Spring has sprung and with it come numerous events to acquaint or re-acquaint us with the culinary heritage of the capital and the country, and to introduce us to international culinary traditions and the latest food trends. We’ve chosen just a few of the events that will take place in Ljubljana this year. As a large majority of them will be held at various outdoor locations, there will be plenty to enjoy for those who prefer to spend their free time in the fresh air.
Open Kitchen Food Market
Every Friday until the end of October, Pogačarjev Trg Square
Since it began six years ago, Open Kitchen has become one of the city’s most popular gathering places for food lovers, whether for a quick lunch or a long, relaxed get-together with friends. Indeed, for Ljubljana’s residents, it’s now become impossible to imagine a sunny Friday without it. There are around 50 different stalls, with chefs showcasing their culinary creations at Pogačarjev Trg from 10 am every Friday (weather permitting).
Brina – Ljubljana Gin Festival
1 June, Križanke
Brina, Ljubljana’s Festival of Gin, brings Slovenian and international gin distillers, cocktail maestros and creative chefs, all keen to mix things up and get busy with gin-flavoured and gin-inspired creations, together under one roof. There will be guided tastings and workshops run by experts for anyone keen to know more about gin, and there will be music to get everyone into the spirit. Festival partner: Tourism Ljubljana/Gourmet Ljubljana
Ljubljana Wine Route
15 June, Ljubljana Old Town (Stritarjeva Ulica, Mestni Trg, Cankarjevo Nabrežje, Prešernov Trg)
As thoughts turn to the holidays, the end of the school year and the prospect of a sizzling summer, wine lovers descend on the Old Town for some light wine and tasty bites. A good number of top wine producers will be on hand to offer passers-by a drop or two, with food available from all over Slovenia to liven things up further.
Beer & Burger Fest
14 and 15 September, Pogačarjev Trg
The 13th edition of this popular two-day festival is a chance for the best brewers from Slovenia and beyond to show off their wares, with stacks of great burgers and other great beer food on offer. Visitors will have a chance to chat to Slovenia’s most prominent craft beer brewers, burger masters and advocates of various other gastronomic philosophies, while live music will help you find the best combination of food and drink.
Ljubljana Coffee Festival
Autumn, City Museum of Ljubljana
This festival, whose range of artisan coffee puts Ljubljana right up there with other European capitals, is aimed at professionals from the coffee and catering industries, as well as coffee lovers of all stripes. The event will showcase some of the new developments being made in the coffee industry, and visitors will have a chance to taste some of the world’s best and most prestigious coffees. The tasting sessions will be accompanied by a varied programme aimed at experts and professionals.
Čokoljana
19 October, Pogačarjev Trg Square
This fair is aimed squarely at chocoholics and those with a sweet tooth who can’t imagine a day without their favourite sugary snack. This 7th edition of the festival will turn the city, for one day at least, into a sweet chocolate centre, with visitors offered the chance to taste a wide variety of chocolate and chocolate-based products – and perhaps learn a bit more about their favourite sinful indulgence.
November Gourmet
2–30 November, various locations, Ljubljana
In November, Ljubljana will once again reassert its credentials as a gastronomic capital by hosting a rich array of food and drink events. The month features a series of culinary events featuring some big names in the world of food and wine. The final event will once again be the highlight, with good food and good fun in abundance.
22nd Slovenian Wine Festival
14 and 15 November, Cankarjev Dom
This festival’s mission is to showcase great Slovenian and international wine and to spread wine-drinking culture still further. It is therefore aimed at wine and catering professionals, as well as wine lovers – that is, at anyone for whom wine is profession, passion or pure love. In addition to presenting winegrowers and winemakers, with an emphasis on those from Slovenia, the organisers will provide a varied programme of educational events in the form of workshops and lectures.
This year will be a tasty one, with something for every food lover!
Share your favourite Ljubljana foodie moments on Instagram as well, using #gourmetlj.
Photo: Odprta kuhna
