If you are a foodie and want to know when to visit Bilbao this post is for you
Bilbao is a city that lives and breathes food. While our food tours offer an in-depth look at the local gastronomy year-round, there’s another side to the city’s culinary scene that truly comes alive with the seasons: its food festivals. From large-scale harvest celebrations to vibrant street fairs, these events are a feast for the senses and a fantastic way to experience Basque culture at its most energetic.
If you’re planning a trip to Bilbao, here’s a look at some of the top food and wine festivals you might want to time your visit around.
The Santo Tomás Fair (Feria de Santo Tomás)
When: December 21st
This is arguably one of the most beloved events on the Basque calendar. The Santo Tomás Fair transforms Bilbao’s city center into a massive country market just before Christmas. Local farmers and producers set up hundreds of stalls selling a bounty of fresh produce, cheese, cider, and most famously, txistorra (a semi-cured sausage). The air is thick with the scent of sizzling sausages and grilled talo (corn flatbread), which are always served together. It’s an unmissable day of celebrating traditional Basque farm life and enjoying delicious, rustic food.
Aste Nagusia (Bilbao’s Big Week)
When: Late August
Bilbao’s biggest festival, Aste Nagusia, is a nine-day party of music, parades, and non-stop celebration. While it’s not exclusively a food festival, food is at its very heart. The festival’s txosnas (colorful street stalls set up by local clubs) are legendary. Each one serves a wide variety of drinks and affordable, classic Basque food. You can spend the day hopping from one txosna to another, trying everything from grilled squid to marinated peppers while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Ardo Eguna (Wine Day)
When: Various dates, typically in the spring and fall
The Basque Country is as famous for its wine as it is for its food, and the region celebrates this with “Ardo Eguna,” or Wine Day. While the main event often takes place in smaller towns like Balmaseda, it’s a short trip from Bilbao and a fantastic experience. These events are a chance to sample a huge variety of local wines, from classic Rioja Alavesa to the crisp, sparkling txakoli, often accompanied by delicious pintxos and live music. It’s a perfect day trip for any wine lover.
Bilbao’s festivals offer a lively, often chaotic, and utterly delicious glimpse into the city’s heart. They are a true testament to the Basque love affair with great food and good company.
While these events provide a memorable taste of local culture, a food tour offers a more intimate and in-depth look at the stories, traditions, and hidden gems behind the food. Ready to go beyond the festivals and truly discover the city’s culinary soul?
Book a tour with us today and let a local guide show you the best of Bilbao’s gastronomy, one delicious bite at a time.
