Gastronomic events in Slovenia that are not to be missed

Open Kitchen

From early spring to late autumn, excellent dishes from all over the world are offered every Friday at food stands in Pogačar Square in Ljubljana. Open Kitchen has also expanded to other Slovenian towns and cities.

Idrija žlikrofi Festival

Try the tasty filled pastry pockets, which are a traditional local speciality. The best time to visit is in August, when a special festival is dedicated to the žlikrofi of Idrija.

Vinska vigred spring festival in Metlika

In the spring, the largest wine festival in Slovenia attracts domestic and foreign lovers of top wines from Bela krajina to Metlika. The town is permeated with the scent of Bela krajina delicacies, and the festival is supplemented with diverse events.

November Gourmet

A month dedicated to culinary experiences, special menus, courses, workshops and tastings inspired by autumn and created by Ljubljana’s chefs, winemakers and other gastronomic masters.

Chocolate Fair (Čokoljana)

Autumn in Ljubljana tastes like chocolate. Every October, the Čokoljana festival at Pogačar Square offers visitors the chance to sample the finest chocolate creations from renowned chocolatiers, boutique chocolate makers and pastry shops.

Cool Fridays in Kamnik (Kul petki v Kamniku)

Friday evenings in July and August are perfect for stopping by Europe Park in Kamnik and enjoying specialties from local kitchens while relaxing and socialising with friends.

Saltmakers’ Festival in Piran (Solinarski praznik v Piranu)

Experience the salt-making tradition of Piran at an event dedicated entirely to salt. Discover customs connected with salt production and enjoy a rich programme of events at Tartini Square and the Sečovlje Salt Pans.

Altroke Istra Gourmet Festival

Taste the very best of the Istrian countryside. Visit Koper in the first half of summer and stop by the market stalls filled with the aromas of authentic Istrian delicacies.

Open Cellar Days in Brda (Dnevi odprtih kleti v Brdih)

It is one of the most popular events in the Brda region, when winemakers open their cellars and invite visitors to taste their wines. A unique opportunity to enjoy the Brda landscape and its exceptional wines.

Festival of cherries

If you want to enjoy your fill of cherries and cherry-based treats, come to Brda in early June, where, as summer approaches, everything revolves around these delicious red fruits.

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.

Flavours of the Vipava Valley (Okusi Vipavske)

The Vipava Valley is renowned among gastronomy enthusiasts for its rich variety of flavours. Discover them for yourself at the spring Flavours of the Vipava Valley festival held at Zemono Manor.

Rose & Rosé (Vrtnica & Rosé)

Did you know that Portorož has its very own rose? Together with top rosé wines, it takes centre stage at this wine and culinary event in late spring. Taste selected rosé wines and enjoy the accompanying cultural programme.

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.

Fishermen's Festival

Anchored in its fishing heritage, Izola comes alive with the irresistible scent of grilled fish and other seafood dishes during the Fishermen’s Festival at the end of August, when the town buzzes with exciting events and experiences awaiting you.

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.

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.

Altroke Sweet Istria (Altroke Sladka Istra)

In September, the streets of Koper transform into a paradise for dessert lovers. The Sweet Istria festival offers both traditional Istrian desserts and sweet specialties from across Slovenia and abroad.

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.

Flavours of Love (Okusi ljubezni)

Taste the springtime flavours of love woven around Brda cherries and Karst asparagus. This festival is a unique culinary journey through local inns and tourist farms in the Brda region and the Karst.

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.

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

Brin & Gin Festival

Held in June in Dutovlje in the Karst region, this festival brings together premium gin distillates, visitors who enjoy conversation and good company, and a special summer atmosphere beneath the pine trees accompanied by great music.

Vinarium Festival in Lendava (Festival Vinarium v Lendavi)

The Vinarium Festival defines the late-summer atmosphere in Prekmurje with its two central events: Bogračfest and the Lendava Harvest Festival. Alongside culinary delights, visitors can also enjoy ethno evenings and concerts under the stars.

Beer and Flowers Festival, Laško

Every year in July, the streets of Laško come alive to the sound of music and you can enjoy beer and other special local features, various workshops, and other events as part of a festival with a 60-year tradition.

Cviček Festival

The people of Dolenjska are proud of the region's special cviček wine. In the late spring, a festival is dedicated to this special wine in Novo Mesto, where a number of other events await you in addition to cviček tastings.

Kozjansko Apple Festival

The Kozjansko apple is a symbol of nature protection. It is at home in the tall-tree orchards of Kozjansko Regional Park, and an annual culinary festival in Podsreda is dedicated to it.

Goodies from Slovenian Farms

Discover the offer of crops and products from Slovenian farms at this culinary event in the Ptuj Minorite Monastery, which has a tradition going back more than 30 years.

The Juicy Fork

The Murska Sobota Street Food Festival, which takes place on Fridays between May and November, will challenge your preconceptions about street food and convince you that street food can be a real gourmet experience.

Guštfest

As summer approaches, embark on a unique culinary journey through the streets of Laško, where top chefs led by Mark Pavčnik cook for you, and where there is also the scent of nostalgia in the air.

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.

Festival of the Oldest Vine, Maribor (Festival Najstarejše trte)

The festival begins with the ceremonial harvest of the world’s oldest vine and concludes with the largest celebration of St. Martin’s Day in Slovenia. Enjoy the vibrant autumn festivities honouring this Guinness World Record holder vine in Maribor.

Chocolate Festival, Radovljica (Festival čokolade)

This three-day festival is one of Slovenia’s most popular gastronomic events. Slovenian and international chocolatiers showcase their creations, while visitors can experience chocolate in countless different ways.

Kranj Long Table (Kranjska dolga miza)

Take a seat at one of the longest dining tables in Slovenia, set in the romantic garden of Khislstein Castle in Kranj, lined with carefully selected local flavours and creative dishes. The event is sustainably designed and showcases the richness of Kranj...

Wine LENT in Maribor (Vinsko LENTanje v Mariboru)

As part of the traditional Lent Festival, visitors can also experience Wine LENT, an event dedicated to socialising and tasting premium wines beside the world’s oldest vine.

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.

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...

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.

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.

Street Food Market Maribor

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

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.

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

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.

Štrukljifest

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

Jestival, Soča Valley (Jestival, Dolina Soče)

Visit this autumn festival of flavours and art in Kobarid, where the aromas of dishes from the Soča Valley fill the air. Kobarid rolled dumplings (štruklji) take centre stage, while many other local specialties delight visitors’ taste buds as well.

Flavours of Radol’ca – Culinary Autumn in Radovljica (Okusi Radol’ce)

Flavours of Radol’ca is Radovljica’s culinary brand, connecting various hospitality providers across the destination. In October, indulge in culinary experiences, while November is dedicated to local seasonal menus.

Velvet Dinner, Maribor

Velvet Dinner is a unique culinary experience held at the world’s oldest vine. It features locally sourced ingredients and wines from the Štajerska region, and welcomes up to 170 guests.