Food festivals around the world offer a unique way to experience local culture, flavour, and community.
This season, Lyon, Barbados, and The Bahamas are serving up standout events that make the perfect excuse for a delicious getaway.
Pineapple Festival, Bahamas 6th – 9th June
Eleuthera island is famous for the sweetest pineapples in the world, and every year in July this crop is celebrated with the vibrant Pineapple Festival in Gregory Town. From June 6th to 9th, this island tradition brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of live music, Bahamian food, cultural showcases, and, of course, plenty of fresh, sweet pineapple. The festival is a celebration of community, resilience, and the farmers who keep Eleuthera’s pineapple legacy alive.
For those heading to the island, The Potlatch Club offers an intimate and stylish place to stay just a short drive away. Set on a secluded stretch of pink-sand beach, this recently restored boutique hotel features just 11 rooms, combining mid-century glamour with laid-back island living. With fresh, local meals at The Fig Tree restaurant, a beachfront bar, and curated experiences across Eleuthera, it’s the perfect base to enjoy the festivities and unwind in barefoot luxury.
Lyon Street Food Festival, France 25th – 29th July
Every July, Lyon’s historic Old Town turns into a culinary playground for the unforgettable Lyon Street Food Festival. From July 25th to the 29th, over 200 live recipes, 440 hands-on workshops, and 60 music performances light up the city, blending unique flavours with music and culture. Top chefs and pâtissiers from across France and beyond join the celebration, including representatives from Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Korea, Spain, and Mexico.
While in Lyon for the festivities, Cour des Loges, A Radisson Collection Hotel offer a luxurious stay in the heart of the Old Town. Set in a Renaissance-era building with a stunning glass canopy, the hotel provides an elegant setting to relax after a day of festival activities. Guests can enjoy exceptional dining at Les Loges with former Michelin starred Executive Chef Anthony Bonnet at the helm, indulging in true French cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients.
Crop Over festival, Barbados 30th July – 5th August
Taking place from July 30 – August 5, the Crop Over Festival is a popular and vibrant celebration of culture, music, and heritage that takes place annually in Barbados, marking the end of the sugar cane harvest.
The festival traditionally begins with an Opening Gala and ceremonial delivery of the last canes, with Bridgetown markets consisting of many stalls selling local food, beverages, and crafts. The Cohobblopot is a huge carnival-like show with members of the Kadooment bands displaying their elaborate and colourful costumes, while the Grand Kadooment marks the end of the festival with a carnival parade featuring large bands with members dressed in elaborate costumes.
Ocean Hotels Group has three properties on the South Coast of Barbados that make ideal bases from which to explore the Crop Over Festival. The Rockley is the group’s newest opening, a boutique hotel that blends authentic Bajan culture with a vibrant atmosphere, while Sea Breeze Beach House is ideal for families set upon 1000ft of pristine beach. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is a luxury, fully-inclusive hotel with numerous dining options and an 8th-floor spa with panoramic views of the coastline.