From Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026, Gorizia's historic centre turns into a culinary world tour: Gusti di Frontiera (“Flavours of the Border”, Okusi ob meji in Slovenian) lines up around 300 stalls in 17 themed “villages” from 50 countries, free to enter. It is one of northern Italy's biggest food festivals — and it takes place literally on Slovenia's doorstep: from Nova Gorica, you walk there.
The essentials at a glance
- Dates: Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026 (21st edition).
- Opening hours: Thursday 12 pm – 1 am; Friday and Saturday 10.30 am – 3 am; Sunday 10.30 am – midnight.
- Entry: free — you only pay for what you taste at the stalls.
- Scale: ≈ 300 stalls, 17 themed villages, 50 countries from 5 continents.
- Location: historic centre of Gorizia (Italy), twin city of Nova Gorica.
- From Slovenia: a 15-20 minute walk from central Nova Gorica, with no formalities.
One festival, two countries
Gorizia and Nova Gorica share the same conurbation, split in two by the 1947 border — and since GO!2025, their joint year as European Capital of Culture, the two cities work together more than ever. The festival is the best illustration: you lunch in Italy, sleep in Slovenia, and Europe Square (Trg Evrope), straddling the line, acts as the hyphen. The 2025 edition, boosted by the capital year, broke every record with around 700,000 visits over four days.
On the menu: 17 culinary villages
Each “Borgo” takes over a street or square with its theme: Borgo Austria, Borgo Francia, Central Europe, the Balkans, Northern Europe — and of course a dedicated space for Slovenian specialities. The Africa and Australia villages return in 2026, alongside the Latino, Americas and Orient Borghi.
The 21st edition goes for quality over quantity: around 300 stalls versus more than 400 in 2025, with a tighter selection of exhibitors. The festival map changes too: piazze Cavour and Sant'Antonio are freed of stalls to open up access to Gorizia Castle and the DAG (Digital Art Gallery) — a chance to slip some culture in between plates.
Getting there from Slovenia
On foot: that's the beauty of it. From central Nova Gorica or Europe Square, allow 15 to 20 minutes' walk to the first stalls — Schengen area, no formalities.
By train: the Bohinj railway line links Bled and Bohinjska Bistrica to Nova Gorica along one of the most scenic railway routes in the Alps — the Transalpina station opens onto Europe Square. And if you are in the Soča Valley with a car, the car train has been running normally again since early August.
By car: the easiest option is to park on the Slovenian side and walk across: during the festival, central Gorizia's streets are taken over by the stalls and parking becomes a sport.
A regular's tips
- Aim for Thursday lunchtime or Sunday daytime for a relaxed stroll; Friday and Saturday nights are the big party — until 3 am.
- Make the most of the new 2026 map: climb to Gorizia Castle for the view and visit the Digital Art Gallery, now easy to reach from the festival.
- Late September is also harvest time: combine the festival with the Brda hills or the Vipava valley, 10-20 minutes away.
- For a bed, look on the Nova Gorica side: you are within walking distance of the festival, often for less than in Gorizia.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Gusti di Frontiera free?
Yes, access to the festival is free, as in previous editions. You only pay for what you eat and drink at the stalls — bring some cash for the smaller stands, even though cards are widely accepted.
How do you get to Gusti di Frontiera from Ljubljana?
By car, allow about 1 h 15 via the H4 motorway and the Vipava valley to Nova Gorica, then a 15-20 minute walk. By train, reach Nova Gorica on the Bohinj line (change at Jesenice): the Transalpina station opens directly onto Europe Square, right on the border.
What are the dates and opening hours of the 2026 edition?
From 24 to 27 September 2026. Thursday from 12 pm to 1 am, Friday and Saturday from 10.30 am to 3 am, Sunday from 10.30 am to midnight.
Information verified on 8 August 2026 against the Friuli press and Gorizia town hall announcements. We will update this article if the programme changes.
Patrick Faust
French expat in Slovenia since 2004. Founder of e-Slovénie, a Slovenia travel guide. Learn more →