SWEET & SPICY – Tomato & Chilli Festival in Graz

SWEET & SPICY – Tomato & Chilli Festival in Graz

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the Herzgarten behind the Herz-Jesu Church in Graz becomes a meeting place for gardening enthusiasts and everyone interested in the diversity of tomatoes, chillies and other vegetables. From 2 pm to 10 pm, the Herzgarten team and Forum Urbanes Gärtnern invite visitors to the “SWEET & SPICY” Tomato & Chilli Diversity Festival.

The festival focuses on the diversity of vegetable varieties, regional food and Graz’s community gardens. Guided tastings offer the opportunity to discover different varieties of chillies and tomatoes. From 4 pm, Mirjam Jobst and David Hohensinn take visitors on a journey through the world of chillies, ranging from mild to extremely hot. From 5 pm, tomatoes in a wide variety of shapes and colours take centre stage. Visitors are also welcome to bring fruit from their own gardens to the tasting.

At the “Tomatomania” workshop with Josef Obermoser, you can learn more about growing tomatoes, preserving varieties and breeding new ones.

There is also plenty for children to enjoy. From 3 pm, making herb salts and circus games provide entertainment for younger visitors.

From 3 pm to 6 pm, a vegetarian and vegan potluck buffet invites everyone to share and enjoy food together. Visitors are welcome to contribute their own dish, while several community gardens will also bring produce from their gardens. Please bring your own cups, plates and cutlery for the potluck buffet.

From 6 pm, the festival winds down with live music by Luise Enzinger and a cosy campfire.

Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026, 2 pm – 10 pm

Venue: Herzgarten (behind the Herz-Jesu Church), Sparbersbachgasse 58, 8010 Graz

Admission: free