’s a food festival for everyone, from daring diners looking to try something new to curious tourists interested in learning about a foreign culture. Several events commemorate the diverse range of meals and beverages offered, from dumplings to beer and all in between.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most well-known summer 2023 food festivals so you can start planning your next culinary adventure. Prepare to unbuckle your belt and let your pants dangle a bit lower as you embark on a global gourmet excursion.

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Taste of Chicago, USA

  • Dates and place: September 8-10, 2023, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  • Entrance fee: Free admission, but food and drinks are purchased with tickets.
  • The theme of the event: Celebration of Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.
  • How to get there: The festival takes place in Grant Park, easily accessible by public transportation or car.

The Taste of Chicago is one of the world’s most famous food events, attracting over one million guests annually. The yearly event in Chicago’s Grant Park promotes the city’s unique culinary culture, with meals from over 70 restaurants, food trucks, and chefs.

The yearly event in Chicago’s Grant Park promotes the city’s unique culinary culture, with meals from over 70 restaurants, food trucks, and chefs. Photo: Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago, which began as a one-day food festival in 1980, has developed into a five-day event celebrating Chicago’s food culture. The organizers of the event ask restaurants and chefs from all across the city to take part and display their trademark dishes. This famous food festival offers diverse cuisine, from favorite Chicago-style hot dogs to foreign specialties such as pierogies, sushi, and tacos.

Aside from cuisine, the Taste of Chicago includes live music performances by local and national musicians, cooking demos, and other culinary activities. A playground, face painting, and carnival rides are among the family-friendly attractions available during the event.

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Aside from cuisine, the Taste of Chicago includes live music performances by local and national musicians. Photo: Taste of Chicago

La Tomatina, Spain

  • Dates and place: August 30, 2023, Buñol, Valencia, Spain.
  • Entrance fee: €10-€13.
  • The theme of the event: Tomato fight.
  • How to get there: Buñol is about 38 kilometers from Valencia. Take a bus or train from Valencia to Buñol to attend the festival.
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Experience the thrill of La Tomatina, the renowned food festival, every year in the charming town of Buñol, Spain. Experience the thrill of throwing tomatoes and having a blast at this exciting festival!

The history of La Tomatina may be shrouded in mystery, but one thing is sure: this festival is not to be missed. Legend has it that the event began in the 1940s when a group of spirited youths engaged in a raucous street fight during a parade. Amidst their fervor, a unique custom was born as they hurled ripe tomatoes at one another.

Experience the thrill of La Tomatina, the renowned food festival, every year in the charming town of Buñol, Spain. Photo: La Tomatina

Join in the massive tomato fight and immerse yourself in the chaos and excitement of this unique event. Experience the excitement of the annual tomato festival as trucks overflowing with overripe tomatoes make their way through the streets. Join in the fun as locals and visitors grab as many tomatoes as possible to engage in a friendly tomato-throwing battle.

Experience more than just the famous tomato fight at La Tomatina! This lively festival also features exciting paella cooking competitions, colorful parades, and live music performances.

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Oregon Brewers Festival, USA

  • Dates and place: June 2nd–3rd, 2023, Portland, Oregon, USA.
  • Entrance fee: Free admission, but beer tokens must be purchased to taste beer.
  • The theme of the event: Craft beer festival.
  • How to get there: The festival takes place in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, easily accessible by public transportation or car.

Discover the ultimate craft beer celebration at the Oregon Brewers Festival, hosted annually in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. Since its inception in 1988, the festival has been a magnet for beer aficionados and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Discover the ultimate craft beer celebration at the Oregon Brewers Festival. Photo: sirboyce / Shutterstock.com

Experience the ultimate beer lover’s dream at the annual festival held during the first week of June. With over 80 breweries showcasing their finest local and international brews, this event is not to be missed. Discover a diverse range of beer styles, from refreshing lagers to bold IPAs and rich stouts, when you visit this destination. Indulge in a plethora of breweries and beers, catering to every taste bud imaginable.

Encounter more than just beer tasting at the Oregon Brewers Festival! This exciting event also features live music performances, delicious food trucks, and unique beer-related merchandise stalls. Immerse yourself in craft beer at the festival’s educational seminars.

At the Oregon Brewers Festival, beer enthusiasts can indulge in a one-of-a-kind experience at the “Meet the Brewer” tent. Here, visitors can converse with the masterminds behind the brews and gain insight into their craft.

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This exciting event also features live music performances, delicious food trucks, and unique beer-related merchandise stalls. Photo: OREGON BREWERS FESTIVAL / sipmagazine.com

Pizzafest, Italy

Discover the ultimate pizza lover’s paradise at Pizzafest, an annual food festival celebrating one of the world’s most beloved foods. Experience the ultimate celebration of the iconic Italian dish in the birthplace of pizza, Naples, Italy. Pizzafest is a must-visit event that attracts food enthusiasts and pizza lovers from around the globe.

Experience the vibrant festival that spans over several days in early September. Indulge in a diverse array of pizza styles and flavors during your visit, ranging from classic Neapolitan to innovative creations boasting unconventional toppings and ingredients. Indulge in a variety of Italian street food, drinks, and desserts at the festival, alongside the mouth-watering pizza.

Discover the ultimate pizza lover’s paradise at Pizzafest, an annual food festival celebrating one of the world’s most beloved foods. Photo: Pizzafest

Indulge in a pizza extravaganza as the competition showcases a variety of categories, ranging from the classic Neapolitan pizza to the crispy gluten-free pizza and the mouth-watering pizza fritta, deep-fried to perfection.

Pizzafest is not just about pizza-making competitions. It’s a festival that offers a ton of activities to indulge in. You can enjoy live music performances, take cooking classes, and attend workshops to learn about pizza-making techniques.

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At the festival you can enjoy live music performances. Photo: Pizzafest

The Dumpling Festival (Dragon Boat Festival), China

  • Dates and place: Fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (June 22nd, 2023), Hong Kong, China.
  • Entrance fee: Unknown.
  • The theme of the event: Celebration of Dumplings.
  • How to get there: Once in Hong Kong or a surrounding city, the festival can be accessed by train, bus, or taxi.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the Dumpling Festival, a beloved holiday celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Indulge in the delectable feast of zongzi, a traditional Chinese delicacy of rice dumplings wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves and experience the rich history and legends behind this ancient tradition.

Indulge in the delectable feast of zongzi, a traditional Chinese delicacy of rice dumplings wrapped in fragrant bamboo leaves. Photo: litchima / Shutterstock.com

One legend tells the story of Qu Yuan, who threw himself into a river in the face of his hometown’s invasion. Today, a poignant tradition is upheld to honor the departed, where locals offer a unique tribute by tossing cooked rice into the river to deter any fish from disturbing the resting place. Another tradition is dragon boat racing, where locals race in their boats to pay homage to Qu Yuan, who was saved by their efforts.

Join in on the festivities and experience the thrill of the Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival. Witness the excitement of the National Dragon Boat Invitational Race in Beijing, where over 30 racing teams compete at the stunning Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park. You can also witness other races at the beautiful Beihai, Taoranting, and Jingshan parks.

This cultural celebration is so widespread that it’s difficult to determine the number of individuals participating. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the vibrant and delicious Dumpling Festival for yourself.

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Another tradition is dragon boat racing, where locals race in their boats to pay homage to Qu Yuan, who was saved by their efforts. Photo: CHEN MIN CHUN / Shutterstock.com

Salon du Chocolat, France

  • Dates and place: October 28th- November 1st, Paris, France.
  • Entrance fee: Unknown.
  • The theme of the event: Chocolate!
  • How to get there: Bus, train, taxi into the heart of Paris, France.
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Salon du Chocolat is one of the world’s greatest chocolate festivals, drawing visitors worldwide to indulge in everything chocolate. The festival, which takes place in the center of Paris, France, provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample and discover the world’s greatest chocolate masterpieces. Visitors may expect to find various chocolate flavors and styles, ranging from classic French pastries to one-of-a-kind chocolate masterpieces. The event also features workshops and demonstrations by famous chocolatiers, providing an excellent opportunity to learn about chocolate production’s history, art, and science.

Salon du Chocolat is a must-attend event for anybody wishing to immerse themselves in the world of chocolate, whether you’re a professional chocolatier or a casual chocolate fan. So, if you happen to be in Paris during the festival, don’t miss out on some of the world’s most delectable and rich chocolate delights.

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Salon du Chocolat is one of the world’s greatest chocolate festivals, drawing visitors worldwide to indulge in everything chocolate. Photo: Salon du Chocolat</small


Food festivals provide an opportunity to explore the world through the lens of food and drink, allowing you to sample new flavors, learn about different cultures, and connect with people from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious foodie, these festivals offer an exciting and unique way to experience the world.

Ready to start planning your food festival adventure? Look no further than ZenHotels and book your perfect accommodation for any trip. With our helpful travel tips, local insights, and accommodations, you can make the most of your trip and experience the festivals like a pro!

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