FesDivjal 2026 – 5th WILD FOOD FESTIVAL
Date: September 5th – 6th, 2026
Location: Orchard Interpretation Center (Gradišče, Podsreda)
On 5 and 6 September 2026, FesDivjal will once again take place in the heart of Kozjansko Park – the largest Slovenian festival dedicated to wild plants, mushrooms, natural cuisine, nature conservation practices, and holistic approaches to understanding nature, nutrition, and quality of life in the modern world.
The festival has established itself as one of the recognizable models of sustainable development, connecting local knowledge, science, and practical solutions for the future coexistence of humans and nature in Slovenia and across the wider European region.
The festival takes place in the largest meadow orchard and collection orchard of old fruit varieties within Kozjansko Park (Gradišče 22, 3263 Podsreda). Festival stalls will be arranged around the traditional hayrack, a festival kitchen will operate on-site, and a specially built wooden stage will serve as the central venue for the cultural and professional programme.
More than a festival – a model for knowledge transfer and sustainable practices
FesDivjal functions as an educational and experiential centre where knowledge is transferred not only theoretically, but through direct work, experience, and practice in the natural environment. It brings together experts, practitioners, and visitors in a shared space for learning and developing modern sustainable solutions based on local resources and ecosystems.
In its first four editions, the festival attracted nearly 10,000 visitors from Slovenia and abroad and established itself as one of the key platforms for sustainable education, knowledge exchange, and the development of practices contributing to the long-term resilience of local communities and quality of life.
Rather than separating nature and humans, FesDivjal creates a space for reconnecting them through everyday practices.
Programme of FesDivjal 2026:
- Professional workshops – the central educational and the only paid part of the festival programme. Seventeen expert workshops led by leading Slovenian specialists in foraging, herbalism, mycology, fermentation, natural cuisine, natural building, sustainable farming, and ecological practices. Workshops are based on practical outdoor work and direct application of knowledge in everyday life.
- Wild MasterChef – a professional culinary competition where chefs from the TV show MasterChef Slovenia, together with foraging experts, create dishes using wild and local organic ingredients.
- Children’s Wild MasterChef – the first children’s sustainable culinary competition in Slovenia. Children from grades 5–9 of primary school will explore wild plants and prepare dishes from local ingredients under the mentorship of experts. The programme will be hosted by Sašo Stare.
- Festival wild kitchen and bar – the central catering area of the festival, designed exclusively around local, organic, wild, and non-commercial ingredients, without industrial raw materials and with full traceability of origin.
- Rich fair and market offer – stalls featuring natural products and presentations by local creators, artisans, and sustainable initiatives.
- Presentations by exhibitors and providers – demonstrations of knowledge, techniques, and sustainable practices directly within the festival grounds.
- Revival of traditional crafts and skills – blacksmithing, basket weaving, and wool spinning.
- Performances by local and international artists – a cultural programme enriching the festival atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
- Seed, produce, and clothing exchange – encouraging reuse of resources and strengthening circular economy practices.
- Exhibition of wild plants and mushrooms – an expert exhibition prepared in collaboration with specialists in Slovenian flora and fungi.
- Ceremonial lighting of a charcoal pile – presentation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage of the region.
- Sustainable raffle – prizes from the local environment connected to nature-based, artisanal, and experiential content.
A Zero-Waste Festival
FesDivjal operates according to zero-waste principles, using returnable systems, reusable packaging, and an on-site washing station.
The food offer is based exclusively on local, organic, and wild ingredients, without industrial commercial sources.
Lectures, children’s activities, activity presentations, the cultural programme, and camping for visitors remain free of charge.
The festival strengthens local communities and promotes long-term models of sustainable rural development and quality of life.
More information: www.slovenianwildfoodfestival.com
Contact:
Karmen Gajšek (Where Are Those Flowers?)
+386 51 245 731
tisterozice@gmail.com
info@slovenianwildfoodfestival.com
Photo: Katja Goljat