When the crowds of summer thin and the blazing heat fades, Italy transforms into a softer, richer experience. From rolling vineyards in Tuscany to the misty hills of Piedmont, autumn in Italy is more than just a season—it’s a celebration of flavors, traditions, and community. And the best way to truly experience it? By joining in its legendary autumn festivals.
Whether you’re a foodie chasing truffles, a wine lover eager for harvest tastings, or a culture enthusiast drawn to historic reenactments, Italy’s fall calendar is packed with unforgettable events. Even better—you can plan and book many of these experiences online in advance, ensuring your spot in the celebrations.
Here’s your insider’s guide to the best autumn festivals in Italy you simply can’t miss.
Alba White Truffle Festival (Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco)
Where: Alba, Piedmont
When: October–November
Alba is world-famous for its prized white truffles, and autumn is when this delicacy takes center stage. The town comes alive with food stalls, truffle markets, cooking demos, and Michelin-starred chefs showcasing dishes infused with the “diamond of the kitchen.”
Don’t miss:
- The International Truffle Market, where you can smell, sample, and buy the freshest truffles.
- Wine pairings with Barolo and Barbaresco from nearby vineyards.
- Cooking classes where chefs reveal the art of using truffles in authentic Piedmontese cuisine.
If you’re planning to splurge on one food experience this autumn, book a guided truffle-hunting tour with a local hunter and dog. It’s as authentic as Italian food experiences get.
Chestnut Festivals (Sagre delle Castagne)
Where: Tuscany, Umbria, and Piedmont villages
When: October
In Italian villages, the humble chestnut gets the royal treatment come October. From roasted chestnuts on open fires to hearty stews, cakes, and pastries, chestnut festivals are cozy, rustic, and deeply local.
Top Picks:
- Marradi Chestnut Festival (Tuscany): Street performers, music, and stalls selling chestnut-based treats like castagnaccio (chestnut cake).
- Cuneo National Chestnut Fair (Piedmont): One of the largest chestnut markets in Italy.
These sagre are budget-friendly and family-friendly, making them a great way to experience Italy’s countryside like a local.
Tip: Pair your festival visit with a wine tasting or olive oil tour nearby—many operators offer affordable packages.
Grape Harvest Festivals (Feste della Vendemmia)
Where: Tuscany, Veneto, Sicily, and more
When: September–October
Few things scream “Italian autumn” more than the grape harvest. Towns across Italy celebrate with parades, grape stomping, music, and—of course—plenty of wine.
Highlights:
- Chianti Grape Festival (Impruneta, Tuscany): Expect elaborate floats decorated with grapes, tastings, and folkloric performances.
- Marino Wine Festival (Lazio): Fountains that literally spout wine instead of water—yes, really.
- Sicilian Vendemmia Tours: Visitors can join in grape picking and enjoy farm-to-table dinners.
For travelers who love authentic experiences, booking a vineyard harvest tour with tastings through platforms like GetYourGuide is an excellent way to be part of the tradition.
Eurochocolate Festival
Where: Perugia, Umbria
When: Mid-October
Chocolate lovers rejoice—Perugia’s Eurochocolate Festival is Europe’s biggest celebration of all things cocoa. The streets fill with artisans, chocolatiers, and giant chocolate sculptures. Entry is free, but special tastings and workshops can be booked online.
Why go:
- Sample chocolates from all over Italy and the world.
- Join workshops where you can create your own pralines.
- See jaw-dropping chocolate sculptures carved live.
Insider tip: Pair the festival with a guided Perugia food and wine tour to explore Umbrian specialties beyond chocolate.
Festa della Madonna della Salute (Venice)
Where: Venice
When: November 21
Venice is magical in autumn, when the crowds fade and the fog rolls in. The Festa della Salute is both spiritual and cultural, commemorating the end of the 1630 plague. Locals cross a temporary bridge to the beautiful Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute to express thanks, while stalls serve traditional food.
Why it’s unique: It’s an intimate way to see Venetians honor tradition, away from the touristy carnival scenes.
Book a Venice evening walking tour with wine and cicchetti around this festival date—it’s a perfect way to blend culture and cuisine.
Olive Oil Festivals (Feste dell’Olio Nuovo)
Where: Umbria, Tuscany, Puglia
When: October–November
Autumn is also olive oil season in Italy, and new oil festivals are an unmissable chance to taste some of the freshest extra virgin olive oil in the world. Towns host tastings, markets, and even olive-mill tours.
Best spots:
- Spello, Umbria: Known for its Frantoi Aperti (“Open Oil Mills”), where travelers can tour mills and sample fresh oil.
- Chianti, Tuscany: Wine and olive oil festivals often overlap, making it a double win.
Don’t just taste—book a hands-on olive oil tasting workshop for a deeper dive into Italy’s liquid gold.
Historical Reenactment Festivals
Italy’s autumn isn’t just about food—it’s about history and pageantry. Many towns host reenactments of medieval battles, Renaissance fairs, or parades in costume.
Notable events:
- Palio di Asti (Piedmont, September): A historic horse race with medieval flair.
- Giostra della Quintana (Foligno, Umbria): Knights joust in full costume.
These festivals add a cultural layer to autumn travel, especially for history enthusiasts.
Planning Your Autumn Festival Trip in Italy
- Book early: Popular festivals like Alba’s truffle fair and Eurochocolate attract international crowds. Secure tickets and tours online weeks in advance.
- Travel smart: Many festivals happen in smaller towns. Renting a car can give you flexibility, but public transport often works if you plan ahead.
- Budget tips: Many sagre (local fairs) are free to enter—you’ll just pay for food. Combine them with affordable day tours or budget-friendly accommodations.
- Consider reserving your festival tours, vineyard visits, or local stays online—they often come with flexible cancellation policies, ideal for autumn travel planning.
Final Thoughts
Autumn is arguably the best season to experience Italy at its most authentic. Between the flavors of truffles and chestnuts, the joy of grape harvests, the sweetness of chocolate, and centuries-old traditions, Italy’s fall calendar is a feast for the senses.
If you’re planning a trip between September and November, don’t just pass through—join the celebrations. The festivals listed above are not only unforgettable but also easy to book online, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.
Ready to make your Italian autumn unforgettable? Reserve your spot in a festival tour today and experience Italy like a local.
Tuscany shines in autumn. Landscapes turn gold, vineyards change color during harvest, and towns offer peaceful escapes. September is perfect for culture… Read more
