Festivals: Where Food and Fun Go Together
There have always been local festivals focused on traditional food and drinks taking place in Zagreb quite regularly. In the last couple of years, though, a totally new breed of festivals has emerged, corresponding to global trends and targeting urban culture and younger audience. These events often have a very varied programme, and tend to combine food with music, film or other kinds of art. As Zagreb's social calendar is getting filled up with various food festivals, their creativity and originality is much appreciated. Late summer is the perfect setting for food and drink related events. Everyone is back from holidays, refreshed and recharged, eager to hang out, and it's still warm enough to be in the open air. After we closed August with the very successful premiere of a craft beer festival called Beeryard, the selection of events in September will make you want to cancel any other plans.
“Happy craft beer lovers at Beeryard Festival.” Image credit: Beeryard FB
So, what's on the menu? The first to come is also the one with the longest tradition - ZeGeVege Festival. For the ninth time in a row, on the weekend of September 2 and 3, Zagreb's central square will once again be the stage for celebrating organic, eco-friendly products and sustainable living. The organizers announced a record-breaking 100 stands. As always, apart from the fair featuring a great number of products, there will be many workshops and cooking shows. If you thought vegan food is boring and tasteless, this festival will definitely prove you wrong.
“Healthy snacks from last year’s ZeGeVege.” Image credit: www.zegevege.com
Next to come is the feast for both your palates and the eyes - Film Food Festival. Imagine a combination of an open-air cinema and a gourmet picnic and that's quite close to what awaits in Zrinjevac Park from September 7 to 18. Evening screenings of popular food-related films from all over the world will be accompanied by stalls offering food and drinks from well-known local establishments and producers. And yes, picnic blankets are inevitable.
“Food stands at Film Food Festival in Zrinjevac Park.” Image credit: Film Food Festival
The second edition of the World on a Plate Festival will take you on a culinary trip around the world from September 8 to 18, without ever leaving Europski trg (European Square) in the heart of Zagreb. Visitors will be able to taste street food and dishes coming from national cuisines of India, Italy, Korea, Japan, Macedonia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Russia and more. Of course, it’s not just about eating, so all of these countries will also showcase a bit of their culture.
“Travel around the world in plates.” Image credit: Svijet na tanjuru FB
The last on the list is a newcomer, Zagreb Burger Festival, held on September 15 to 25. Artisan burgers have been a big hit in Zagreb for a while now, so finally bringing a number of them together in one place is a good move. Strossmayer Park, the middle one of the three parks joined in the famous “Lenuci Horseshoe”, is just the right spot for events like this. Live gigs, DJs and workshops for children will make it a family experience.
“A new festival dedicated to burgers.” Image credit: Zagreb Burger Festival FB
We can also add the Little Picnic in Vranicanijeva poljana, a charming little green area in the Upper Town, taking place every Wednesday afternoon if the weather allows. Coming from the team behind Mali plac market, this event combines their usual organic food fair with a picnic gathering in a unique setting. You buy the food and drinks directly from a small farm producer and enjoy it on the spot - can’t get a more sustainable and local experience than that.
“Urban picnic in the old town.” Image credit: Mali piknik FB
Save the dates and go out to mingle, let your taste buds party. Julia Child said that people who love food are always the best people, and we can paraphrase that as - festivals that love food are always the best festivals.
Header image credit: Mali piknik FB
Author: Taste of Croatia