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Travel insights from Jenna Buege, associate editor of The Compass
10 Unmissable Food Festivals Near and Far
Do you spend your time daydreaming about your next meal? If the answer is “yes,” then food-inspired travel might be for you. Satisfy those cravings and book your ticket to one of these drool-inducing food festivals around the world.
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BVI Food Fete, British Virgin Islands
Each November the British Virgin Islands (BVI) play host to the annual BVI Food Fete, a month-long culinary celebration packed with savory events. A festival not to be missed, BVI Food Fete brings event-goers savory menu offerings from top-notch BVI restaurants and the chance to attend special events that feature mealtime masterpieces from local and visiting chefs. And the fun doesn’t stop at delicious food, BVI Food Fete also offers a number of bar crawls for those looking to get their drank on.
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Cayman Cookout, Cayman Islands
View this post on InstagramThis @ketelone_us #BloodyMary is exactly what we need to get us through the rest of the week!
Join the world’s most talented chefs, notable culinary influencers and wine and spirit experts at the Ritz-Carlton’s famous Cayman Cookout. Sprawled along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, the Cayman Cookout is sure to feel like paradise to any foodie as they sample scrumptious creations paired with an oceanfront view. In addition to an endless array of tasty dishes, travelers can also attend a number of events including the popular Beach Bash where visitors embark on a journey to Stingray City for swimming, snorkeling and lunch at Rum Point.
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Oktoberfest, Germany
With pretzels as big as your head and an endless supply of beer, it’s no wonder Munich’s Oktoberfest makes this list. Always a party, Oktoberfest has 16 large tents and 22 small tents for music, drinking and of course, eating. Sample hearty German meals like grilled oxen and schnitzel or opt for vegetarian fare such as tasty veggie patties or cheese spaetzle. Want to top it off with something sweet? Try Lebkuchenherz, the iconic gingerbread heart topped with sweet icing.
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Taste of Chicago, U.S.
Grab some tickets and get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure at the annual Taste of Chicago. With more than 82 food vendors at the event in 2019, Taste of Chicago is a super popular food festival that keeps growing each year. Indulge in “taste-size” or “full-size” portions of dishes from the area’s most popular restaurants while enjoying drinks from local pop-up bars like the CH Vodka Cocktail Lounge. Aside from the main event, eating, Taste of Chicago offers lots of entertainment like free concerts at the Petrillo Music Shell and cooking demonstrations at the Taste Kitchen.
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Mid-Autumn Festival, China
View this post on InstagramMid-Autumn Festival, aka Moon Cake Day, is a big deal in China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar, Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most popular festival in China aside from the Chinese New Year. Chinese people will typically celebrate the holiday at home with their families, however, there are some spots travelers can go to partake in the fun such as Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai where people admire the hordes of glowing lanterns and sample tasty moon cakes.
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Vegas Uncork’d, U.S.
In a town full of food, wine, beer and whiskey festivals, one event stands above the rest: Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appetit. Dating back to the mid-90s, Vegas Uncork’d brings the celebrity chefs who line the Vegas strip into hotel properties. Within the event’s four-day period, travelers can eat lunch with Gordon Ramsay, attend professionally led cooking classes or sip on cocktail creations from the best of mixologists.
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Maslenitsa Pancake Festival, Russia
Say so long to short stacks and treat yourself to bottomless pancakes at Russia’s famous Maslenitsa Pancake Festival. Held each February, Maslenitsa is a seven-day pancake party and a final dose of gluttony before spring rolls around. Sweet or savory, take your pick and indulge in a number of scrumptious toppings, including lots of butter. In addition to feasting, you can enjoy snowball fights, dancing, sledding and drinking.
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Pizzafest, Italy
For the best pizza of your life don’t miss Pizzafest, in Naples, Italy where more than 30,000 pizza fans come together for a weeklong pie party. Set off the coast of the Gulf of Naples, the world’s most gifted pizza masters gather at this festival each year to serve up slices of all varieties: wood-fired, classic Italian and gluten free are among crowd favorites. Does too much cheesy-goodness have you in a food coma? No worries, the Pizzafest agenda is filled with tons of activities to help burn those extra calories such as cooking workshops, notable exhibits and exciting contests.
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Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Australia
View this post on InstagramEmbark on a journey to Aussieland to experience plates, pints and pinots from the area’s best businesses. Victoria’s largest gastronomic gathering, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival features over 250 events starring world-renown chefs and winemakers, dishes crafted from extra fresh produce, showcases on successful eateries and an inside look at the hottest culinary trends. The best part about this event is that you control your culinary destiny, choose from food trucks and luxury dining or tastings and master classes. No matter the eatery twist and turn, it’s sure to be delicious.
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Feast Portland, U.S.
A food festival you can feel good about supporting, Feast Portland is an organization with a charitable mission. Since its inception in 2011, Feast Portland has raised over $450,000 to fight hunger in Oregon and in the U.S. by teaming up with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and Urban Gleaners . At the event, food enthusiast can expect innovative culinary creations from Oregon’s top chefs, winemakers, brewers, farmers, artisans and makers. Of course it wouldn’t be Feast Portland without a few of their signature events such as Brunch Village: Breakfast Around the World, the annual night market and The Big Feast, the event’s grand tasting
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