With the arrival of autumn, squares, villages and small towns come alive with the scents, colours and flavours associated with local traditions, ranging from chestnuts to truffles, from new wine to mushrooms, right through to the many regional specialities that take centre stage at village festivals.
In October, there are countless food festivals across Italy ready to delight the public’s palates – are you ready to discover them with us?
The unmissable food festivals of Northern Italy
When it comes to autumn and Italian culinary excellence, it is impossible not to think of the white truffle of Alba, the star of one of the most important events on the national food and wine calendar. The Alba International White Truffle Fair, taking place every Saturday and Sunday from 10 October until 6 December 2026, marks the autumn season with a packed programme of events and the traditional market dedicated to this prized tuber. It offers the chance to buy and taste white truffles alongside the finest culinary delights from the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero regions.
Find out more here.
White truffle from Alba – image taken from the fair’s official website
Moving on to Bardolino, on the shores of Lake Garda, October is all about the grape harvest, wine and tradition – the stars of the Bardolino Grape and Wine Festival, which began in 1929 and returns from 1 to 5 October 2026 for its 95th edition. During this period, the historic centre and the lakeside promenade come alive with wine tastings, food stalls, live music and performances, whilst Bardolino wine becomes the true symbol of the event, with a variety of styles to accompany the specialities of the local cuisine.
Find out more here.
Finally, October is also the ideal month to indulge in a few sweet treats, and in Mantua the star of the show is the sbrisolona, one of the symbols of the city’s culinary tradition. From 16 to 18 October 2026, the historic centre will host Sbrisolona&Co., the Festival of Sbrisolona and Italian Desserts, with three days dedicated to pastries, featuring tastings, show cooking, meetings with master pastry chefs, exhibitors and performances.
Find out more here.
Sbrisolona, a traditional dessert from Mantua – image taken from Wikipedia
A blend of flavour and tradition at the Centre
With the arrival of October, Tuscany too celebrates one of the season’s quintessential symbols: the chestnut. In particular, in Marradi, in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, the traditional Chestnut Festival returns – one of the area’s best-known autumn events. Sundays 4, 11, 18 and 25 October 2026 will be dedicated to the ‘Marron Buono di Marradi’, the star of the market exhibition and the many culinary delights that bring the town centre to life. However, the festival days are not solely devoted to food, as folklore, music and performances accompany visitors as they discover one of the region’s most distinctive autumn traditions.
Find out more here.
Moving on, in Bellegra, in the province of Rome, the Sagra delle Tacchie ai Funghi Porcini returns, scheduled from 2 to 11 October 2026, spread over two weekends. The event celebrates one of the most characteristic dishes of the local tradition: tacchie, a type of fresh pasta typical of the area, served with fragrant porcini mushrooms.
Porcini mushrooms – a typical autumn produce
Finally, in the province of Viterbo, in Soriano nel Cimino, the chestnut takes centre stage at a festival that combines gastronomy and history. The Chestnut Festival, now in its 59th year, takes place from 2 to 18 October 2026 and transforms this village in the Tuscia region into a grand stage dedicated to local traditions. Here, the festival is much more than just a culinary event; in fact, the four historic districts – Papacqua, Rocca, San Giorgio and Trinità – bring the village to life with parades, historical re-enactments, flag-wavers, musicians, performances and the traditional Palio. Rounding off the atmosphere are the districts’ taverns, where you can savour dishes rooted in local tradition.
A perfect experience for anyone wishing to experience autumn through its flavours, but also through the history and culture of an ancient village in Lazio.
Find out more here.
Chestnuts – a typical autumn dish
The scents of autumn in southern Italy
Heading south, one of the best-known culinary events of the Sicilian autumn is the Ottobrata Zafferanese, which every year brings the region’s produce and traditions to the centre of Zafferana Etnea. The 2026 edition takes place on Sundays 4, 11, 18 and 25 October, with each day dedicated to a product symbolic of Sicilian autumn. It begins with grapes, followed by honey, then apples and finally mushrooms and chestnuts. At the stalls, you can discover the many fine produce of Mount Etna, whilst tastings, cookery demonstrations, crafts, music and performances round off the experience.
Find out more here.
Also in Sicily, we find one of the island’s best-known and most prized products: the Bronte Green Pistachio PDO, the star of the traditional Bronte Pistachio Festival. The 2026 edition takes place from 25 to 27 September and from 2 to 4 October, bringing tastings, sweet and savoury products, Sicilian culinary specialities and initiatives dedicated to local culture to the historic centre of Bronte, on the slopes of Mount Etna. This famous ‘green gold’ is featured in a wide variety of dishes, from desserts and creams to savoury dishes, showcasing the versatility of one of Sicily’s best-known culinary specialities.
Find out more here.
Bronte green pistachio – image taken from Wikipedia
Finally, in the heart of the volcanic region of Roccamonfina, in the province of Caserta, autumn brings two of the season’s most iconic produce to the table: chestnuts and porcini mushrooms. From 3 October to 1 November 2026, the village hosts the traditional IGP Chestnut and Porcini Mushroom Festival, an event that attracts visitors keen to discover the flavours and traditions of the Alto Casertano region. With roasted chestnuts, porcini mushrooms and local specialities, the event offers the chance to enjoy a day dedicated to gastronomy and to get to know one of Campania’s most distinctive regions.
Find out more here.
So, from north to south, Italy offers countless opportunities to discover local produce at its very best and thus celebrate our wonderful food and wine culture.
Don’t miss the festivals across Italy!
Before the winter chill sets in, don’t miss out on a delicious ice cream either! Discover Italy’s historic ice cream parlours!
Dining and Cooking