Cologne is serving up a vibrant mix of flavors this year — from sizzling street food markets to elegant gourmet tastings along the Rhine. Whether you’re a casual foodie chasing global eats or a fine dining fan looking for high-end culinary experiences, this guide has you covered.
Starting April 30, 2025, the city comes alive with festivals that celebrate food in all its forms: bustling food truck gatherings, weekly neighborhood markets, pop-up vegan feasts, and upscale gourmet events hosted in iconic locations like the Chocolate Museum and luxury villas. Expect mouthwatering bites, local drinks, live music, and the kind of good vibes that make Cologne’s food scene truly unforgettable.
Hungry yet? Let’s dive into the top events you won’t want to miss.
1. Street Food & Music Festival – Neumarkt
📍 Location: Neumarkt, central Cologne
📅 Date: April 30, 2025
🕒 Time: Afternoon till late
🎉 Why go: 25+ food trucks, multiple bars, live DJs, and an urban open-air party atmosphere.
2. Street Food Festival Cologne – Ehrenfeld
📍 Location: Oskar-Jäger-Straße 192, Ehrenfeld
📅 Dates (Post-April):
May 23–25
September 26–28
🕒 Hours:
Fri: 4 PM – 10 PM
Sat: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
🎉 Why go: Cologne’s flagship street food event — global cuisine, chill vibes, vegan-friendly.
3. Feierabendmarkt Neptunplatz
📍 Location: Neptunplatz, Ehrenfeld
📅 When: Every 2nd Friday, May–October (e.g., May 9, June 13)
🕒 Time: 4 PM – 10 PM
🎉 Why go: Laid-back, local after-work market with food trucks, Kölsch beer, and music.
4. Feierabendmarkt Chlodwigplatz
📍 Location: Chlodwigplatz, Südstadt
📅 When: Last Friday of each month (e.g., May 30, June 27)
🕒 Time: 4 PM – 10 PM
🎉 Why go: Neighborhood favorite with hearty eats, relaxed crowd, and live flair.
5. Fisch- und Genussmarkt
📍 Location: Pferderennbahn Weidenpesch
📅 Upcoming: May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10
🕒 Time: 11 AM – 6 PM
🎉 Why go: Seafood specialties, gourmet stalls, wine & beer — free entry.
6. Meet & Eat – Rudolfplatz
📍 Location: Rudolfplatz
📅 When: Every Thursday from May to October
🕒 Time: 4 PM – 9 PM
🎉 Why go: Weekly staple with local vendors, chill beats, and casual dinner fun.
7. Vegan Street Food Markt
📍 Location: Changes – often at Stadtgarten or Ehrenfeld
**📅 Watch local listings – usually monthly Sundays
🎉 Why go: 100% plant-based street food heaven, from vegan burgers to desserts.
8. Wein & Genuss Street Food Fest
📍 Location: MediaPark or Agrippabad (varies)
**📅 Usually in May & June (TBD)
🎉 Why go: Wine meets gourmet snacks — a fancier take on the street food scene.
9. Belgisches Viertel Design & Food Market
📍 Location: Brüsseler Platz
**📅 Pop-up dates throughout summer (TBD)
🎉 Why go: A mix of street food, craft stalls, and indie designers in Cologne’s trendiest neighborhood.
10. Craft Food & Beer Festival
📍 Location: Köln-Ehrenfeld or Tanzbrunnen
**📅 Usually in late summer (watch August/September)
🎉 Why go: Craft beers + bold bites. For serious flavor explorers.
11. Gourmet Festival Cologne 2025
📍 Location: Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum), Am Schokoladenmuseum 1A, 50678 Cologne
📅 Dates: July 25–27, 2025
🕒 Opening Hours:
Friday: 1 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
🎟️ Admission: Free
🍷 What to Expect: Europe’s largest open-air gourmet event, featuring winegrowers, delicatessens, gourmet manufacturers, and top restaurateurs showcasing their products and creations around the Chocolate Museum directly on the Rhine.
12. Fine Food Days Cologne 2025
📍 Location: Various venues across Cologne
📅 Dates: August 24 – September 7, 2025
🎟️ Admission: Varies by event
🍷 What to Expect: A two-week culinary festival featuring Michelin-starred and top chefs from Cologne and its surrounding region, offering fine dining and drinking experiences accompanied by a special programme. Events are held in diverse venues, including hotel suites, villas, and picnic meadows, providing unique settings for gourmet experiences.
🔎 Pro Tips for Visitors:
Most events are free or €3–5 entry.
Bring cash (some stands may not accept cards).
Arrive early for the best seating.
Use public transport — venues are easily accessible by tram/U-Bahn.
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