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Events in Lombardy in October 2026
With wine tastings, local festivals and historical re-enactments, October brings with it the colours and scents of autumn
In October, the wineries bring the harvest season to a close, the mountain woods take on autumnal hues, and traditional country flavours grace the tables.
It is a month in which contemporary photography festivals take place alongside medieval re-enactments, against a backdrop of festivals celebrating pumpkin, truffles and spiced sweets and cakes.
Although the cold season is drawing near, there are still perfect warm, sunny days for cycling events, marathons and nature walks. October is all of this, and every province in Lombardy has its own unique way of celebrating it with a packed programme of events.
BERGAMO and province
The Melgotto Days — 25 September - 4 October — Gandino
Gandino celebrates ‘Mais Spinato’ with ‘I giorni del Melgotto’, an event that brings together food and wine, tastings, culture and music. Held between Palazzo Zilioli and the historic centre, the event showcases a local variety of corn that has been cultivated in the area for centuries, and highlights the traditions, produce and knowledge associated with the farming culture of the Val Gandino.
See the full programme on the official page of the event
SACRAE SCENAE Ardesio Film Festival — 15 - 18 October — Ardesio
Ardesio is hosting the SACRAE SCENAE Ardesio Film Festival, an international film festival dedicated to devotional traditions and the culture of different peoples. The selection brings together international works featuring different styles, stories and formats. The festival explores spirituality, identity and traditions, with prizes awarded by a jury and special awards also dedicated to young filmmakers and the region of the Bergamo Alps.
Download the programme from the official Festival website
46th Palio dei Cantù — 17 and 18 October — Martinengo
The historic centre of Martinengo is transformed into a medieval village brought to life with a traditional historical re-enactment. The programme includes a medieval camp and educational workshops, the ‘Palio degli Asinelli 2.0’, flag-wavers and traditional music, and a historical procession through the village streets. A festival that brings together community, history and tradition.
All the details are available on the dedicated page of the Pro Loco di Martinengo
BRESCIA and province
Profumi di Mosto — 4 October — Various venues
The hills of Valtènesi form the central theme of an experience designed to take you into the wineries and give you an up-close look at the winegrowers’ work. You are free to choose how many wineries to visit, or you can opt for one of the three-stop tours. Each winery offers three wines for tasting, accompanied by a culinary delicacy typical of the local area.
Tickets can be purchased on the official event page
Valle dei Segni Wine Trail – 23 - 25 October – Darfo Boario Terme
Set among the vineyards, rock carvings and landscapes of the Valle Camonica, the Valle dei Segni Wine Trail combines sport with exploring the local area. Three routes, measuring 55, 18 and 10 kilometres, start from different points and converge at Darfo Boario Terme. The itinerary takes in historical and archaeological sites, while a programme designed for younger children makes the experience suitable for families too.
Choose your route on the official website of the event
Sagra del Bagòss 2026 [Bagòss Cheese Festival] — 24 and 25 October — Bagolino
Bagòss cheese takes centre stage in Bagolino, at a festival that celebrates the link between livestock farming, the local area and the art of cheese-making. The theme ‘from milk to table’ features live demonstrations of milk processing, tastings, and the sale of local, farm-fresh produce. The experience is rounded off by traditional farm dishes from the Brescia region, to be enjoyed in a festive atmosphere.
Download the event poster
COMO and province
Festival del Legno [Wood Festival]— 24 September - 4 October — Cantù
Cantù showcases its relationship with wood and design with a festival of exhibitions, talks, workshops and guided tours. The programme promotes the wood and furniture industry supply chain, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. This year’s edition also continues the ‘Pezzi Unici’ programme, dedicated to the uniqueness of the objects, skills and people that bring this industrial heritage to life.
Find out more on the Festival’s official website
Autumn Festival — 2 October - 8 November — Tremezzina
In the grounds of Villa Carlotta, the autumn foliage provides the backdrop to a programme that blends nature, reading and local flavours. With its pumpkin patch, autumnal displays, book corners and tastings with local producers, the festival invites you to enjoy the garden at this time of year. There will be creative workshops, nature walks, and play areas for all ages.
Everything you need to know is on Villa Carlotta’s official website
CREMONA and province
Soncino Medieval Re-enactment — 4 October — Soncino
The Rocca Sforzesca in Soncino takes visitors back in time with a day of historical re-enactments dedicated to the 13th century. Camps, traditional crafts and scenes from everyday life recreate the medieval atmosphere, while the programme features a mix of duels, jesters, music, dancing, and activities for the public. There is no shortage of workshops and guided tours to take a deep dive into the fortress’s history and surroundings.
Get into the festival spirit by visiting the official website of the Municipality of Soncino
Salami Festival — 9 – 11 October — Cremona
Cremona’s historic centre celebrates one of the most iconic products of Italian and local culinary tradition with tastings, producers and events designed to surprise visitors. Alongside the more traditional cured meats, there are also creative offerings such as the giant Salami Violin, Beer Salami and Salami Chips. Performances, installations and awards round off a programme that combines flavour, curiosity and entertainment.
Take a look at the official event page
LECCO and province
Lecco Climbing Festival - 16 - 18 October — Lecco
Climbing, mountains, and a passion for mountaineering come together in the heart of Lecco with a programme of talks, exhibitions, events and outdoor activities. The festival brings together athletes, explorers and enthusiasts, providing a platform for mountain-related stories and experiences. This edition also marks the 80th anniversary of the Ragni di Lecco, one of the world’s most prestigious mountaineering clubs, founded in Lecco in 1946.
Find out more on the Festival’s official website
LODI and province
17th Ethical Photography Festival — 26 September - 25 October — Lodi
Photography and social activism come together in Lodi in an exhibition that brings projects from over 80 countries to the city. The programme features exhibitions alongside guided tours, talks with authors, book launches, portfolio reviews, film screenings, and educational activities. At its heart are images and stories that depict the present through different perspectives, with a strong focus on international documentary photography.
Tickets can be purchased from the official page of the Festival
MANTUA and province
National White Truffle Fair — 2 - 25 October — Borgofranco sul Po
One of the season’s most prized delicacies, the white truffle takes centre stage at the fair held in Borgofranco sul Po, in the Borgocarbonara area. The event showcases the local culinary tradition through food, friendly atmosphere, and exploration of the area, drawing attention to the Mantuan Truffle Valley and the woods along the River Po, which provide the ideal habitat for this speciality.
You can book your table on the fair’s official website
Fiera di San Gallo 2026 — 15 - 19 October — Sabbioneta
The historic centre of Sabbioneta comes alive with the San Gallo Fair, an event that combines folk traditions and entertainment. Street food, tastings, music, DJ sets, a funfair, and street performers punctuate the days, providing entertainment for families and visitors alike. The event involves a number of local organisations and aims to bring the town to life in a festive and convivial atmosphere.
To find out more, visit the official website of the Municipality of Sabbioneta
Sbrisolona&Co. Festival — 16 - 18 October — Mantua
Traditional desserts and creative baking are at the heart of the Sbrisolona&Co. Italian desserts festival, which brings local specialities and delicacies from all over Italy to Mantua. Alongside the traditional sbrisolona cake, there will be artisan chocolate-making, tastings, cookery demonstrations, culinary challenges, concerts and performances. A packed programme that combines fine food, entertainment, and the chance to discover the finest confectionery in a truly charming setting.
Explore the full programme on the Festival’s official website
MILAN and province
Milano Digital Week — 30 September - 4 October — Milan
Innovation, participation and urban transformation are at the heart of Milan Digital Week, which takes place across various venues throughout the city. Meetings, workshops, events and plenary sessions bring together citizens, businesses, and institutions to discuss changes related to digital technology and Artificial Intelligence. The theme ‘The Generative City’ invites us to reflect on new connections, opportunities and forms of participation, while keeping the human dimension at the heart of the matter.
For more about the programme, see the official website for the event
JAZZMI 2026 — 19 October - 8 November — Milan
With JAZZMI, Milan becomes a grand stage dedicated to contemporary jazz and its cross-genre influences. The festival brings together Italian and international artists, emerging talents and special guests, for a programme that balances tradition with experimentation. Concerts and events bring various venues across the city to life, turning jazz into an opportunity for discovery, exchange and openness to different musical styles.
Check the concert calendar on the official event page
Italian Running Festival — 24 and 25 October — Milan
Milan’s Idroscalo Park is hosting the Italian Running Festival, an event designed for those who see running as a sport, a passion and an opportunity to socialise. The programme features a mix of workshops, talks, hands-on activities, films and music, as well as events specifically for running clubs. Training, discussion, and community come together over two days that bring together enthusiasts, the simply curious, and professionals from the world of running.
Get ready for the event on the Festival’s official website
MONZA and BRIANZA
Monza Half Marathon — 4 October — Monza
The race takes place at the Monza National Circuit, against a backdrop that symbolises speed. The Monza Half Marathon offers a range of distances, from the 30-kilometre competitive race and the half marathon to 10- and 5-kilometre routes, which are also designed for those who prefer a non-competitive format. An event that combines sport, community involvement and a truly unique setting in the heart of Monza Park.
To take part, sign up on the official event page
PAVIA and province
Autunno Pavese 2026 — 2 - 5 October — Pavia
Flavours, producers and regions come together at Autunno Pavese, an event that combines the town fair with a programme of events located across Pavese, Oltrepò and Lomellina. The theme ‘The Mark of Taste’ forms the backdrop to tastings, events, and experiences dedicated to local specialities, involving farms, wineries, restaurants and other hospitality businesses. An opportunity to get to know the province’s products, people and places up close.
Keep up to date on the event’s official website
Palio delle contrade di Vigevano – 10 and 11 October – Vigevano
Vigevano rediscovers the charm of the Renaissance with the Palio delle Contrade, which sees twelve city districts take part in a competition featuring historical games, skill and strategy. The Castello Sforzesco, Piazza Ducale and the historic centre provide the backdrop for costumed parades, music, historical re-enactments, and performances. At the heart of the festival is the competition for the ‘Cencio’ [banner], dedicated to Blessed Matteo Carreri.
Soak up the medieval atmosphere by following the Palio di Vigevano Facebook page
Dorno Bertagnina Pumpkin Festival – 10-16 October – Dorno
The Bertagnina Pumpkin showcases Dorno’s culinary identity through a festival dedicated to a variety typical of the Lomellina region. The specialities on offer include Torta Bertagnina, Baci di Dorno, preserves, and a beer made with pumpkin. The programme combines tastings, cultural events and activities designed to promote a product that has long been linked to the local agricultural tradition.
Browse the programme on the Festival’s official website
SONDRIO and province
Morbegno in cantina — 25 September - 11 October — Morbegno
‘Morbegno in Cantina’ takes you on a journey of discovery through the wines of Valtellina, via the courtyards, cellars and underground spaces of the historic centre. Six itineraries offer tastings of Sforzato, sparkling wines, reds, whites and rosés, paired with traditional local specialities. The route winds its way through places that are not usually open to the public, with music and entertainment to make the experience even more engaging.
Choose your tasting itinerary on the event’s official website
Gustosando in Valtellina 2026 — 3 - 18 October — Various locations
Four villages in the Lower Valtellina form the stops on a journey through local cuisine, landscapes, and traditions. Albaredo per San Marco, Buglio in Monte, Dubino, and Mello offer food and wine tours featuring local specialities, regional wines, wineries and panoramic views. Music, guided tours and family-friendly activities enrich an experience designed to help visitors discover the identity of each village.
All the relevant information can be found on the official event page
Mostra del Bitto 2026 [Bitto Cheese Exhibition]— 17 and 18 October — Morbegno
Bitto cheese is the star attraction at an event celebrating one of Valtellina’s culinary icons. This historic exhibition combines a cheese competition with tastings and a look back at traditional local production methods. Also taking part in the competition are Valtellina Casera PDO, Scimudin and Latteria cheeses, while Palazzo Malacrida and the Convent of Sant’Antonio will be hosting guided tastings in settings of great charm.
Explore the programme on the Mostra del Bitto official website
VARESE and province
10th Gran Fondo Tre Valli Varesine — 3 and 4 October — Varese
The streets of Varese are hosting a two-day event dedicated to cycling, featuring road races, individual time trials, and a gravel race. Alongside the competitive events, there will also be the Strawoman and the Race Village at the Giardini Estensi, featuring a food court, shops and music. An event that combines sport, community involvement, and exploring the local area by bike.
You can register for the race on the official event page
CAI and the Fondazione Varese Welcome: excursions in September and October — 14 and 27 October — Various locations
Two guided walks offer the chance to explore the Varese area, taking in its natural beauty, history and panoramic views. On 14 October, the route takes you to the Fort of Orino, while on 27 October, the walk will take you along a circular route through Sesto Calende, Taino and Lisanza, passing through the hills, Lake Maggiore, works by Giò Pomodoro, the lakeside promenade, and other places of historical and scenic interest.
Discover the walking routes on the official CAI di Varese website
INSIGHT Photo Festival — 16 - 25 October — Varese
Contemporary photography brings Varese to life with a festival taking place across institutional venues, urban spaces, and outdoor routes. Exhibitions, talks, performances, book launches, sound events and walks with the artists make up a programme designed to bring different forms of expression and audiences together. This edition brings together emerging artists, schools, academies and independent organisations, transforming the city into a journey of visual discovery.
Don’t miss the updates on the Festival’s official page
These are just some of the events waiting for you in Lombardy. Browse the events section on our website and find out more about new ideas for enjoying the local area in every season!
