Sundance Film Festival

Courtesy of Sundance Film Festival

Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the United States. The event is dedicated to the art of independent storytelling, and it is produced by the Sundance Institute®, a nonprofit organization that provides and preserves creative space for artists in film, theatre and new media. The Sundance Film Festival has introduced global audiences to notable works, including Jordan Peele’s Get Out, John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, among many others. The institute continues to set new standards for supporting provocative and thoughtful motion picture development.

January/February in Park City & Salt Lake City
Extra — Hit the slopes at Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the United States with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.

Tribeca Film Festival

Courtesy of TFF

The Tribeca Film Festival was created to help spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The event was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001. It aims to bring artists and audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music and online work. With its roots in independent film, the festival highlights the strength of the New York City art scene and its dedication to supporting the next generation of filmmakers.

June in New York City
Extra — Spend some time reflecting on the tragic events of September 11, 2001 at the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan.

Fantastic Fest

Courtesy of Fantastic Fest

Fantastic Fest has a cult following for good reason. It was founded in 2005 by Alamo Drafthouse founders Tim and Karrie League, Ain’t It Cool News founder Harry Knowles, producer Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and writer/director Tim McCanlies. The event is the largest genre film festival in the United States specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action films from around the world. With secret screenings and costume-encouraged themed parties, the festival offers a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience. Organizers do a great job of sourcing and spotlighting lesser-known projects, as well as films with unusual provenances in an effort to expand views’ general knowledge and appreciation of cinema.

September in Austin, Texas
Extra — Enjoy the brisket at Terry Black’s Barbecue. Then, head over to the bar at the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt near Rainey Street for a spicy margarita.

AFI Fest

Photo by C. McCain

AFI Fest offers the perfect combination: Hollywood and the American Film Institute (AFI), an organization dedicated to documenting, archiving and celebrating motion picture history. AFI Fest showcases the best festival films of the year and provides a stage for seasoned filmmakers and emerging artists to come together to discuss their process, passion and inspiration. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI Fest as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category for the annual Academy Awards®. Don’t miss the  A-list celebrity sightings during the pre-show red-carpet entrances.

October in Los Angeles, California
Extra — Head over to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the largest museum in the United States devoted to the arts, sciences, and artists of moviemaking.

TCM Classic Cruise

Courtesy of TCM

This is not your typical film festival. For starters, the annual Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Classic Cruise takes place on the open waters. Attendees enjoy five nights of classic film screenings while onboard a cruise ship. Film industry legends are there to share behind-the-scenes stories and answer audience questions. TCM hosts discussions about some of the best films ever made. From outdoor screenings to themed events, this festival cruise is a carefree way to celebrate classic films in style.

October from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico
Extra — Take a dip in the pool and unwind with a book on the sundeck.

For more articles like the Best Film Festivals in the United States, check out other articles about traveling in the United States.

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Incorporated in 1837, Chicago is an American boomtown. Its population of roughly 30,000 residents in 1850 grew to more than 2 million by 1910. This influx of people brought with them a diverse mix of cultures, religions and beliefs. Illinois’ largest city sits on the southern shores of Lake Michigan, one of North America’s Great Lakes. Similar to Manhattan, many of Chicago’s early skyscrapers date back to the 1890s, which gives the city a rich architectural skyline. The financial district and its looming towers can be seen from great distances when approaching the city by car. In addition to having big buildings, Chicago has been home to some of America’s biggest icons, including Oprah, Michael Jordan, Harry Caray and the Obamas, just to name a few.

Additionally, Chicago has a satisfying culinary scene. Hearty meals and strong drinks are served in generous portions. With European, Asian and African influences, Chicago’s food options are as diverse as its people. From live music to professional sporting events, there are plenty of interesting things to experience in the Windy City.

How to Visit Chicago for the First Time | Top 10 Things to Do in Chicago

Enjoy a few laughs

Courtesy of Second City

Chicago’s Second City, located in Oldtown, offers nightly performances and seasonal shows featuring some of the most talented comedians in the business. The comedy club has been operating as a theatre and improv school since 1959. Throughout the years, company alumni have included many of comedy’s greatest heroes, including Bill Murray, John Candy, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler and Aidy Bryant. After the show, grab a drink at 1959 Kitchen & Bar, the club’s on-site restaurant, or the neighboring Old Town Ale House.

Experience baseball history

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicagoans are crazy about baseball. In a city with two Major League teams, visitors will need to pick a side. If you choose the Cubs, you will not be disappointed with a visit to the historic Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago. Built in 1914, the stadium is the second-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, just behind Boston’s Fenway Park (1912). Baseball memorabilia is on full view throughout the stadium, including the original scoreboard from 1937. Depending on the location of your seat, you might just get lucky with a game ball souvenir. To increase your chances of catching a game ball, sit along the first and third base lines for foul balls and in the bleachers for home-run balls. Don’t forget to try a Chicago-style hotdog, which is typically topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt. Stadium tours are available during the offseason.

Cruise on the Chicago River

The architecture boat tour is a great introduction to the Chicago skyline. Many of the city’s most stunning buildings can be enjoyed from the top deck of the First Lady. The tour highlights many important architectural styles, including Chicago School, neoclassical, art deco and modern. The 90-minute excursions are expertly hosted by docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, and tours operate from mid-May to mid-October. For an unforgettable experience, check out the twilight tours, which offer beautiful sunset views from the Chicago River. The vessels can carry up to 250 passengers and feature open-air upper decks, full-service bars, climate-controlled lower cabins and upscale marble and granite restrooms. It is advised to purchase tickets in advance.

Satisfy your pizza craving

Photo by Manvi Mathur

Pizza might not seem like a memorable holiday experience, but it can be in Chicago. For starters, “Chicago-style” typically implies that the pizza is made using thick or deep dish crust. There is also a thick layer of cheese under toppings and tomato sauce. It seems backward, but in the best possible way. Cornmeal is used to give the buttery crust a bit of a crunch. This deliciously filling style of pie can be found throughout the city. For classic versions, check out Pizano’s Pizza or Gino’s East.

Read more: 10 Iconic American Foods & Where to Find Them

Explore an unforgettable art collection

Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s leading art museums. Centrally located in Grant Park, the Art Institute offers visitors notable works from around the world. Its permanent collection features more than 300,000 pieces, including Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (1884/86), Van Gogh’s The Bedroom (1889), Wood’s American Gothic (1930), Hopper’s Nighthawks (1942) and Motley’s Nightlife (1943), among many others. In 2009, the museum opened a modern wing designed by Renzo Piano, which features prominent artists like Jasper Johns, Takashi Murakami, Robert Rauschenberg, Cindy Sherman and Andy Warhol. Don’t miss the Thorne Miniature Rooms located on the museum’s lower level.

Read More: Top 5 Art Museums Offering Free Online Art Education

Unwind to the sound of live jazz

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago has jazz roots that date back to the 1920s when Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong were drawing large crowds. Today, music fans can visit Green Mill in Uptown for live jazz every night until 4am, except for Saturdays when it’s open until 5am. Known as one of the oldest continuously running jazz clubs in the country, Green Mill has welcomed jazz legends like Von Freeman, Franz Jackson and Wilbur Campbell. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and entrance fees vary depending on the band.

Read More: 48 Hours in New Orleans

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Given the large Irish-American population, Chicago is the best place to be for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Each year, revelers take to the streets and flood neighborhood Irish bars wearing their best green-colored outfits. For five hours, typically starting at 9am on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Chicago River is dyed emerald green. Thousands of spectators gather along the scenic Riverwalk to see green water flowing through the city’s center. Chicago also hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, which includes a three-hour procession with colorful floats, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands and bagpipers.

Become one with nature

City of Chicago Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Lincoln Park is a great way to spend an afternoon in Chicago, especially during the warmer summer months. This 1,200+ acre park is situated on the North Side of Chicago along Lake Michigan. Visitors can explore the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Theatre on the Lake, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Lincoln Park Conservatory. There is something for everyone in this urban oasis, and many activities can be enjoyed for free. After the park, take advantage of the good weather with a stroll along the neighboring beach for beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Go to the theatre

Abel Arciniega Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

Chicago’s flourishing Theatre District, located in the Loop, features more than 200 theatres, including five Tony Award-Winning companies. Visitors can choose from a selection of world-class productions. Check out the district’s three Broadway In Chicago theatres: CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre and Cadillac Palace Theatre. Also, don’t miss the Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre.

Get a little tipsy

Adam Alexander Photography Photo Courtesy of Choose Chicago

With more than 100 breweries, Chicago is the perfect place to sample interesting craft beers. First-time visitors should check out Goose Island, a well-known Chicago-born brewery. Learn about the brewing process at Goose Island’s Fulton Street brewery and taproom, located in West Loop. Tours operate Thursday through Sunday, and advanced booking is recommended. Beer samples and a custom beer glass are included in the tour ticket price.

If you’re still thirsty, check out Lagunitas Brewing Company’s 300-seat taproom located in Douglas Park. Offering excellent beer, live music, food and tours Wednesday through Sunday, Lagunitas is the largest brewery in Illinois.

Coming Soon! 
Obama Presidential Center is located in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side near the University of Chicago. Once completed, the facilities will honor the legacy of President Barrack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. The museum, and its public meeting space, library and plaza, will provide visitors with a space to reflect, engage and learn.

If you enjoyed How to Visit Chicago for the First Time, check out other travel articles about the United States.

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Yes! The Netherlands is known for its beauty, culture and history. Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is one of the most international cities in Europe with a population that reflects more than 170 different nationalities. Holland, which includes the provinces of Noord Holland and Zuid Holland, is home to nearly 35% of the county’s total population and includes the three largest Dutch cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. This region offers nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 400+ museums and historical sites, delicious food and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect place to start an amazing travel adventure in the Netherlands. So, is Holland worth visiting? Check out five excellent reasons to visit the Netherlands.

Experience World-Class Museums

Photo by Frans Ruiter

The Netherlands is a world leader when it comes to arts and culture. With more than 400 museums located throughout the country, visitors can enjoy an impressive variety of classical and contemporary art at the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Kunsthal Rotterdam. Visitors can also learn about Dutch history and culture at the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Royal Delft and Amsterdam Museum. For family-friendly museums, check out the Nijntje Museum, Maritime Museum and Space Expo.

Take in the Canals

Photo by C. McCain

Built during the Golden Age of the seventeenth century, Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) is made up of intersecting waterways developed through the drainage and reclamation of land for new development. In addition to being practical, the Canal Ring has evolved into one of the city’s most iconic sites, particularly the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel canals. In 2010, the Amsterdam Canal Ring was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, in 2013, it celebrated its 400th birthday. To learn more, check out the Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis) in Amsterdam and experience historical artifacts and multi-media exhibits.

Stop and Smell the…Tulips

Courtesy of Visit Holland. Photo by Claire Droppert.

When talking about 5 reasons to visit Holland, it’s important to mention the flowers. From mid-March to mid-May, sections of Holland are in full bloom with some of the most beautiful flower fields in the world. Crocuses first appear in March, then daffodils and hyacinths soon follow. From mid-April through the first week of May, tulips take center stage with spectacular scenes of vast fields and vivid colors. One of the best tulip routes in Holland can be found in the Noordoostpolder region of the Flevoland province, which ranges in distance from 10 to 70 km. Don’t miss the annual Flower Parade, from Noordwijk to Haarlem, which features colorful floats decorated with incredible, custom-made floral arrangements.

Say Cheese, Please

Courtesy of Visit Holland

The Dutch produce more than 650 million kilos of cheese every year. Two third of it is exported, which makes Holland one of the largest cheese exporters in the world. The most popular cheeses from Holland come from Gouda and Edam, and for more than 600 years, cheese producers from this region have been honing their craft from one generation to the next. Today, visitors can taste a wide variety of local cheeses at the cheese markets in Gouda, Edam and Alkmaar. While in Alkmaar, check out the Cheese Museum to learn more about the history and artistry of Dutch cheesemaking.

Celebrate the Royal Family

Courtesy of Visit Holland

Is Holland worth visiting? Yes, particularly during King’s Day. In 1885, a royal tradition was born with a celebration in honor of the birth of Queen Wilhelmina, which marked the start of Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) in the Netherlands. In 2014, Queen’s Day was changed to King’s Day (Koningsdag) after the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. Each year on April 27, the Dutch celebrate the King’s birthday with music, street parties, flea markets and fairs. Revelers wear the color orange from head to toe as a show of pride for the Dutch Royal Family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

Need a place to stay in Amsterdam? Check out a hotel review for De L’Europe.

Courtesy of De L’Europe

 

What is the difference between the Netherlands and Holland?

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If you enjoyed Is Holland Worth Visiting, check out other Europe-inspired articles.

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10 Best Food Festivals in Scandinavia

A Taste of Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden
May/June

Courtesy of A Taste of Stockholm

Located at the Kungsträdgården festival grounds, A Taste of Stockholm is one of the largest food festivals in Sweden typically drawing more than 300,000 attendees each year. This five-day event features a wide variety of local foods, as well as beer and wine tastings, and it brings together chefs and food industry professionals from throughout Sweden to showcase their culinary skills. The event celebrates sustainability with its Stockholm Green initiative. Don’t miss the chef duel, which provides plenty of high-stakes entertainment.

Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans

Located throughout Denmark
June

Courtesy of My New Danish Life

The Midsummer Festival of Saint Hans takes place near the summer solstice in locations throughout Denmark. The Midsummer Festival is named after Sankt Hans, known as John the Baptist, and it is celebrated with a home-cooked meal followed by a community bonfire. Throughout the years, the event has kept many of its traditions, including songs, food and drinks.

Gladmat Food Festival

Stavanger, Norway
July

Courtesy of Gladmat Food Festival

The Gladmat Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s food culture. Gladmat means “happy food” in Norwegian, which sets the tone for this fun-loving four-day event. With more than 250,000 people expected each year, this festival brings together local food producers, restauranteurs and food enthusiasts for food exhibitions, cookery courses, treasure hunts, food trails and local food competitions.

Trøndelag Food Festival

Trondheim, Norway
July

Courtesy of Trøndelag Food Festival

The Trøndelag Food Festival is located in Trondheim, the third most populated city in Norway located on the Trondheim Fjord at the mouth of the River Nidelva. Trondheim is known as the “home of Nordic flavors” given its easy access to local-produced, high-quality foods from the land and sea. The Trøndelag Food Festival usually draws more than 250,000 people, and food samples are provided by 200+ local farmers and food producers. The booths and stages are decorated with classic Norwegian designs. Cooking classes are available with special themes, such as food preservation, fermentation techniques and shellfish preparations. Don’t miss the Trondheim Brewery Festival, which takes place during the same time.

Crab Festival on Atoy

Atløy, Norway
July

Courtesy of Crab Festival on Atoy

Volunteers catch more than 2,000 kg of crab for the annual Crab Festival on the island of Atløy in Norway. The fresh crabs are then boiled for the event’s popular crab table or made into specialty dishes, such as crab tortillas and shellfish platters. The best part about this event is that attendees can eat as much crab as they’d like. The festival also features activities for the whole family, including live performances, music and dancing.

Malmo Festival

Malmö, Sweden
August

Courtesy of Malmo Festival

The Malmö Festival offers visitors the chance to experience the flavor and culture of Scandinavian cuisine in the historic city of Malmö, Sweden’s third most populated city. Each summer, the festival brings people together to enjoy food, music and art. This event is one of the largest city festivals in northern Europe. Everyone is welcome, and there are plenty of free activities and performances for people of all ages.

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

Copenhagen, Denmark
August

Courtesy of Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival features some seriously delicious food, and it recognizes the talented people who work hard to produce it. This 10-day event lets chefs, cooks and foodies join forces to celebrate Copenhagen’s diverse and ever-evolving food scene. The program features both Danish and international cuisines, and there is a focus on ‘food of the wild’ or raw, locally-sourced foods, such as seaweed, plants, fruits and vegetables. The festival also offers food-related conferences and symposiums aimed at inspiring industry professionals.

Bergen Food Festival

Bergen, Norway
September

Courtesy of Bergen Food Festival

The Bergen Food Festival is located in Norway’s second-largest city situated in the west coast county of Vestland. This event is one of the biggest ‘local’ food festivals in Norway. Attendees can meet food producers, buy high-quality, fresh products and get inspired by great regional chefs. The event also features presentations from the producers about their food, which is typically produced from local, raw materials.

Matstreif Food Festival

Oslo, Norway
September

Courtesy of Matstreif Food Festival

The Matstreif Food Festival is an annual event organized by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. With 150+ exhibitors, the event showcases some of the best local food and drink producers from Norway. The farmers’ market offers small-scale, locally-produced goods. This two-day event also features cooking demonstrations, competitions and family-friendly activities. From elk burgers to fresh salmon, this festival highlights Norwegian dishes that will have you coming back for more.

Great Swedish Beer Festival

Malmö, Sweden
October

The Great Swedish Beer Festival is held at Slagthuset in Malmö. 100+ Swedish craft beer breweries are celebrated at this annual event, and 4,500+ visitors are expected to attend one of the festival’s two sessions. Attendees are welcome to meet brew masters, taste a wide variety of beers and enjoy the company of other beer lovers from around the world.

If you enjoyed 10 Best Food Festivals in Scandinavia, check out other food-inspired travel articles.

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The Best Food Festivals in Portugal

Pork Sausage Festival (Festa das Chouriças)
Location: Querença
Month: January
Festa das Chouriças is one of the most popular Portuguese food festivals. Located in the Algarve region in Querença, a village in the municipality of Loulé, this food festival honors S. Luís, patron of the animals. The festival includes homemade sausage, musical performances, religious celebrations and a procession. The event also features a grand night of Fado at the People’s House of Querença. Markets throughout the village sell handmade goods and locally-produced products.

Courtesy of Jornal do Algarve

Essence of Wine (Essência do Vinho)
Location: Porto
Month: February
Essência do Vinho attracts large crowds to Porto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal. In recent years, the event has featured more than 3,000 wines and 400 wine producers from around the world. Attendees can sample wine, listen to winemaker presentations and chat with industry experts. Regional chefs and winemakers come together to celebrate Portuguese cuisine with special food and wine pairings. This four-day festival also features a welcome dinner and awards ceremony for notable wines made in Portugal, including the designation of the top 10 Portuguese wines of the year.

Courtesy of Essência do Vinho

Traditional Sausage Fair (Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais)
Location: Monchique
Month: March
Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais is located in Monchique, a city in the Algarve region set among the Serra de Monchique. This part of Portugal specializes in ham from black pigs. This festival celebrates some of the country’s best pork dishes and the people who produce them. In addition to food, this three-day festival features crafts, live music and local specialties like medronho, a drink made from distilled medronho tree fruit.

Courtesy of Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais

Great Portuguese Wine Show (Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal)
Location: Albufeira
Month: May/June
Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal is one of the country’s largest wine festivals in Portugal. Located in Albufeira, a coastal city in the Algarve region, this event features more than 900 wines and more than 100 national wine producers. This former fishing village has sandy beaches and a bustling restaurant scene – a perfect backdrop for a buzzworthy wine event. This three-day festival includes presentations about the Algarve Wine Route, cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings.

Courtesy of Grande Mostra de Vinhos de Portugal

St. John Festival (Festa de São João)
Location: Porto
Month: June
Festa de São João dates back to the fourteenth century making it one of the most popular food festivals in Portugal. It’s a time to honor the sun gods and celebrate the year’s good harvest with friends, family, food, drinks and entertainment. Classic festival dishes include grilled sardines, grilled spare ribs, pork sandwiches, traditional soups and stews and plenty of port wine and Super Bock beer. The first evening of the festival usually includes a nice meal at home or at a restaurant. Be sure to book a table well in advance, since the festival is known to draw large crowds. Then, a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky at midnight from the D. Luis Bridge. Free live music, including Fado, jazz and rock, can be heard throughout the city. Don’t forget your little plastic hammer, which festival goers use to lightly tap each other on the head.

Courtesy of Tia Maria

Food Fest
Location: Lagos
Month: July
Food Fest in Lagos, a town in the Algarve region, features a wide range of street food set among the walled old town, cliffs of Ponta de Piedade and Atlantic beaches. The streets of the city are transformed into an open air market with plenty of local dishes and drinks. This four-day food fest also features live music and entertainment, family-friendly activities and affordable, yet delicious, food and drink options.

Courtesy of J Photography

Seafood Festival (Festival do Marisco)
Location: Olhão
Month: August
Festival do Marisco in Olhão takes place in the municipal garden area along the banks of the Rio Formosa. This Portuguese food festival mixes live music and food to create one huge community celebration. Highlights include live performances by some of the best musicians in Portugal and food served fresh from the sea. Attendees can enjoy prawns, oysters, razor clams, barnacles and more. Traditional dishes, like seafood cataplana, are also served along with craft beer and Portuguese wine.

Courtesy of Festival do Marisco

Sardine Festival (Festival da Sardinha)
Location: Portimão
Month: August
Festival da Sardinha draws thousands of visitors to Portimão, a port city located in the Algarve region. People from all over the country gather together to celebrate one of Portugal’s favorite dishes: grilled sardines. Festivities are held in the fishing quarter, Zona Ribeirinha, and sardines and seafood are served fresh from the ocean along the picturesque waterfront. Traditional restaurants serve up plenty of sardinha no pão, or grilled sardines on local bread. The event also features live music performances and family-friendly activities.

Photo by Alex Teixeira

Fishermen’s Feast (Festa do Pescador)
Location: Albufeira
Month: September
Festa do Pescador celebrates the people connected to the sea with three-days of food, drinks and live entertainment. Food stalls serve up regional snacks like mackerel, cuttlefish and cataplanas. Festival goers can also enjoy sweet treats like almond cakes and farrobitos. Open-air entertainment includes traditional folk-inspired music, dance performances and more.

Courtesy of Festa do Pescador

National Gastronomy Festival (Festival Nacional de Gastronomia)
Location: Santarém
Month: October/November
In 2021, Festival Nacional de Gastronomia will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Located in Santarém, a city on the right bank of the Tagus River just northeast from Lisbon, this event attracts foodies from all over the world. Attendees can sample some of Portugal’s best food. The event plays a fundamental role in the preservation of Portuguese gastronomic heritage by inviting chefs and restaurateurs to showcase their best regional dishes. It’s a celebration of traditional and contemporary Portuguese cuisine. Themed lunches and live cooking demonstrations pay homage to Portugal’s rich food culture.

Courtesy of National Gastronomy Festival

*Please note, events may be canceled or postponed due to COVID-19.

If you enjoyed the 10 Best Food Festivals in Portugal, check out other food-related articles!

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The Best Food Festivals in France

Fête de la Truffe
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda
Month: January
Fête de la Truffe is hosted by Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval town located in southwest France, and the Black Périgord Truffle Producers’ Group. A truffle, sometimes referred to as a black diamond because of its high value, is a type of fungus that grows in regions throughout France. This event celebrates the truffle’s rich flavor and its influence on local cuisine. In addition to sampling truffles, festival goers can learn how to hunt and identify them, meet local truffle-growers and buy fresh truffles and truffle-based products.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

This weekend-long event also features a cooking competition for students taking a vocational baccalaureate with the cookery option or a BTS (HND equivalent) at apprentice training centers in France. Eight finalists are selected to prepare two dishes using foie gras and black Périgord truffle, and the winner is presented with the prestigues Jean Rougié Award.

Courtesy of Sarlat Tourism

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Lyon Bière Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: April
Organized by Bieronomy et l’Agence Tintamarre, in partnership with Le Petit Bulletin Lyon, the Lyon Bière Festival has established itself as an essential gathering for beer connoisseurs in France and Europe. Attendees have the chance to sample a wide variety of craft beers and ciders. Brew masters are available to answer questions about the brewing process, new trends and food pairings. With more than 100 breweries in attendance, the event features beer from France, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Slovenia, Belgium and England, among others. The event is held at La Sucrière, a large building dedicated to contemporary art located in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement.

Photo by Evan Dvorkin

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Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques
Location: Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol
Month: April
Thousands of people gather in the Côtes-d’Armor region of France each year to honor the most elegant shellfish, the scallop, also known as the crown jewel of St-Brieuc Bay. Located in northern Brittany, the fishing ports of Erquy, Saint-Quay-Portrieux and Paimpol take turns each year hosting the Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques. The event marks the closing of an intense 6-month fishing season, which restricts fishing to 45 minutes twice a week to protect the species.

This two day event offers visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of scallop-inspired recipes at local restaurants and food stalls set-up near the port. Fête de la Coquille Saint-Jacques also features specialty food vendors, wine and entertainment. Don’t miss the parade featuring the Knights of the Scallop. Visitors can even follow the trawlers out to sea as they search for the very last scallops of the season. Scallops are available for purchase, either fresh in their shells or ready-to-eat.

Photo by Marika Sartori

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Taste of Paris
Location: Paris
Month: May
Taste of Paris, held at the Grand Palais, showcases the capital city’s best restaurants, and it is one of the most popular food festivals in France. This four-day event features food tastings, cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef appearances. Attendees have the chance to sample signature dishes served by the chefs themselves. From Michelin-starred chefs to new talent, Taste of Paris is a great way to explore the Parisian food scene. For a special treat, check out the Premium Lounge. This area is open to visitors with VIP passes, which includes a fast track entry into the event, a birds eye view from the mezzanine and Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, among other benefits.

Photo by Vincent Nageotte

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Bordeaux Fête le Vin
Location: Bordeaux
Month: June
For four days, Bordeaux hosts one of the country’s biggest wine-themed events of the year. This event may not be a French food festival exactly, but there are plenty of food samples to accompany the wine tasting. More than 1,200 winemakers gather in Bordeaux to celebrate the fruits of their labor at the Bordeaux Fête le Vin. Attendees can learn, taste and purchase some of the best red wines available in France. The Tasting Pass comes with a wine glass, around-the-neck glass holder, wine samples and access to one wine tasting workshop at the Pavillon de l’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux. In addition to wine, the festival features food stands, entertainment and fireworks. The event also includes the Tall Ships Regatta, a race that draws large sailing ships to port on the Garonne River in the heart of Bordeaux.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Bordeaux Fête le Vin

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Les Étoiles de Mougins
Location: Mougins
Month: June
Mougins, a village located near the French Riviera, organizes an annual international festival dedicated to gastronomy. Launched in 2006 as a tribute to Roger Vergé, the chef at Moulin de Mougins, the event draws more than 25,000 attendees each year. For three days, a hundred chefs gather at the event to share their skills and passion with the public. The event also features cooking lessons, demonstrations and competitions. One day is dedicated to families with special food-themed activities and workshops designed just for children.

Courtesy of Les Étoiles de Mougins

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Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande
Location: Rouen
Month: October
Since in 1935, Rouen’s Fête du Ventre et de la Gastronomie Normande, or Festival of the Stomach and Norman Gastronomy, has been a popular food event in northern France. Set in the historic town center, this Rouen food festival is centered around the Place du Vieux Marché and Rue Rollon. For two days, crowds gather to celebrate the region’s top chefs, artisans and local food producers. Visitors can sample a wide range of locally farmed and produced foods, such as apples, cheeses, ciders, meats, dairy products, jams and sweet treats. Many locals wear traditional costumes to honor Normandy’s heritage.

Courtesy of Rouen Conquérant

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Fête Du Piment
Location: Espelette
Month: October
Each year, the Basque village of Espelette hosts a festival that marks the end of the pepper harvest. According to Anglet’s tourist office, peppers were first brought to this region by a Basque navigator sailing with Christopher Columbus around 1650. Since then, peppers have been a celebrated staple in many local dishes. Once picked, the peppers are hung along houses to dry creating a beautiful backdrop for the event. Attendees can purchase peppers, in addition to other regionally produced foods. Food festival activities include dance performances, traditional music, a parade and pelota games.

Courtesy of Fête Du Piment

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Lyon Street Food Festival
Location: Lyon
Month: October
The Lyon Street Food Festival is a recent addition to the French food festival calendar. Since 2016, this four-day party attracts thousands of attendees, as well as hundreds of chefs from all over France and Europe. The event features pop-up restaurants, food trucks, outdoor bars, live music and free cooking workshops. Regional chefs prepare savory food samples, while discussing cooking techniques with hungry audiences. The event takes place at the Old Fagor-Brandt Factories in Lyon’s 7th arrondissement.

Courtesy of Lyon Street Food Festival

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Les Sarmentelles
Location: Beaujeu
Month: November
Les Sarmentelles is a wine festival held in Beaujeu, a village located in eastern France near the city of Mâcon. The event celebrates the limited edition release of that year’s Beaujolais Nouveau. Available to the public for the first time each year on the third Thursday in November, this red wine is made using Gamay grapes and is only fermented for a few weeks before it is consumed. For decades, this five-day French wine festival has featured tastings, dinners, live music, dance performances and art markets. Visitors can also book trips to the local vineyards and meet the winemakers.
Read more: Top 5 Red Wine Regions in France

Courtesy of Les Sarmentelles de Beaujeu

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The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna

• Fine Art
• Dance
• Museums
• Music
• Royal Palaces

Fine Art

Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) © WienTourismus/Paul Bauer

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna’s Art History Museum, offers an extensive collection of art from the imperial family’s collection. Built in 1891, the museum offers visitors the largest Bruegel collection in the world, as well as notable works from Europe, Egypt and the Near East. The museum’s expansive permanent collection offers works by Raphael, Vermeer, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Titian and Tintoretto, among others. Don’t miss the Kunstkammer, the cabinet of curiosities, which is a museum within a museum. Opened in 2013, this collection from the Habsburgs includes artworks and unique objects from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Once finished with the Kunsthistorisches Museum, head across the Maria Theresien Platz to the Museum of Natural History, a near identical building. While there, don’t miss the chance to marvel at an artifact that is thought to be almost 30,000 years old – a figure titled Venus of Willendorf.

Gustav Klimt, The Kiss 1907/08, Belvedere Museum

Dance

Vienna Opera Ball@ WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

Dance is just one of the reasons that Vienna is the best European city for art lovers. The Viennese waltz, a style of dance that was recently added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, is a cherished piece of Austria’s heritage. Considered to be the original waltz, this ballroom classic can be experienced at venues throughout the city, especially during Viennese ball season, which runs from November through Carnival season until February. With more than 400 balls hosted each year, these events transport guests back in time to when Austrian composer Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899) premiered the Blue Danube Waltz in 1867. From the Vienna Opera Ball to the Ball of the Viennese Chimney Sweeps, guests wear formal attire of gowns and tuxedos, while drinking local wine and dancing to that iconic three-four time step.

Opera: Wiener Staatsballett,
principal dancer, Olga Esina © WienTourismus/Peter Rigaud

The Vienna State Ballet, or Wiener Staatsballett, is a first-rate dance company with four premieres, one gala and ten repertoire works scheduled at the Vienna State Opera and Volksoper for the 2019/20 season. This will be the last season for director, Manuel Legris, a former Danseur Etoile of the Paris Opera Ballet. Season highlights include Jewels by George Balanchine and set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky, as well as an evening with three pieces titled Movements to Stravinsky, Between Dogs and Wolves (world premiere). The annual Nureyev Gala will end the season on June 25, 2020.

Museums

Queue the “Harry Lime” zither music, please. “I never knew the old Vienna before the war with its Strauss music, its glamour and easy charm.” This is the opening line to one of the best films ever made, The Third Man. Made in 1948, this film noir was directed by Carol Reed and starred Joseph Cotton and Orson Wells. Film fans can get a closer look at this black and white classic at the Third Man Museum, located near Vienna’s Naschmarkt (only open on Saturdays from 2 to 6 pm). With more than 2,000 artifacts and original documents, the exhibition showcases behind-the-scene memorabilia, as well as information about Vienna’s occupation period between 1945–1955, which provides the film its context. Highlights include the original screenplays, cameras used on set, little Hansel’s cap and a functioning cinema projector from 1936. The Third Man Tours are also available, so visitors can experience famous locations around Vienna that were featured in the film, such as the Prater Ferris Wheel, Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) and the older parts of Vienna’s sewer system. If that wasn’t enough, the Burg Kino cinema screens the film at least three times a week; check their website for showtimes.

Mozarthaus Vienna was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756–1791) residence from 1748 until 1787. It is the only surviving apartment in which the famous Austrian composer lived while in Vienna. Located at Domgrasse number 5, the first floor, Mozart’s apartment, features four large rooms and a kitchen. According to Visit Vienna, Mozart penned his best compositions in this residence, including The Marriage of Figaro and three of the six Haydn Quartets. With six levels, there is plenty to see at the Mozarthaus, which opened on the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, on January 27, 2006. Curated by the Wien Museum, the exhibition features photos and documents that tell the story of one of the world’s most famous composers.

Music

Opera: Vienna State Opera at night © WienTourismus/MAXUM

The Vienna State Opera, or Wiener Staatsoper, is considered to be one of the most important opera houses in the world. Under the direction of Dominique Meyer, the opera presents roughly 50 performances each year with the program changing daily. Located just off the city’s Ringstraße, the Vienna State Opera is a cornerstone of Viennese culture and a point of pride for city dwellers since its opening in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s Don Juan. The opera has been led by many notable directors, including Johann von Herbeck, Gustav Mahler and Karl Böhm.

Wiener Symphoniker’s orchestra concert in the Wiener Konzerthaus

Founded in 1842 by Otto Nicolai, the Vienna Philharmonic is considered to be one of the best orchestras in the world. From Mahler to Strauss, the orchestra performs Viennese classics for audiences from around the world. The New Year’s Concert is one of the hottest tickets in the city, which is televised live from the Grand Hall of the Muskiverein. For those looking to attend this annual concert in person, it will take a bit of luck considering tickets are drawn through the Philharmonic’s website. If you’re looking to visit Vienna in the summer, check out the Summer Night Concert held annually in June. This open-air concert is performed in front of Schönbrunn Palace and it is free to the public.

Royal Palaces

Hofburg Vienna, The large Salon of Emperor Franz Joseph (Vienna Hofburg, Imperial Apartments) © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The Hofburg, Vienna’s Imperial Palace, should be worked into your Vienna travel bucket list. With sections of the palace dating back to the 13th century, this expansive property was the residence and seat of government of the Habsburg emperors until 1918. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring this royal palace and its surrounding grounds and museums. Start with the Imperial Apartments and see how Empress Elisabeth “Sisi” (1837–1898) and Emperor Franz Joseph (1830–1916) lived during their reign. The Sisi Museum provides a closer look at the life of one of Europe’s most famous monarchs known for her beauty and petite figure. Don’t miss the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School.

Schönbrunn Palace © Schloß Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H., Photo: Alexander Eugen Koller

The park at Schönbrunn Palace is the perfect place to spend the day during the warmer summer months. Opened to the public in 1780, the gardens and park surrounding the Baroque palace offer roughly one square kilometer of beautifully kept outdoor space. This massive property formerly served as the summer residence of the Habsburgs since 1569. The park, along with the palace and its Rococo interiors, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The surrounding park also includes the Imperial Carriage Museum, Crown Prince Garden, Orangery Garden, Maze & Labyrinth, Zoo, Palm House and Desert Experience House.

The post The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna first appeared on Travel Observed.

The post The Ultimate Arts & Culture Guide for Vienna appeared first on Travel Observed.