A Celebration of Food

Delight your taste buds at these one-of-a-kind international food festivals.

by Stephanie Matas

MASCHSEE LAKE FESTIVAL

Hanover, Germany

Join one of Germany’s largest open-air parties, a three-week summer bash held on the promenades of Lake Maschsee. A series of stages along its palm tree–lined banks offer all sorts of delicacies, from creamy gelato and bratwurst sausages to savory crepes and tapas. Take a boat tour to enjoy musical performances from the water while you dine or find the perfect picnic spot in the abundant surrounding green space.

COPENHAGEN COOKING FESTIVAL

Copenhagen, Denmark

Cooking demos, communal dinners, live music and innovative new dishes are all part of the experience at this festival, which hosts more than 100 events—from harvest feasts with expert chefs to specialty food tastings.

BARBADOS FOOD AND RUM FESTIVAL

Barbados (multiple locations)

This October event showcases Barbados’s best chefs and rum producers as they participate in cooking demonstrations, serve breakfast on the beach and turn out their finest street grub at the food truck mash-up.

SALON DU CHOCOLAT

Paris, France

The world’s most famous event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa invites you to taste the latest treats from over 500 international chocolatiers, pâtissiers and confectioners annually in late October. Enjoy live demonstrations by the world’s finest chocolatiers and watch them compete in the prestigious World Chocolate Masters competition.

MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE

Montreal, Canada

This massive winter festival over more than two weeks in February combines performing arts, gastronomy and immersive outdoor activities. Bringing together Montreal’s finest chefs, local winemakers and producers with culinary masters from across the globe, the wide range of delicious food and wine reinforces the city’s sterling reputation for excellent cuisine. Bring your appetite for exclusive dishes and collaborations between culinary experts and wine connoisseurs.

ST. MORITZ GOURMET FOOD FESTIVAL

St. Moritz, Switzerland

This festival held in January highlights a different cultural theme each year—recent examples include Japanese cuisine, top female chefs and Middle Eastern food.

MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

Victoria, Australia

Expect plenty of food stands, special restaurant menus, tastings of regional wines and unique cooking workshops run by famous chefs at this annual event, which takes place every March.

FOODIES FESTIVAL

Brighton, England

Michelin-starred cooks, MasterChef winners and local culinary artists show off their scrumptious summer recipes at this annual food festival. Learn how to create showstopping cakes and pick up expert tips from The Great British Bake Off stars. Take part in a chilieating competition, sample signature cocktails, fill up on delicious street food from around the world and meet local artisan producers. Kids can join in on the fun at this family-friendly event, too, which is free for those under the age of six.