Summer has come to an end and autumn is on its way. Its sunsets, the garish colors of plants that are dressed in flaming hues. Shades ranging from red to orange, to pink, to yellow, to brown. And many other beautiful colors that only in this season we find. Who does not feel like going out at this time and taking a trip to one of the festivals and village festivals that dot the land? In Lombardy primarily but also in Piedmont for example, which is not too far away. Let’s look at some of them.
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Festivals and festivals in Lombardy
Gorgonzola Festival
On Saturday, September 20and Sunday, September 21, 2024, the iconic gorgonzola festival returns to Gorgonzola. Green subway direction Gessate, get off at Gorgonzola and you’re there. A festival that fills the historic center of the small town with gastronomic wonders, where the star is precisely the creamy cheese. If you like this delicacy here you will find Gorgonzola in so many variations, from sandwiches to polenta to ice cream.
Taragna Festival
The Festa della Taragna in Stabello is one of the most anticipated events in Bergamo’s tradition, a true tribute to the authentic taste of polenta taragna, the symbolic dish of the Brembana Valley. Every year, in the picturesque setting of Stabello’s sports field, residents and visitors gather to celebrate this culinary specialty that combines cornmeal and local cheeses, accompanied by barbecued meats, typical wines and other local delicacies. Don’t miss it on September 12-13-14 and 19-20-21, 2025 .
Franciacorta in the Cellar
An unmissable event for lovers of good wine: from September 19-21, Franciacorta is transformed into an exceptional stage with dozens of wineries open to the public and a rich calendar of events. For an entire weekend, it will be possible to immerse oneself in the evocative atmosphere of this unique land, made up of monasteries, ancient castles and historic residences set among lush vineyards. Here an extraordinary wine is born, a symbol of excellence and tradition, which you can discover through tastings, guided tours and meetings with producers.
Barbariga Casoncello Festival
From September 25 to 28, 2025, in the heart of Barbariga, this typical dish is celebrated with a rich program of tastings that focuses on casoncello, a local raviolo with a savory and enveloping filling. The festival offers a unique opportunity to taste authentic recipes accompanied by local wines, all in a festive and engaging atmosphere made up of live music, entertainment and moments of conviviality.
Porcino Festival
Autumn is approaching and with it the highly anticipated Sagra del Porcino in Motta Visconti returns, scheduled for Sept. 26-28. Three days of appetizers, tastings and samplings all dedicated to the king of fall cuisine, the porcino, an ingredient rich in flavor and incredibly versatile.
Bertagnina Pumpkin Festival
Now in its 22nd edition, Dorno from October 11 to 17 celebrates the bertagnina pumpkin, a typical product that here becomes the protagonist of a rich menu of tasty and creative dishes. Between food stands and festive moments, the festival offers an immersive experience in the genuine flavors of the area, perfect for those who want to discover or rediscover the delights of local cuisine in a welcoming, lively and autumnal atmosphere.
Salami Festival 2025
Salami lovers this festival is for you. In Cremona from October 3 to 5, 2025 the salami festival is staged. After the success of previous editions this wonderful gastronomic event returns. Among side events not only related to food, slices of salami to bite into, stuffed sandwiches and much more. It will be 3 days of pure joy.
Bitto Exhibition 2025
Among the festivals and village festivals in Lombardy and beyond we also report this one. The Bitto Exhibition in Morbegno on October 18 and 19, 2025. Bitto is a typical cow’s milk cheese from Valtellina. Between tastings, events, market exhibitions and folklore groups it will be two days just interesting. The event aims to be a time to reenact ancient Valtellina processing, PDO products and the memory of traditional recipes.
Chestnut Festival
Now that autumn is approaching, what better time to enjoy chestnuts? From September 29 to October 1 , the Chestnut Festival returns to Sarnico in Piazza XX Settembre, in the province of Bergamo. The absolute stars of the festival are chestnuts, but you can also taste typical local flavors: there is no shortage of bread and sausage, chips, polenta with stracchino cheese from Monte Bronzone or gorgonzola, polenta consa and the traditional polenta watch with sardines from the lake, sausage, stracchino cheese and gorgonzola. This festival will surprise you.
Festival of the Crotti
The unique atmosphere of the Alps and the scent of tradition are the main ingredients of Valchiavenna’s Sagra dei Crotti, staged on the two weekends of September 6-7 and 13-14, 2025. This iconic event invites food lovers and the curious to discover the most authentic soul of the area by crossing the threshold of the ancient crotti: natural caves transformed into places of conviviality, where the constant microclimate enhances salumi, cheeses and typical Valtellina dishes.
Apple and Grape Festival
From October 10 to 12, 2025, Villa di Tirano will host the 43rd edition of the Apple and Grape Festival, an event that passionately celebrates Valtellina’s iconic fruits. Born in 1976 as a festival of typical local products, the event has evolved into an event that combines taste, culture and nature, offering visitors not only the chance to taste high-quality apples and grapes, but also to discover the beauty of the surrounding area.
Dì de la brisaola
The ” Dì de la Brisaola ” takes place on October 5 in Chiavenna. The town, which has already been awarded the titles of “Slow City” and “Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club,” offers the public an original itinerary to discover the product born in Chiavenna itself. It can be tasted along the streets of the center, in the most charming and characteristic corners of the village set up by the many local producers, as we report from the website, where you can find more info.
Sbrisolona Festival
Good, crunchy, tasty, sbrisolona is a dessert that everyone likes. From October 17 to 19 in Mantua the festival dedicated to her returns along with other typical Italian desserts. It is a dry rustic cake made with flour, sugar and almonds. It was once made with cornmeal, hazelnuts and lard. Meetings, tastings and taste itineraries await.
Otuberfest
In the province of Como, in Rovello Porro we find Otuberfest, the festival that combines the tradition of Bavaria with Milanese cuisine. The event takes place from September 26 to 28 and October 2 to 4. German recipes revisited, unfailing wurstel or shin. As well as rivers of beer. Truly folkloric.
Festivals in Piedmont
In the list we also put Piedmont, which always reserves pleasant experiences. And then between wine, truffles, mushrooms and chestnuts, it offers things right in line with the autumn mood. Also by car it is easily accessible from Milan.
Chestnut Fair
From October 17 to 19, 2025, Cuneo will host the Chestnut Fair . If you like it, take advantage of it and plan a nice outing i what is considered one of the most important food and wine festivals in Italy. For three days the historic center of Cuneo is filled with scents, flavors and colors in the main squares of the city, allowing you to taste and appreciate the best products of Italy and Europe.
Mushroom Festival
In October, Giaveno is transformed into the ideal setting for the historic Mushroom Fair, an event that has celebrated one of the area’s most precious treasures for more than 30 years. Recognized as the Mushroom Capital, Giaveno hosts a festival full of events for the whole family, with show cooking, guided walks through the woods, thematic exhibitions and many activities designed for young and old. The beating heart of the event is the fresh wild mushroom market, where every day you can buy freshly picked delicacies directly from the surrounding areas.
White truffle fair
I don’t know about you, but for us the truffle is the true flavor of autumn. And what better place to celebrate it than Alba? From Oct. 11 to Dec. 8, the town dresses up with the legendary Alba White Truffle Fair, an event of international caliber that attracts fans from all over the world. For nearly two months, Alba offers a jam-packed schedule, with starred chefs, a historic palio and many other activities that pay tribute to this precious ingredient.
Hazelnut Fair
From October 9 to 12, 2025, Castellero hosts the renowned festival dedicated to the trilobata hazelnut, an event that celebrates one of the area’s most prized treasures. Between the market exhibition and themed tastings and street food, the event offers a complete experience revolving around the hazelnut. There is no shortage of activities designed for the little ones and initiatives aimed at experts in the field, as well as walks through the hazelnut groves to get an up-close look at the cultivation of this unique variety.
Potato Festival
From September 19 to 21, Villastellone comes alive with the traditional Potato Festival, an event that celebrates this simple but versatile ingredient with three evenings full of flavors, music and fun. Between tasty dishes prepared according to local recipes and musical evenings that enliven the festival, the festival offers a weekend full of flavor and celebration.
Albaromatica
During the International White Truffle of Alba Fair, the town hosts a large event dedicated to herbs and spices. A perfect opportunity to discover how these ingredients can enrich traditional Langhe dishes and unleash new flavors.
Rice Festival
Sanfrè, in the province of Cuneo, hosts the Sagra del Riso, a gastronomic event with a full calendar of events. Each evening has a different theme, with dishes featuring rice as the absolute protagonist, combined with always new ingredients and flavors. Making the experience even more special is the evening program featuring concerts and performances, for a perfect mix of taste and entertainment.
Festival “Colors and Flavors of Autumn”
Nole, also in October, hosts the traditional “Colors and Flavors of Autumn” Festival, a day dedicated to local crafts and typical products. In the streets of the village, stalls of merchants and exhibitors offer a variety of specialties and handcrafted creations, creating a lively atmosphere ideal for a stroll between taste and tradition. There will also be no shortage of entertainment with pizza parties, baby dances and DJ sets.