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Gastronomic events in Slovenia that are not to be missed

If you would like get the best possible insight into the diversity of Slovenia's gastronomy, then make sure to visit one of the many gastronomic festivals and events, in all seasons.

Enjoy good food in good company

As you explore beautiful Slovenia and once you have satisfied your appetite for attractions, your appetite for food will surely be revived, inviting you to explore Slovenia's culinary specialities. And because a Slovenian proverb teaches us that “an empty sack cannot stand upright”, you can stop at an inn, a restaurant, a tourist farm, a mountain cabin, or whatever is closest, to get your strength back.

But what if you combined a pleasant lunch or dinner with a social event and party at one of the culinary events? You can visit events with a culinary focus in every season, where you can learn in greater detail about the local cuisine and culinary specialities from the immediate as well as greater vicinity. To help you make a decision, we would like to offer a few hints where you can go.

Enjoy good food and company in Ljubljana and Central Slovenia 

Experience one of the most popular gastronomic experiences in Ljubljana, learn about the traditional speciality from the kitchens of Idrija, and visit one of the greatest wine festivals in Slovenia. 

Open Kitchen

Are you trying to decide where to take your loved ones, friends, or even business partners for lunch or dinner? Are their tastes and wishes too different to only go to one place? Then experience the diversity of Slovenian and world cuisine in the street! The Open Kitchen is the most popular culinary market in Slovenia, which will fascinate you with thousands of colours, aromas, and flavours. See you at Pogačar Square when temperatures get warm enough. Occasionally, the Open Kitchen opens its ‘doors’ in other towns, too. In October, don’t miss the Beer & Burger Fest.

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Open Kitchen

Open Kitchen

Are you trying to decide where to take your loved ones, friends, or even business partners for lunch or dinner? Are their tastes and wishes too different to only go to one place? Then experience the diversity of Slovenian and world cuisine in the street! The Open Kitchen is the most popular culinary market in Slovenia, which will fascinate you with thousands of colours, aromas, and flavours. See you at Pogačar Square when temperatures get warm enough. Occasionally, the Open Kitchen opens its ‘doors’ in other towns, too. In October, don’t miss the Beer & Burger Fest.

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November Gourmet Ljubljana

November Gourmet Ljubljana

Cheer up during November gloom by visiting a festival at which renowned Slovenian names in gastronomy gather and where the smells from the refined cuisine from Ljubljana’s selected restaurants fill in the air. Taste the result of a mix of tradition and innovativeness and discover new tastes of Ljubljana. Learn about Slovenia's world-class wines at the Slovenian Wine Festival or on the Ljubljana Wine Route, where, in the summer and on St Martin’s Day, renowned Slovenian wine-makers show their products on stands and where the aroma of traditional cuisine fills the air.

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Idrija Žlikrof Festival

Idrija Žlikrof Festival

In addition to a mercury mine and bobbin lace, the UNESCO town of Idrija is also known for its culinary speciality – the Idrija žlikrofi. At first glance, this is a simple dish made of dough and potato filling, but it tastes wonderful both as a main dish or a side dish. It is absolutely well-worth tasting. And preparing it. You can do both if you visit the Idrija Žlikrof Festival, which takes place at the end of August. 

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Wine Spring Holiday

Wine Spring Holiday

When you visit Bela Krajina, locals will be happy to offer you a glass of Metliška Črnina wine and a belokranjska pogača (a leavened flatbread). You can taste this wine as well as many other high-quality local wines and specialities in May in the centre of Metlika, which hosts the Vinska Vigred (Wine Spring) Festival, one of the largest wine festivals in Slovenia.

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Chocoljana

Chocoljana

Taste the chocolate side of Ljubljana. In October, visit Pogačar Square, where you can taste the best chocolate flavours by renowned chocolate-makers and boutique chocolate shops and confectioneries. There, you can learn everything that you ever wanted to know about chocolate while, at the same time, embarking on the most unusual journey into the world of chocolate flavours.

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Mediterranean luxury of gastronomic events

You will certainly not be left hungry if you travel around Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia. Also because there are a lot of different things happening when it comes to gastronomy, especially in warmer months. Discover your favourite culinary event.

Saltpans Feast

It is said that Piran is a town that grew on salt. If you would like to know why, we recommend that you visit the Saltpans Feast, where you can go back in time and discover the mysteries and interesting stories about salt production using a method that dates back more than 700 years. Visit a marketplace devoted to salt and other riches of the sea, and go with the flow of various events held at Tartini Square and the Sečovlje Salt Pans.

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Saltpans Feast

Saltpans Feast

It is said that Piran is a town that grew on salt. If you would like to know why, we recommend that you visit the Saltpans Feast, where you can go back in time and discover the mysteries and interesting stories about salt production using a method that dates back more than 700 years. Visit a marketplace devoted to salt and other riches of the sea, and go with the flow of various events held at Tartini Square and the Sečovlje Salt Pans.

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Altroke Sweet Istria

Altroke Sweet Istria

In September, the streets of Koper transform into a paradise for those with a sweet tooth. If you visit the Sweet Istria festival, you can satisfy your sweet cravings just like the people of Slovenian Istria have done. In addition to traditional Istrian sweets, you can also taste desserts from other parts of Slovenia, or you might even be impressed by modern sweet masterpieces by Slovenian and foreign master confectioners.

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Cherry holiday

Cherry holiday

“I like to eat red cherries, but I like black ones even better ...” Do you see yourself in this Slovenian folk song? Then do not miss the Cherry Festival in the Brda Hills. There, you will be able to fill your stomach with this red fruit, while also learning about other specialities of Brda cuisine and world-class wines, watch a traditional parade, and get rid of your guilty conscience for enjoying a rich feast by attending accompanying recreational events.

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Fishermen’s Feast

Fishermen’s Feast

Just like salt left its mark on the development of Piran, another resource from the sea played an important role for the town of Izola – fish. Every year, the locals celebrate their fishing soul at a traditional event called Fishermen’s Feast. The cuisine, with its main ingredient – fish, is also complemented by demonstrations of old traditions, an old boat regatta, a presentation of fishing work and equipment, and an abundance of other fun events. 

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Tastes of the Vipava Valley

Tastes of the Vipava Valley

Due to its wealth of flavours, the Vipava Valley has made a name for itself among lovers of good food. If you are among them and would like to learn about the culinary diversity of this valley, then make sure to visit the Tastes of the Vipava Valley festival (Okusi Vipavske) in the spring at Zemono Manor. If you are unable to taste everything during the two-day festival, don’t worry, you can continue experiencing the tastes of the Vipava Valley at different locations all month long.

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From wine to asparagus

In the Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia, you will also encounter a number of other gastronomic events, mainly related to wine, fruit and vegetables.

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Brda and Wine

Brda and Wine

We cannot talk about Brda without mentioning world-class wines from the region. So, it’s well worth visiting this spring festival to see for yourself how good they are and also taste other delicacies of Brda cuisine.

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Rebula and Olive Oil Festival

Rebula and Olive Oil Festival

Rebula is one of the trademarks of Brda. It is at its most "at home" in the village of Višnjevik, where this wine is celebrated with a special festival, with olive oil also playing an important role.

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Refosco and Slovenian Istria Festival

Refosco and Slovenian Istria Festival

At the end of May, the village of Marezige in the hinterland of Koper dons its festive finery. This is when the characteristic local Refosco wine and selected Istrian cuisine is celebrated with a special festival.

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International Orange Wine Festival

International Orange Wine Festival

Orange wines are a true hit among gourmets, and a heavenly experience of these prized wines awaits them at the International Orange Wine Festival in Izola.

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Teran and Prosciutto Festival, Dutovlje

Teran and Prosciutto Festival, Dutovlje

The largest event in the Karst, having a tradition spanning more than half a century, celebrates two of the most recognisable local specialties – Karst teran and Karst prosciutto.

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Month of Beautiful Asparagus

Month of Beautiful Asparagus

As the wild and cultivated asparagus ripens between May and June, visit selected Karst providers who will prepare various dishes for you featuring these prized and healthy vegetables.

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KrassPass Gourmet

KrassPass Gourmet

In the summer, you can meander among more than 40 Karst providers and experience the flavours of the Karst in all their fullness at KrasPass Gourmet.

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Artichoke Festival

Artichoke Festival

Artichokes are considered a very welcome and healthy addition in the kitchen. Have you ever tried the indigenous Istrian artichokes? Get to know them at the spring Artichoke Festival in Strunjan.

Persimmon Festival

Persimmon Festival

Did you know that a third of all Slovenian persimmons are grown in Strunjan orchards? It’s no wonder that a special festival is dedicated to this fruit in Strunjan in early November.

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Festival of Olives, Wine and Fish

Festival of Olives, Wine and Fish

In Izola, a city where everything revolves around fish, olives and wine, it is fitting that they have a special festival dedicated to these delicacies. Follow the aromas emanating from the street stalls in Izola at the start of June. Photo: Luka Kaše

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Festivals amongst gentle wine-growing hills and healthy waters 

Thermal Pannonian Slovenia is rich in grapevines. There are quite a few culinary events devoted to the wines from individual areas. And there are also festivals devoted to other culinary specialities. Visit Slovenia's largest beer festival in the land of ‘green gold’.

Bogračfest

When you visit Lendava, you just have to do at least two things – climb up the Vinarium Panoramic Tower, from which you will be able to see the territories of four countries, and taste the bograč stew. This traditional stew is so deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Lendava that a special festival is devoted to it every year – the Bogračfest, held in late August within the Vinarium Festival.

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Bogračfest

Bogračfest

When you visit Lendava, you just have to do at least two things – climb up the Vinarium Panoramic Tower, from which you will be able to see the territories of four countries, and taste the bograč stew. This traditional stew is so deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of Lendava that a special festival is devoted to it every year – the Bogračfest, held in late August within the Vinarium Festival.

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Beer and Flowers Festival

Beer and Flowers Festival

Laško has had a rich brewing tradition, so, here, you can experience many interesting beer-related things. In the summer, specifically in July, lovers of beer should not miss the Beer and Flowers Festival in Laško, one of the largest festivals in Slovenia. Although beer plays the main role, you can also taste other culinary specialities and enjoy the lively cultural events, entertainment, and concerts.

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Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek

Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek

Do you prefer a glass of wine or satisfying your sweet tooth with chocolate? If you can’t decide, that’s all right. You can treat yourselves to both at the Festival of Wine and Chocolate in Podčetrtek. Wine- and chocolate producers from Slovenia and elsewhere come here to present their products. In addition to wine and chocolate, you can also satisfy your cravings by tasting other local delicacies.

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Days of Poetry and Wine

Days of Poetry and Wine

The Days of Poetry and Wine in the old town centre of Ptuj are mixed with poetry and oenologic art, creating a unique international event. Every August, the best poets and artists from many countries gather here, and their recitals and concerts are accompanied by excellent Slovenian wines.

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Tastes of Posavje

Tastes of Posavje

Experience the Posavje region through a wide array of culinary events reflecting the diverse flavours of this part of Slovenia. In Sevnica, you can taste local cured meat delicacies at the traditional Salami Festival (Salamiada), or visit the Blaufränkisch Festival held at Sevnica Castle.  In September, you can visit the Festival of Wine, Cuisine, and Art in Krško.

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And this is not all…

Visit some of the other festivals that reveal the gastronomic offering of Thermal Pannonian Slovenia.

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An Alpine mix of gastronomic festivals 

 Wine, chocolate, cheese, tradition, and modern culinary masterpieces – experience a wide range of different gastronomic festivals in Alpine Slovenia.

Old Vine Festival

The oldest grapevine in the world grows in Maribor. It is a more-than-450-year-old Žametovka vine, which is shown great honour by the locals and visitors alike. It has its own museum, even its own anthem, and, of course, its own festival. It begins with a ceremonial harvesting of the Old Vine, and ends with the largest outdoor St Martin’s Celebration in Slovenia. During this time, you can meet the best winemakers of the Štajerska region and taste local specialities and innovative dishes made by local chefs.

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Old Vine Festival

Old Vine Festival

The oldest grapevine in the world grows in Maribor. It is a more-than-450-year-old Žametovka vine, which is shown great honour by the locals and visitors alike. It has its own museum, even its own anthem, and, of course, its own festival. It begins with a ceremonial harvesting of the Old Vine, and ends with the largest outdoor St Martin’s Celebration in Slovenia. During this time, you can meet the best winemakers of the Štajerska region and taste local specialities and innovative dishes made by local chefs.

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Festival of Chocolate

Festival of Chocolate

Every year in April, Radovljica changes into a town of chocolate. A three-day festival is one of the most attractive gastronomic events in Slovenia. The largest chocolate-related event in Slovenia hosts Slovenian and foreign chocolate shops. You can select your favourite chocolate during tasting sessions and the varied accompanying programme for all generations takes care of the excellent festival atmosphere.

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Jestival

Jestival

The Soča Valley is famous for being a paradise for outdoor activities. However, it also has much to offer in terms of cuisine. So, in October, when it feels good to take a bit of a break from summer activities, a unique festival is held, which combines local cuisine and art. The Jestival Food & Art Festival takes place in Kobarid, where the Kobarid štruklji, pockets stuffed with walnuts, raisins and spices, are the main culinary attraction. In addition to štruklji, you can also taste typical cheeses of the Soča Valley and other local delicacies.

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Radol’ca culinary autumn

Radol’ca culinary autumn

In October and November, visit Radovljica for exciting guided culinary experiences with a touch of the countryside, chocolate, honey and Slovenian wines. The flavours of Radol'ca invite you to the unique experience of Farmer's Table and Opening Dinner events in October, and to delicious menus made from traceable ingredients in November.

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The Long Table of Kranj

The Long Table of Kranj

Sit at one of the longest tables in the romantic surroundings of the courtyard of Khislstein Castle in Kranj, where you will be treated to a selection of local flavours and original dishes. The event is structured in a sustainable way and showcases the richness of Carniola and Alpine cuisine. It is presented in a unique way by Carniola chefs, using locally sourced ingredients and without the use of any plastics. The event is also an opportunity for intergenerational interaction and socialising.

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Are you still "hungry" for gastronomic events?

We will find some more for you. Here are some more delicious gastronomic events under the Alpine peaks and plateaus that are well worth visiting.

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Bohinj Cheese & Wine Festival

Bohinj Cheese & Wine Festival

If you find yourself in Bohinj in autumn, you must visit the Cheese & Wine Festival, where you can taste a variety of cheeses, local and otherwise, and wash it all down with the finest Slovenian wines.

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Savinja Beer Fest – a festival of good beer, gin and culinary arts

Savinja Beer Fest – a festival of good beer, gin and culinary arts

At the beginning of the summer holidays, a special festival is hosted in the Mozirski Gaj botanical garden, where you can try craft beers from Slovenian microbreweries, craft gin, as well as a local non-alcoholic beverage that has been prepared in Mozirje...

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International Chili and Chocolate Festival

International Chili and Chocolate Festival

Have you ever wondered how chili and chocolate go together? Excellently! You can see this for yourself at the International Chili and Chocolate Festival in Maribor.

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International Wild Flower Festival

International Wild Flower Festival

Would you like to try dishes made with wild plants picked from the Alpine landscape? Then come to the International Wild Flower Festival and indulge in the authentic flavours of nature.

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Street Food Market Maribor

Street Food Market Maribor

Enjoy the delicious bites offered at the Street Food Market, which enlivens the summer street culinary scene every summer.

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FrikaFest

FrikaFest

Frika is a traditional dish from the Soča Valley made from cheese, potatoes and eggs. If that appeals to you, don't miss this traditional festival, where you can feast on it to your heart's content, accompanied by a selection of local cheeses.

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Radovljica Craft Beer Festival

Radovljica Craft Beer Festival

One of the largest beer festivals in Slovenia takes you into a world of premium craft beer produced by Slovenian microbreweries

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Soča Trout Festival

Soča Trout Festival

The Soča trout is the queen of the emerald Soča River, attracting legions of anglers. It is to the Soča trout that this month-long festival, which culminates on Earth Day on 22 April, is dedicated.

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Štrukljifest

Štrukljifest

Discover strudel, one of the most popular traditional Slovenian desserts, and learn about the local cultural heritage of the Upper Savinja Valley.

Gastronomic events you should add to your calendar

Slovenia is a country where you can always find something good for a snack or to drink. Especially if you visit one of the many gastronomic events all around Slovenia, where you will discover a wide range of flavours – from local to cosmopolitan.

Visit website Taste Slovenia

Allow the aromas from these culinary events to seduce you

Slovenia's culinary landscape is exceptionally rich and varied, as are the many events where you can savour the aroma of good food and toast with excellent drinks.



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Restaurant Week – time to explore flavours

If you like exploring various flavours, then don't miss Restaurant Week in the spring and autumn. During the event’s ten days, you can visit participating restaurants and treat yourself to a special tasting menu prepared at a special price, which varies according to the number of "hearts" with which each restaurant is rated. Restaurant Week is very well received in Slovenia. Pay attention to the dates of the next iteration of this popular culinary event.

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Popular flavours with their own festivals

While many gastronomic festivals and events are mostly a mix of local and Slovenian flavours, some delicacies play a major role in several festivals. Wine is certainly featured at most festivals, while chocolate is also a tempting ingredient of such events.

Wine holidays in Slovenia

Every winemaker is proud of their wine and likes to share it with the visitors who stop at their cellar. The pride and joy that supreme Slovenian wines bring about is also reflected in a number of festivals and events taking place in wine regions practically throughout the year.

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Wine holidays in Slovenia

Wine holidays in Slovenia

Every winemaker is proud of their wine and likes to share it with the visitors who stop at their cellar. The pride and joy that supreme Slovenian wines bring about is also reflected in a number of festivals and events taking place in wine regions practically throughout the year.

More on: Wine holidays in Slovenia

Chocolate treats the Slovenian way

Chocolate treats the Slovenian way

Are you a chocoholic? If so, Slovenia is your promised land! Visit chocolate festivals and excellent chocolate shops, and taste chocolate mixed with the local ingredients. Also experience the beneficial effects of chocolate on your skin, with special wellness programmes to curb any guilty conscience.

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When you taste the aroma of coffee

When you taste the aroma of coffee

In Slovenia, you will often be invited for a coffee. New business relationships, friendships, even new romances are born over a coffee. Coffee has also inspired Slovenian creatives, so you will come across it on canvases and between book covers. So, would you like to have a coffee – the Slovenian way?

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The story of Slovenian olive oil

The story of Slovenian olive oil

Have you ever tasted extra virgin olive oil from Slovenian Istria? Oil with a protected designation of origin will surely impress your taste buds. You will also find the rich taste of olive oil in other parts of Slovenia that are influenced by the Mediterranean climate. Follow it from the olive orchard to the press.

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Discover the taste of Slovenian beer

Discover the taste of Slovenian beer

When you meet people you know in Slovenia, you are usually invited for a coffee or ‒ a beer. Traditional beer fans will choose between Union and Laško, while the more adventurous will indulge in the more extravagant flavours of Slovenian craft beer. Along with the beer also comes a range of related experiences. Did you know that in the town of Žalec you can pour yourself beer from a fountain?

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Slovenia is just the place for good food

The diversity of tastes that you can experience in Slovenia is sure to make your holiday even better. No matter whether you like traditional and local cuisine or modern culinary experiments, there is something tasty for everyone.

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