Food Fairs and Festivals 2025

I love food inspired festivals and I am more than willing to travel for an interesting food/wine event. Whether it is a good old American cookout/barbecue affair, yes even county fair fried food extremes, Octoberfest, or a Michelin Star event-count me in! Festivals offer a diverse array of culinary experiences, cultural insights, and opportunities to explore different regions through their food.

I became interested in food events way back in 2007 when I was fortunate enough to attend the Masters of Food and Wine in Carmel. Well known chefs, interesting foods and wine pairings, and a beautiful location at Highlands Inn-can I just say memorable!

North America

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Orlando, FL)
  • When: Late August to mid-November 2025
  • Highlights: A variety of international cuisines, wine tastings, culinary demonstrations, and special events in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
• New York City Wine & Food Festival (New York, NY)
  • When: October 2025
  • Highlights: Celebrity chef appearances, gourmet tastings, intimate dinners, and educational seminars with a focus on diverse cuisines and wine pairings.
• South Beach Wine & Food Festival (Miami Beach, FL)
  • When: February 2025
  • Highlights: Beachside events, cooking demonstrations by famous chefs, wine tastings, and gourmet dinners focusing on both international and local flavors. They had me at beachside events:)
• Taste of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
  • When: July 2025
  • Highlights: A wide range of international dishes, cooking demonstrations, and music performances in one of the country’s largest food festivals. July is not exactly the best time to travel to Chicago weather wise but between the music and the food whats a little summer heat?
• Gilroy Garlic Festival (Gilroy, CA)
  • When: July 2025
  • Highlights: Garlic-inspired dishes from various cuisines, cooking competitions, and family-friendly activities. And they mean everything garlic! My favorite is the garlic bread-dripping with butter. So simple but so delicious.

Asia

1. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, Japan)
   • When: July 2025
   • Why Go: Experience traditional Japanese street food, cultural parades, and festivities in one of Japan’s most famous festivals.
2. Singapore Food Festival (Singapore)
   • When: July 2025
   • Why Go: Savor a mix of traditional and modern dishes from Singapore’s diverse culinary scene, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and workshops.
3. Thaifex – Anuga Asia (Bangkok, Thailand)
   • When: May 2025
   • Why Go: Explore a vast array of Thai and international cuisines, food innovations, and culinary showcases at one of Asia’s largest food and beverage trade shows.

Europe

1. Oktoberfest (Munich, Germany)
   • When: Late September to early October 2025
   • Why Go: Enjoy traditional German food, beer, and music at the world’s largest beer festival and funfair.
2. Taste of London (London, UK)
   • When: June 2025
   • Why Go: Indulge in dishes from the city’s top restaurants, watch live cooking demonstrations, and enjoy gourmet tastings in a vibrant setting.
3. Salon du Chocolat (Paris, France)
   • When: October 2025
   • Why Go: Delight in chocolate from around the world, with tastings, demonstrations, and chocolate sculptures in a city synonymous with culinary excellence.

Other Regions

1. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (Melbourne, Australia)
   • When: March 2025
   • Why Go: Discover a wide range of international cuisines, participate in cooking classes, and enjoy wine tastings in one of Australia’s most food-centric cities.
2. Cape Town Good Food & Wine Show (Cape Town, South Africa)
   • When: June 2025
   • Why Go: Sample South African and international dishes, attend wine tastings, and watch live cooking demonstrations in a picturesque setting.

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