Food Festivals Every Foodie Should Look Out For in 2024

Food is a universal language that can transcend boundaries and bring people together, no matter their background or culture. It’s amazing how a simple meal can create a sense of community and understanding, even between people who might not have anything in common. Food truly is a powerful force for connection and communication. Food is more than just sustenance, it’s a way of preserving and sharing culture.

In Africa, food is a big part of our culture and traditions. Different tribes and nationalities have recipes and dishes attached to their identities, some even approach the same dishes in different ways. A case in point is the continuous battle between Nigerian and Ghanaian Jollof. Food is a big deal in this part of the world, and so are food festivals. 

I’ve compiled a list of food festivals that all foodies, from chefs to eaters should look out for in 2024!

Food and Beverage West Africa

This is the largest exhibition dedicated to the Food and Beverage Industry in Africa and it will feature food and drink vendors from all over the continent, including Egypt, Botswana, Mali, Ghana and many others. 

If you love food or you just love trying new cuisines then you should probably not miss this event. You can get to sample different recipes, drinks and dishes from different nationalities. 

Taking place at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island Lagos, the exhibition would last from the 11th to 13th of June, 2024 and is set to host over 250 exhibitors and over 5000 trade professionals. This is the largest exhibition on the African continent dedicated to the Food and Beverage Industry 

Get a chance to explore the rich cuisines of the African continent by registering here. 

The best part, registration is totally free!

Jollof and Palmie

Are you a biker who loves food? Or a foodie who loves bikes? 

If you haven’t heard of this food fest before, then you must know that it is not exactly new. This festival is aimed at creating an atmosphere of fun, relaxation and mouth-watering dishes where bikers and non-bikers alike can come together and appreciate the beauty and camaraderie of the biking community.

On August 4, 2024, The BAD Gang bikers group will be hosting the 6th edition of this event. An opportunity for non-bikers to interact with the biking community, ‘it helps showcase the culinary excellence exuded by African food vendors as well as showcasing some of the most beautiful bikes in Africa’. 

Happening at the Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Lagos, get ready for an immersive experience featuring motorbike display, food sales, product exhibition, drink, music, games and competition. 

Even if you’re not really a bike person, as long as you love food you will want to be at the jollof and palmie motorbikes and food festival. 

Registration is free!

GTCO Food And Drink Festival 

Held every year, this festival is an exhibition that showcases the diverse angles of the food industry. It connects various businesses that are involved in the production and sale of food and drinks to an exuberant food-loving audience.

The GTCO food and drink festival promises a celebration of food and a discovery of a World of Flavors. 

By attending the GTCO food and drink festival, you will be part of a lively community of food entrepreneurs and connect with fellow food lovers. Come for the food and stay for the music, Farmers Market, cocktails, pop-up restaurants, kids arena, indoor & outdoor food court and so much more. This is also lowkey one of the top places you can find love in Lagos (iykyk.)

The venue is at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. Official dates for the 2024 festival have not yet been released but attendance is free!

Bole Festival

Bole Festival is a food-meet-fun event, bringing lovers of roasted/grilled plantain together from all over the country in honour of this mouth-watering street food known as bole. It is the most popular street delicacy in Port Harcourt. Bole has been a source of delight for the culinary senses of indigenes and non-indigenes alike with its greasy, spicy and smokey goodness. 

Often held in the first week of August in Port Harcourt, the bole food festivals promise attendees a burst of back-to-back entertainment. Expect lots of music, dance, cooking and eating competitions, hype, artiste performances among others. One of the perks of this Festival is the opportunity for participants to contribute to its initiatives for social good such as the Bole Women Empowerment Initiative, the Back to School Initiative, and the Zero Waste Initiative. 

So you get to enjoy the appetizing bole and also give back to the society. It’s a win-win! The official date for 2024 is yet to be released.

West African Food Festival

As far as food tourism is concerned, this festival is organized for all who have a refined taste for food and drink. WAFFEST has been tagged the biggest food competitions in Africa with a rotational hosting.

The first edition of WAFFEST was held in 2017 in Ghana. This year’s edition would be held on the 27th of April to the 2nd of May at Lome, Togo. 

The West African Food Festival features various activities. They include cooking demonstrations, workshops, tasting sessions, competitions, awards, food displays, exhibitions of indigenous recipes, masterclasses, and mentoring classes. Details on registration have not yet been officially disclosed.

This year will be a delectable one for the food lovers. Whether you consider yourself a chop chop or a connoisseur, there is something for you. So, which of these food festivals will you be attending?

Join the Food and Drinks community on Fusion for more insights, banter, recipes and much more.