Major gastronomic events
True to its status as the “World Capital of Gastronomy”, Lyon hosts dozens of events related to the culinary arts every year. Whether you’re an amateur cook, an insatiable foodie or simply curious, there are events for everyone! Here are the ones not to be missed.
Lyon Street Food Festival
This is the culinary highlight of the year! Held every June since 2016, it attracts between 45,000 and 50,000 festival-goers to enjoy food, culture, music and a festive atmosphere. With street food bites from near and far, opportunities to meet local artisans, workshops and artistic performances, the festival aims to be diverse and welcoming.
SIRHA Lyon
Held every two years in January, SIRHA (the International Trade Fair for the Catering, Hospitality and Food Industries) attracts thousands of professionals to Eurexpo. For five days, Lyon becomes the centre of the global gastronomic scene. The prestigious Bocuse d’Or and World Pastry Cup competitions are held during this event.
Refugee Food Festival
Lyon is one of the 12 French cities taking part in this festival, which takes place every year around 20 June, World Refugee Day. The concept? To bring together refugee chefs and local restaurants (from neighbourhood eateries to Michelin-starred establishments) to create menus together, build bridges between culinary cultures and, ultimately, promote inclusion.
Mâchon’week
Since 2022, this week dedicated to good food and drink has been bringing dozens of restaurants to life every October, with traditional ‘mâchons’ or convivial lunches and dinners. Originally launched by the Coteaux du Lyonnais AOC, this event aims to promote local wines. Winegrowers from the Coteaux du Lyonnais, Beaujolais and Côtes d’Auvergne regions join forces with restaurateurs to serve their wines to festival-goers.
Festival des Terroirs (Festival of Local Produce)
Held every April since 2023, this festival brings together nearly 50 local chefs and producers at the Heat in Confluence to introduce festival-goers to local produce. More than just a huge food court, the event features workshops, tastings and round-table discussions on food.
Salon du chocolat (Chocolate Fair)
In a city home to so many renowned chocolatiers, an event dedicated to chocolate seems a must! Talks, demonstrations, tastings and a fashion show featuring chocolate dresses... The fair pays tribute to the cocoa bean and the masterful craftsmanship of chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Following an exceptional postponement of the 2026 edition, the event is set to return in a new format in 2027.
