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Chestnut Festival in Pietragavina 2026
On Sunday, 11 October 2026, Pietragavina, a hamlet of Varzi, hosts the 65th Chestnut Festival, a day dedicated to the typical products of the Oltrepò Pavese, music and local traditions. At the heart of the event are chestnuts, with visitors able to reach the chestnut woods by shuttle service and collect chestnuts free of charge.
The Chestnut Festival in Pietragavina is organised by the Pro Loco of Pietragavina and is one of the autumn events in the Varzi area. The 2026 edition takes place on Sunday, 11 October, with food stalls, a traditional lunch, live music and the “Golden Chestnut” award. The event takes place in the village of Pietragavina, in the hilly area of the Oltrepò Pavese.
The programme of the 2026 Chestnut Festival
The day begins at 11.00 am, with the opening of the food stalls and tastings of typical local products.
At 12.00 pm, a traditional lunch will be served at the Kiwi nightclub, featuring local specialities:
- polenta with wild boar;
- braised beef;
- Gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms and sausages;
- cotechino with lentils;
- French fries.
From 2.30 pm, the afternoon continues with live music featuring the S. Cecilia Band of Paullo, I Cantori dell’Oltrepò and DJ Edo.
At 4.00 pm, the “Golden Chestnut” award ceremony will take place, one of the traditional highlights of the festival.
Free chestnut picking in the woods
One of the distinctive features of the Pietragavina Chestnut Festival is the opportunity to reach the chestnut woods and take part in free chestnut picking.
The shuttle service runs from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm. A panoramic tourist train will also be available, offering visitors another way to discover the surrounding area.
The event combines the food festival with an outdoor experience among the woods and hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, during the season when the chestnut woods take on their characteristic autumn colours.
Pietragavina and the Oltrepò Pavese in autumn
Pietragavina is located in the municipality of Varzi, in the upper Staffora Valley, an area of the Oltrepò Pavese known for its small villages, panoramic roads, woods and local food and wine products.
The Chestnut Festival is an opportunity to spend a day exploring the Varzi area and experiencing the local traditions of autumn, from tasting typical products to enjoying live music and collecting chestnuts in the woods.
For visitors arriving by car, Pietragavina is a hamlet of Varzi (Province of Pavia). The festival takes place in the village and in the areas served by the shuttle service to the chestnut woods.
Useful information
Event: 65th Chestnut Festival
Date: Sunday, 11 October 2026
Location: Pietragavina, Varzi (Province of Pavia)
Organised by: Pro Loco Pietragavina
Food stalls open: 11.00 am
Lunch: 12.00 pm, at the Kiwi nightclub
Live music: from 2.30 pm
“Golden Chestnut” award ceremony: 4.00 pm
Shuttle service to the chestnut woods: 10.00 am–4.30 pm
Chestnut picking: free of charge
Panoramic tourist train: available
Information and reservations:
347 4310586 · 339 1334038 · 377 6994385
Email: prolocopietragavina@libero.it
Pietragavina is located in the municipality of Varzi, in the Oltrepò Pavese area of the Province of Pavia. The event is organised with the support of local organisations and the Pro Loco.
FAQ – 2026 Chestnut Festival in Pietragavina
When is the Chestnut Festival in Pietragavina?
The 65th edition takes place on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Where is the Chestnut Festival held?
The event takes place in Pietragavina, a hamlet of Varzi, in the Province of Pavia.
Can visitors pick chestnuts?
Yes. A free shuttle service to the chestnut woods runs from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm, allowing visitors to collect chestnuts free of charge.
What time do the food stalls open?
The food stalls open at 11.00 am, with tastings of typical local products.
Is lunch available?
Yes. At 12.00 pm, lunch will be served at the Kiwi nightclub, featuring polenta with wild boar, braised meat and other local specialities.
What is happening in the afternoon?
From 2.30 pm, there will be live music by the S. Cecilia Band of Paullo, I Cantori dell’Oltrepò and DJ Edo. At 4.00 pm, the “Golden Chestnut” award ceremony will take place.
How can I get more information or make a reservation?
Contact the Pro Loco at 347 4310586, 339 1334038 or 377 6994385, or email prolocopietragavina@libero.it
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