The autumn in Europe carries the scent of harvest, truffles, traditional sweets, gathered produce, and local specialties: it is the season when many cities celebrate their culinary identity with festivals that can transform food into a true journey through flavors, traditions, and culture.
Leading a ranking of the best autumn gastronomic festivals in Europe is Big 7 Travel, an international travel-guide site, which places on the podium some of the continent’s most beloved events, with Italy represented in two spots in the top 25.
The most beautiful autumn gastronomic festival in Europe is in Galway
At the top of the list stands the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, the world’s oldest oyster festival, staged from September 25 to 27. Every year, more than 25,000 people head to Galway on Ireland’s west coast to taste some of the world’s tastiest oysters and immerse themselves in an event that blends gastronomy with a festive atmosphere. Now in its 72nd edition, the festival continues to grow, offering a rich program featuring live music, cooking demonstrations, and succulent seafood specialties.
One of the most distinctive highlights is the World Oyster Opening Championship, a contest dedicated to the art of opening oysters. Expert shuckers travel from various corners of the globe to test their skills and vie for the coveted title of fastest and most proficient shucker.
Two Italian festivals in the top 25
Italy appears in the European ranking with two events united by their ability to tell the story of the region through food: on one hand the traditional desserts, and on the other one of the most precious and sought-after ingredients in Italian gastronomy.
Placed at number twelve, Dolci d’Italia, in Spoleto from October 30 to November 1, is the festival devoted to a world far broader than tiramisù alone: among the offerings are cakes, sweets, chocolate, biscuits, and various other specialties designed for those who love sugary flavors. A tasty journey from the Middle Ages to the traditions that developed over the centuries, from the North to the South of the Belpaese.
At number seven, we find the White Truffle Fair of Alba, running from October 10 to December 6, which each year draws gastronomy enthusiasts from around the world to Piedmont, accompanies the entire truffle harvest season, and offers a program focused on markets, tastings, and demonstrations. The experience is complemented by pairing with other high-quality Italian products, including the prestigious wines.
The complete ranking of the 25 autumn gastronomic festivals
1. Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, Ireland — 25–27 September
2. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany — 19 September–4 October
3. Csabai Sausage Festival, Békéscsaba, Hungary — 22–25 October
4. Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, Paris, France — 7–11 October
5. Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival, Ludwigsburg, Germany — 22 August–1 November
6. Veganské Hody Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia — 11 October
7. Alba White Truffle Fair, Piedmont, Italy — 10 October–6 December
8. York Food & Drink Festival, York, England — 18–27 September
9. Stranraer Oyster Festival, Stranraer, Scotland — 11–13 September
10. Epicurialpes, Grimentz, Switzerland — 9–11 October
11. Gastro Sweet Fest, Prague, Czech Republic — 2–3 October
12. Dolci d’Italia, Spoleto, Italy — 30 October–1 November
13. Foire Internationale & Gastronomique de Dijon, Dijon, France — 1–11 November
14. San Sebastián Gastronomika, San Sebastián, Spain — 6–9 October
15. Saaremaa Food Festival, Saaremaa, Estonia — 4–13 September
16. Kyperounda Apple Festival, Kyperounda, Cyprus — 10–11 October
17. National Gastronomy Festival, Santarém, Portugal — 22 October–1 November
18. Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, Helsinki, Finland — 4–10 October
19. Abergavenny Food Festival, Abergavenny, Wales — 19–20 September
20. Pilsner Fest, Plzeň, Czech Republic — 5–10 October
21. Aegina Fistiki Festival, Aegina, Greece — 17–20 September
22. Dartmouth Food Festival, Dartmouth, England — 23–25 October
23. Olive Festival, Bilçë, Albania — 10 October
24. Öland Harvest Festival, Öland, Sweden — 25–27 September
25. Autumn Festival, Lugano, Switzerland — 2–4 October
