Food festivals are a fantastic way to experience the rich diversity of global cuisine, learn from top chefs, and indulge in some seriously delicious dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or simply someone who enjoys good food in great company, food festivals offer an unforgettable experience. In 2025, there are some exciting food festivals happening all over the world, celebrating everything from traditional flavors to innovative culinary creations. Here’s a roundup of the best food festivals you absolutely can’t miss in 2025.
1. The James Beard Foundation Awards (New York, USA)
When: May 2025
Why Go: The James Beard Foundation Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the culinary world, often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world.” Each year, it recognizes outstanding chefs, restaurants, and food professionals across a variety of categories. While the awards themselves are the highlight, the event also features culinary tastings, pop-up dinners, and exclusive events hosted by the industry’s top talent. If you’re passionate about fine dining and cutting-edge food trends, this festival is a must-attend.
2. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (Melbourne, Australia)
When: March 2025
Why Go: One of Australia’s premier food festivals, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival spans over ten days and offers a dazzling array of food and drink experiences. Expect everything from food truck rallies to exclusive multi-course dinners and chef-hosted cooking classes. The festival celebrates Melbourne’s thriving food scene and features prominent chefs from around the world. In 2025, the event will focus on sustainability and local ingredients, showcasing Australia’s best culinary talent and regional specialties.
3. Taste of Chicago (Chicago, USA)
When: July 2025
Why Go: For more than 40 years, Taste of Chicago has been a beloved event, bringing together the city’s best food vendors in one massive celebration. Located in Grant Park, the festival spans several days, offering attendees the chance to sample dishes from over 70 restaurants and food trucks, showcasing Chicago’s iconic flavors like deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and more. There are also live performances, cooking demonstrations, and kid-friendly activities, making it an ideal event for families and food lovers alike.
4. The San Sebastián Gastronomika (San Sebastián, Spain)
When: October 2025
Why Go: Known as one of Europe’s top food destinations, San Sebastián is a city that oozes culinary excellence, and San Sebastián Gastronomika is the perfect place to explore it. This prestigious food festival brings together renowned chefs from all over the world to showcase their skills through tastings, masterclasses, and panel discussions. The focus is on Basque cuisine, with an emphasis on local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Don’t miss the chance to attend cooking demos and sample delicious bites at one of Spain’s gastronomic hubs.
5. The New York City Wine & Food Festival (New York City, USA)
When: October 2025
Why Go: The New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) is a high-profile event that attracts some of the best chefs, restaurateurs, and food influencers from around the world. Whether you’re into wine tastings, craft cocktails, or enjoying gourmet food at celebrity chef dinners, NYCWFF offers something for every palate. It features over 80 events spread across the city, with food tastings, panel discussions, cooking classes, and more. NYCWFF is a celebration of both food and culture, making it a must-attend event for culinary aficionados.
6. Pizzafest (Naples, Italy)
When: September 2025
Why Go: If pizza is your passion, then Pizzafest in Naples, Italy, is the place to be. Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is home to some of the best pizzerias in the world. Pizzafest is a celebration of all things pizza, where you can indulge in a variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, watch live cooking demos, and even participate in pizza-making workshops. The event also features live music, local wines, and plenty of Italian street food, making it a must for pizza lovers in 2025.
7. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Orlando, USA)
When: July to November 2025
Why Go: Held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a magical event that brings together the flavors of the world. Over several months, attendees can sample international cuisine from over 30 countries, enjoy culinary demonstrations, and participate in exclusive wine and beer tastings. The festival features dishes from Epcot’s World Showcase pavilions, where you can enjoy food from places like Mexico, Japan, France, and Morocco. For foodies who love a bit of magic, this is one festival not to miss.
8. The London Coffee Festival (London, UK)
When: April 2025
Why Go: Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! The London Coffee Festival celebrates all things coffee, with over 250 exhibitors showcasing everything from single-origin beans to the latest coffee brewing gadgets. Enjoy coffee tasting sessions, barista masterclasses, and coffee-based cocktails at this highly anticipated event. The festival also features panels and discussions on coffee sustainability and innovation, making it an essential event for coffee enthusiasts in 2025.
9. The Lucca Summer Festival (Lucca, Italy)
When: July 2025
Why Go: Italy is a culinary mecca, and the Lucca Summer Festival brings the flavors of Tuscany to life with local produce, wines, and incredible food from top chefs. The festival features food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lucca’s historic town center. You’ll have the opportunity to indulge in traditional Tuscan dishes, such as pasta with truffles, porchetta, and a variety of cheeses and wines from the region.
10. World Gourmet Summit (Singapore)
When: April 2025
Why Go: The World Gourmet Summit in Singapore is a culinary experience like no other. It attracts world-renowned chefs from all corners of the globe to showcase their skills in gourmet cooking. Attendees can enjoy exclusive dinners, chef-led masterclasses, and wine pairings. The festival’s highlights include its Michelin-starred dinners, sake-tasting events, and gourmet food exhibitions. For food lovers who want to experience culinary innovation at its finest, the World Gourmet Summit is a must-attend event in 2025.
Conclusion
Food festivals are more than just a chance to eat great food—they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and creativity of the world’s best chefs. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or adventurous global flavors, 2025 offers a variety of food festivals that promise to deliver unforgettable experiences. From the James Beard Foundation Awards to the Lucca Summer Festival, each event brings something special to the table, so start planning your culinary journey today!