Video: @forumgastronomicciutat, @ajfigueres / IG

Festival draws crowds despite rain threat

The Rambla in Figueres has become a hub of gastronomic and wine activity this weekend, as the third edition of the Fòrum Gastronòmic Ciutat joins forces with the 40th Mostra del Vi de l'Empordà. Running from Friday 2 October to Sunday 4 October 2026, the combined event marks the first time the two festivals have been held together as a single experience, transforming the city centre into a vibrant showcase of local produce, cooking, and DO Empordà wines. Albert Labastida, director of the Fòrum Gastronòmic Ciutat, confirmed the collaboration was a success so far: "It’s the first time we’ve done it this way and we’re happy with this new format." Despite weather forecasts predicting heavy rain throughout Saturday 3 October, the event proceeded largely as planned, with only light showers reported around midday.

We’ve had a very large turnout of people; the Rambla was full.

Chef demonstrations and wine tastings

The festival programme features live cooking demonstrations by renowned local chefs, including Mateu Casañas from Compartir Cadaqués, Ariadna Sala, Javi Martínez and Quim Brugat from Restaurant Castell Peralada, and Jordi Subirós from Motel. Sessions have also included marine cuisine demonstrations with OPP Cap de Creus and El Molí de l’Escala, alongside a 'Girona Excel·lent' showcase featuring producers such as Embotits Vilanova and Perelada Mas Marcè. A new addition this year is the Bar à Vins, designed to expand representation of wineries within the DO Empordà designation. According to Labastida, it has offered 25 different wines, including whites, reds, rosés, sparkling, and sweet varieties. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Incatis, the Girona-based company now managing the Mostra del Vi, to professionalise the event and increase visibility for local cellars.

Adaptations due to weather alert

Despite the generally dry conditions, an official severe weather alert for torrential rain issued by Civil Protection has required organisers to suspend activities from 8 p.m. on Saturday until noon on Sunday. Labastida confirmed that all scheduled events would resume Sunday afternoon, and no cancellations were expected beyond the restricted hours. "We will respect the restrictions in place, but for the rest of the programme, nothing is being cancelled," he said, adding that the provisional assessment of the event remained "very positive." Entry to the festival grounds is free, though some tastings require tickets. Separate gastronomic and wine tasting tickets have been introduced to allow visitors to customise their experience, according to organisers.

The sessions we had in the lecture area were all full.

Family activities and live music

Beyond professional tastings and chef talks, the event includes family-friendly offerings such as Petits Sommeliers, the Wine Lab’s 'Aromes de l’Empordà' game, and the workshop 'Un most per a Dionís!', where children can crush and explore grapes. Live music performances are scheduled each evening, featuring acts like Genni Knows, Sunmorenao, and Norfeu i Molina, with concerts running until 11 p.m. on permitted nights. The shift of the Mostra del Vi from its traditional June dates to early October aims to avoid summer heatwaves and conflicts with the grape harvest, making it easier for wineries to participate.

  • Event dates: Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026
  • Location: Rambla, Figueres
  • Free entry; tasting tickets available via Visit Figueres
  • Suspended: 8 p.m. Saturday to 12 p.m. Sunday due to weather alert

Reported by onanemavui.cat, revistabaixemporda.cat, GIRONA NOTÍCIES, vadevi.elmon.cat, Redacción COPE Cataluña, lasemaineduroussillon.com, visitfigueres.cat, surtdecasa.cat, cuina.cat, Diari de Girona.