Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

About

Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival transforms Denmark's capital into a delicious playground where families can explore Nordic cuisine together through hands-on workshops, tastings, and kid-friendly culinary adventures. This city-wide celebration offers young foodies the chance to meet chefs, try new flavors, and even participate in cooking classes designed specifically for children. It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce kids to Denmark's food culture while creating memorable family experiences across Copenhagen's most vibrant neighborhoods.

What to Expect

Families can explore multiple venues throughout Copenhagen featuring chef demonstrations, food markets, family cooking workshops, and street food events. The festival atmosphere is welcoming and interactive, with many events specifically designed for children including baking classes, chocolate workshops, and kid-friendly taste tests. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor venues, bustling market stalls, and opportunities to sample everything from traditional Danish pastries to innovative Nordic cuisine. The festival schedule varies daily, so plan to check which family-oriented events are happening when you visit.

Highlights for Kids

• Hands-on cooking and baking workshops where kids make (and eat) their own Danish pastries, smørrebrød, or desserts
• Children's chocolate-making classes featuring Danish chocolate brands and tastings
• Interactive food market explorations where kids can sample Nordic berries, cheeses, and unique Scandinavian treats
• Meeting Danish chefs and food artisans in relaxed, family-friendly demonstration settings
• Street food events in areas like Refshaleøen where families can try different cuisines in an outdoor festival atmosphere

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book family cooking workshops and kids' classes well in advance (often available 4-6 weeks before the festival) as these popular events sell out quickly
2. Purchase a Copenhagen Card for free public transportation and discounts at some festival venues, making it easier to hop between events across the city with kids
3. Download the festival app or check the website daily for the family-friendly event filter, as not all events are suitable for children and schedules can include last-minute additions
4. Visit Torvehallerne food market during the festival for a kid-friendly hub with bathrooms, seating areas, and diverse food options where children can choose what appeals to them

Best Time to Visit

Weekends offer the most family-oriented programming with dedicated children's workshops typically scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings (10am-1pm). Midday visits work best for combining a workshop with lunch at one of the food markets, while weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded if your children are younger and you prefer a calmer atmosphere. The festival's opening weekend usually features special family events and the most extensive programming.

Food & Drinks

The entire festival revolves around food, with options ranging from traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches to international street food. Most venues offer kid-friendly choices like fresh pastries, fruit, smoothies, and simple Nordic dishes that appeal to young palates. Many workshops include the food children prepare as part of the ticket price. Water fountains are available throughout Copenhagen, and most venues sell drinks including juice boxes and milk for children. Budget-conscious families can combine free tastings at food markets with purchasing only what the kids want to try.

Parking & Access

Copenhagen is best explored by public transportation, bike, or walking rather than driving—parking is expensive (25-40 DKK per hour) and limited in the city center. Most festival venues are easily accessible via Metro, S-train, or bus, and children under 12 ride free on public transport when accompanied by an adult. Many venues are stroller-accessible, though cobblestone streets in older areas can be bumpy; baby carriers might be more practical. Consider staying centrally located to walk between venues, or rent cargo bikes (popular in Copenhagen) for transporting kids between events.