Enjoy a Month Full of Vacations and Great Food!
If you believe that the best way to discover a place is through its cuisine, August is the perfect month for a foodie journey.
Across the United States and around the world, entire cities transform into open-air kitchens, serving everything from beloved street classics to gourmet creations by renowned chefs.
Are you a casual foodie or a passionate culinary traveler? Then check out August’s must-visit festivals, in the U.S. and worldwide, where every bite tells a story.
Highlights in the U.S.: Where Food and Culture Meet
Iowa State Fair
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Date: August 7–17, 2025
The Iowa State Fair showcases the best of local agriculture, offering corn, sweets, fresh juices, meats, and the iconic Butter Cow, sculpted entirely from butter.
With over one million visitors expected, this fair offers an authentic experience for those looking to indulge in traditional fair food with a touch of local charm.
Milford Oyster Festival
Location: Milford, Connecticut
Date: August 15–16, 2025
The Milford Oyster Festival honors the best of seafood with vibrant live performances, local artisan booths, and exciting culinary contests.
For seafood enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit destination to savor fresh oysters in a welcoming, coastal atmosphere perfect for families.
Festival of Nations
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Dates: August 23–24, 2025
The multicultural Festival of Nations brings together over 80 countries represented through food stalls, cultural performances, artisan crafts, and music at the beautiful Tower Grove Park.
It’s a vibrant event designed to celebrate global cuisine in an authentic and accessible way — ideal for travelers who want to taste dishes from around the world in one place.
The Great Minnesota Get‑Together – Minnesota State Fair
Location: Minneapolis, MN, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Dates: August 21 to Labor Day (September 1), 2025
With over 300 official food stalls and more than 1,600 menu items (including twelve new recipes debuting this year), this event is a massive fusion of street bites and global gastronomy.
An enriching experience for any visitor, blending fair classics with culinary creativity.
Wisconsin State Fair – Summer Fair
Location: West Allis / Milwaukee, WI
Dates: July 31 to August 10, 2025
The largest state fair in America for serving brats, deep-fried cheese curds, and sugary fruit serpentine sticks.
It goes far beyond quick bites, offering live music, gourmet food trucks, and a packed schedule of daily activities.
World Food & Music Festival
Location: Western Gateway Park, Des Moines, Iowa
Dates: August 22–24, 2025
This festival is not just about food — it’s a cultural experience representing over two dozen countries.
With a mission to bring diverse cultures together, it features authentic dishes, cultural performances, live DJs, and a rich multicultural networking vibe.
Beyond the U.S.: Taste the World Through Festivals
Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival
Location: Various culinary districts in Copenhagen, Denmark (including Kødbyen – Meatpacking District, Israels Plads, and more)
Dates: August 15–24, 2025
A must for travelers who explore destinations through food. With over 100 events in 10 days, this festival offers communal dinners, smørrebrød workshops, and heartfelt culinary experiences with a modern Nordic twist.
Sapporo Summer Festival – Odori Park & Bon Odori Ceremonies
Location: Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Dates: July 18 to August 16, 2025
Japan’s largest open-air beer garden takes over Sapporo, featuring six thematic zones, street stalls selling everything from ramen to Hokkaido dairy-based crepes, and traditional Bon Odori dances.
It’s truly one of Japan’s great summer events, giving visitors about a month to immerse themselves in local culture and flavors.
Why August is the Perfect Month for Culinary Travelers
August holds a special place in the global culinary calendar. In the Northern Hemisphere, it marks the peak of summer — a time of abundant harvests and vibrant outdoor festivals in energetic cities.
Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, countries like Argentina and Australia embrace the winter season to create intimate and heartwarming culinary experiences, focusing on wines, meats, and seasonal comfort dishes.
For travelers, these festivals offer more than just meals. They’re opportunities to connect with local culture, with stories, traditions, and culinary innovations shared in every dish.
From street bites to gourmet tasting menus, August invites you to savor the world.
