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This September, Sacramento, California—already recognized as America’s Farm-to-Fork capital and now celebrated as the Slow Food Capital of the Americas—will host one of the world’s most influential food festivals: Terra Madre Americas 2025.
For the first time in history, Terra Madre will be held in the United States every other year, and Sacramento has been chosen as the host city. This three-day event, rooted in the global Slow Food movement, will take place September 26–28, 2025, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and throughout downtown Sacramento, with indoor marketplaces, a vibrant street festival, tastings, and more.
The History of Terra Madre and the Slow Food Movement
The Slow Food movement began in 1989 in Turin, Italy, as a response to the rise of fast food and the industrialization of agriculture. Its mission: to ensure food is good, clean, and fair—celebrating biodiversity, preserving food traditions, and creating equitable food systems.
Terra Madre, founded by Slow Food International, has become a global gathering where farmers, producers, chefs, artisans, and activists come together to share ideas and flavors, highlight sustainable practices, and inspire change. Today, Terra Madre events take place across continents—but 2025 marks the first time this cornerstone event arrives in Sacramento, placing our region at the forefront of food culture.
Why Sacramento?
Known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital, Sacramento is home to rich agricultural land, award-winning wineries, and a culinary scene that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Hosting Terra Madre here not only shines a spotlight on the city’s agricultural roots but also on its vibrant restaurant community.
For Allora—a Michelin-recognized modern Italian seafood restaurant in East Sacramento—and for our soon-to-open at 1213 K Street downtown sister restaurant Aiona, this festival represents the very essence of what we believe in: honoring the land, valuing the producer, and elevating food and wine through craftsmanship.
Event Highlights
Guests will experience a wide array of activities across three days, each designed to celebrate community, sustainability, and the joy of food:
- Indoor Marketplace & Exhibition (all three days): A showcase of local and international producers, vintners, and artisans.
- Grand Tasting (Friday, Sept. 26, 6–9 PM): Featuring top chefs—including our own Chef Deneb Williams of Allora Sacramento.
- Street Festival (Sept. 27–28): A lively outdoor celebration, with extended hours on Saturday until 10 PM.
- Enoteca: Come visit Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and Italian Wine Scholar. Allora’s Beverage Director and co-owner, will be at the Enoteca supporting throughout the weekend.
- Alice Waters Taste the Change Luncheon: A once-in-a-lifetime sidewalk luncheon with culinary icon Alice Waters right in front of the future home of Aiona—our live-fire Mediterranean concept opening in 2026. (Special event cost of $75)
Partnership with One Kitchen
This year’s Terra Madre Americas also partners with One Kitchen, a non-profit dedicated to promoting healthy school lunches and improving children’s access to sustainable, nutritious food. Their involvement reinforces the festival’s mission to make lasting changes to the food systems that shape our future.
Event Schedule
Friday, September 26
- Indoor Marketplace & Exhibition: 12 PM – 8 PM
- Grand Tasting: 6 PM – 9 PM
Saturday, September 27
- Indoor Marketplace & Exhibition: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Street Festival: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Taste the Change + Build a Healthier Future for CA Kids Luncheon with Alice Waters - 1213 K Street: 1:45pm (cost $75)
Sunday, September 28
- Indoor Marketplace & Exhibition: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Street Festival: 12 PM – 6 PM
Admission to the Terra Madre event is free, ensuring that this celebration of food, wine, and culture is open to all. Some special events are extra.
Where to Find Us
- Chef Deneb Williams of Allora will be cooking at the Grand Tasting on Friday night, and visiting at the Taste the Change event featuring Alice Waters on Saturday afternoon.
- Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, co-owner of Allora and one of Sacramento’s most respected sommeliers, will be volunteering at the Enoteca across all three days.
Join Us for the Event of a Lifetime
Terra Madre Americas 2025 is more than a festival—it is a movement. It is Sacramento’s moment to shine on the international stage and a chance for our community to come together around the values of sustainability, tradition, and shared joy at the table.
