9 of the top food and drink festivals around the world

1) Oktoberfest in Munich, Gerrmany

Oktoberfests have popped up all over the world—there are more than 150 in North America alone—but the original and only true Oktoberfest takes place annually in Munich from mid-September to early October. With around 6 million attendees, 17 dedicated drinking halls, and 120,000 seats, it’s one of the biggest beer events on the planet.

Visitors toast and slosh steins (tankards) from six traditional Munich breweries, and food vendors serve everything from classic German pretzels to vegan desserts. Beyond the delicacies, there are carnival rides, roller coasters, and, of course, revelers dressed in traditional dirndl and lederhosen

2. Galway International Oyster Festival in Galway, Ireland

Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast comes even more alive during the annual Galway International Oyster Festival, one of the longest-running—and perhaps most seafood-serious—oyster festivals in the world. For three days in late September, thousands gather to witness the World Oyster Opening Championships, watch oyster-cooking demos and workshops, and chow down on Ireland’s freshest oysters and seafood by the pound. It’s Galway’s busiest weekend, so make those reservations early.

3. Singapore Food Festival in Singapore

A top foodie destination if ever there was one, Singapore offers food tours and other cultural excursions all year-round. But from the end of June to the end of July every year, the Singapore Food Festival celebrates the nation’s rich culinary heritage. The Food Walk is at the heart of the festivities. Here, around 100 vendors gather to showcase the city’s diverse dishes, from Singaporean chili crab to French patisserie. Visitors can attend masterclasses and workshops, grab ingredients at the pop-up gourmet market, and meet chefs and local food personalities.

4. Trondelag Food Festival in Trondheim, Norway

Trondelag—a county in central Norway—is particularly famous for its gastronomic scene, and each summer the Trondelag Food Festival showcases exactly why. Set in the city of Trondheim, known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants and the perfect place to take a personalized tour, some 200 local producers present their bounty by region. Attendees’ tastebuds can map the flavors from Roros to Verdal and savor national dishes from fresh scallops to foraged cloudberries. The event runs in conjunction with the Trondheim Brewery Festival, so expect plenty of craft beer and Scandi spirits, too.

5. Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine

Four hours north of Boston, Maine Lobster Festival brings visitors to the state’s central coast for one of the biggest seafood bashes on the eastern seaboard. For five days in early August, Rockland’s small-town streets fill with those looking to don their bibs and chow down with a view of Penobscot Bay. Think traditional lobster dinner with melted butter, lobster mac 'n’ cheese, lobster rolls, lobster bisque, lobster wontons ... if it’s lobster, it’s at the Maine Lobster Festival.

6. La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain

Not your traditional food festival, this annual food fight festival is held in the small town of Buñol, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Valencia, making it an easy day-trip destination. La Tomatina is a one-day free-for-all in late August where everyone winds up covered in overripe tomatoes, as around 140 tons of the fruit gets pelted through the streets for exactly one hour. Then, the hoses are brought out, everyone cleans off, and it’s time for music, dancing, and ice-cold sangria. Once you're suitably showered, don't skip nearby Valencia's foodie scene either.

7. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is renowned as Australia's foodie haven, replete with top restaurants as well as plenty of culture, and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival celebrates it all.The festival started out as a celebration of Victoria’s culinary scene but has grown to become an international endeavor. Chefs from around the world make their way to the city’s Federation Square every March to present their finest creations, from traditional Filipino or Mission District Chinese fare to classic Australian patisserie. Special events can be found across the city, including international chefs teaming up with local restaurants to produce innovative menus and spread the fine-dining love

8. Salon du Chocolat in Paris, France

Leave it to Paris to host the world’s largest chocolate-dedicated extravaganza. For five days each fall, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, cocoa producers, and chocolate adoring public gather for demonstrations, workshops, chocolate sculptures, a pastry competition, and even a chocolate fashion show at the Salon du Chocolate trade fair. There are also hundreds of exhibitors from around the world presenting tasty treats sure to delight any sweet-toothed visitor, but if you find yourself in town outside of the festival dates, don't despair! You can still learn to bake croissants or baguettes in a French bakery.

9. Pizzafest in Naples, Italy

Every year in the second half of June, Naples’ pretty seaside promenade turns into Pizza Village. Literally. It’s the site of Pizzafest, where the best makers of one of the world’s most beloved foods meet, compete, and celebrate all things pizza. They dish out hot pies, rank their dough-tossing skills, and demonstrate the art of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making while visitors soak up seaside views, catch live music, and pair their slices with local wines.