October brings with it the colour-changing scenery and the last bright, sunny days that are still perfect for spending outside.

With walks along the trails as they turn orange, and villages that come alive with popular festivals, every corner of the region is waiting for you to discover its autumn charms. 

It is the month of the pumpkin, which is used to enrich recipes and local markets, with chestnuts roasting at village festivals, and the aroma of mushrooms wafting up from kitchens down in the valley. As well as the seasonal specialities, there are plenty of exhibitions, re-enactments and shows for a packed and varied calendar of events where the local identity is reflected in its music, art, history and sport. 

From the valleys to the lakes, October is an invitation to enjoy the surprises: every province in Lombardy shows its own side of autumn, with unique, captivating experiences.

BERGAMO

I Giorni del Melgotto - 25 September - 5 October– Gandino
Barbed corn (melgotto) is celebrated in Gandino, a local excellence and farming symbol in the Val Seriana. Organised by Gandino’s Comunità del Mais Spinato [Barbed Corn Community], the eighteenth edition of “I Giorni del Melgotto” brings the village to life with farming traditions and innovations, markets, guided visits, and tastings. A cultural, food experience steeped in autumn charm.
Download the programme from the Mais Spinato di Gandino website

October Flavours - 1 - 5 October– Lovere
Lovere welcomes autumn with an event based on local flavours along the shores of the lake and in the centre of town. Typical produce and local wines will alternate over five days of flavour and convivial atmosphere. An event designed to make the most of local excellences, restaurants and producers from the area. Music and entertainment for all ages complete the atmosphere every evening.
More information is available on the Lovere Events page

23rd BergamoScienza Festival - 3 - 19 October - Bergamo
One of Italy's most popular science festivals is back with meetings, laboratories, and exhibitions that are open to all. The programme will be involving schools, families and enthusiasts, making science both accessible and interactive. An opportunity to explore the world of research with important international names and numerous initiatives dedicated above all to young people.
Go to the official website of the BergamoScienza Festival to find out more.

COMO

Orticolario 2025 / Eden - 2 - 5 October - Cernobbio
Villa Erba is hosting a new edition of Orticolario, where nature, art, and design come together to bring you a unique experience. The theme of the 2025 edition is “Eden”: gardens, art installations and imagined landscapes to reawaken the senses. More than 250 exhibitors will be there, including plant nurseries of excellence, artisans, and designers. An unmissable event for those who love their greenery.
Explore the themes of the exhibition on the official website of Orticolario 2025 / Eden

Orange treasure hunt - Moltrasio - 5 October - Moltrasio
An opportunity to explore the town, certified by the Italian Touring Club, with Italy’s largest treasure hunt. The “Orange Treasure Hunt” event will take place in the one hundred Orange Flag towns and villages, of which twelve can be found in Lombardy. The initiative is free, ideal for families and for the curious, and is a way to discover the stories and hidden corners of the centre of Moltrasio. 
Sign up for the event on the specific page for Moltrasio by the Italian Touring Club

Chestnuts, witches and all around – 11-12 October – Cernobbio (Rovenna)
This part of Rovenna comes to life with markets, music, performances, and lots of great autumn food. Chestnuts, mulled wine, typical dishes, and legendary stories make for an enchanted atmosphere. This event is perfect for those who enjoy town festivals with a touch of magic and the breathtaking scenery of Lake Como.
Take a look at all of the activities on the official website for Chestnuts, witches, and all around

CREMONA

Salami Festival - 3 - 5 October - Cremona
A festival dedicated to the king of cured meats: salami. For three days, the city centre will be hosting stalls, tastings, exhibition spaces, contests and entertainments. From the most unusual salami through to Salame Cremona IGP, this event is the ideal opportunity to taste and buy quality to suit every taste.
Visit the official website for Cremona’s Salami Festival

Mostarda Festival 11 - 3 October - 16 November - Cremona
The festival that celebrates mostarda (mustard fruits), the excellent speciality from the Cremona area, is back The eleventh Mostarda Festival will be both a digital event, with interviews and recipes and a local one, with tastings, show-cooking and reinterpretations in a modern key. A journey into traditional food and gourmet innovations.
Take a look at the official website of the Mostarda Festival 11

Soncino 2025 Re-enactment – 4- 5 October – Soncino
The Rocca Sforzesca in Soncino goes back to the Middle Ages with knights, ladies, and falconers. For two days the town comes to life with historical encampments, re-enacted jousts, and jesters. The 2025 edition celebrates 40 years of Ladyhawke with an exhibition, theatre, and souvenirs from the set. An engaging event where no detail has been spared, ideal for families and history enthusiasts. 
Book your place on the dedicated Soncino Re-enactment 2025 website

LECCO

Lecco City of The Betrothed 2025 – 3-5 October – Lecco
Three days of events to celebrate Alessandro Manzoni and his link with the city. The 2025 edition, entitled “Il Museo che verrà: Manzoni è …”, [The Museum to come, Manzoni is...] stages meetings, performances and activities set in the past and in the future. Of course there will be the traditional Manzoni Walk, and workshops for our younger visitors. A festival that transforms Lecco into an open-air literary  stage.
To find out more, visit the specific page of l the municipality of Lecco

Immagimondo – 3-19 October – Lecco
The festival dedicated to world travel, meetings and cultures is back with exhibitions, stories, and reporting. The focus is on writers, photographers and travellers who share their experiences and visions. Events are spread throughout the city, all with entry free of charge. An invitation to take a look into the distance, starting with Lecco and other municipalities in the province.
The schedule is available on the official site of Immagimondo

PAVIA

Autunno Pavese 2025 – 3-6 October – Pavia
Back for its 71st edition, the gourmet food event that showcases typical produce from Oltrepo’ and the Pavia area. Tastings, show cooking, wine tasting, and workshops bring the Palazzo Esposizioni to life with a convivial atmosphere and authentic flavours for everyone. An unmissable opportunity for lovers of wine, risotto, mixology and culinary traditions.
Information and tickets are available from the official website of Autunno Pavese 2025

Palio delle contrade, Vigevano – 11-12 October – Vigevano
A weekend of challenges, historic processions and re-enactments to bring back the atmosphere of the Renaissance. The districts challenge one another in traditional games, while the centre of town is transformed into a mediaeval village with players, musicians, craftsmen and performances in the square. An immersive event for all the family to enjoy.
For more about this year's historic activities, see the official website of the Palio delle contrade, Vigevano

Dorno Bertagnina Pumpkin Festival 2025 – 11-17 October – Dorno
A week of events to celebrate a local agricultural excellence, the Bertagnina pumpkin. Events include: markets, contests, menus on the theme, and lots of entertainment. The village of Dorno turns orange with all of the aromas and authentic flavours of autumn. Great for families, foodies, and the simply curious.
The full programme is available on the official website of the Dorno Bertagnina Pumpkin Festival

BRESCIA

Monno Potato Festival – 4 October – Monno
A traditional date, dedicated to the mountain potato, grown locally and a main feature of the typical local cuisine. Magic performances, tastings, and concerts will bring Monno’s Piazza IV Novembre to life. An event to discover the authentic flavours of the Upper Val Camonica in a convivial setting. Perfect for an autumn trip that’s all about flavour.
Read the poster for the Monno Potato Festival

Sebino Express - Historic Steam Train – 5, 19 and 26 October – Paratico
A journey through time on board a steam train along the Palazzolo-Paratico Sarnico line. The route, which is a round trip from Milano Centrale station, overlooks Lake Iseo, and crosses through charming countryside on board period carriages with a retro feel. Ideal for families, photographers, and lovers of slow tourislasm. 
Book your trip on the Fondazione FS website

Valle dei Segni Wine Trail – 24-26 October – Darfo Boario Terme
The Valle dei Segni Wine Trail comes to life among the vineyards and the sculpted scenery of Val Camonica. A weekend combining sport and nature with all the taste of local traditions, with competitive trails and walks that are open to everyone. Wineries, tastings, and Alpine hospitality transform every step into a journey into the soul of the “Valle dei Segni”.
Choose the perfect route for you on the official website of the Valle dei Segni Wine Trail