Things to do in Varese and the Varese area: weekend Friday–Sunday May

Weekend May 8–10, 2026 in Varese and the Varese area

Three days of events across the province: from the Festival of Wonder on Lake Maggiore to local food festivals and a vinyl fair. Below is a concise guide to help you plan your weekend.

Main events

• Festival of Wonder (La Meraviglia) – Laveno Mombello and Luino, Friday May 8 to Sunday May 10 (events continue in Luino until May 24). Cultural programs, talks and performances on Lake Maggiore.
• Palude Brabbia Oasis Festival (LIPU) – Sunday May 10: reserve opens for workshops, botanical activities and shows focused on biodiversity.
• Puglia Food Festival – Cassano Magnago, Maggiolone Social Park: three days (May 8–10) celebrating Apulian specialties such as bombette, orecchiette and puccia.
• Vinyl market – Sunday May 10, Materia Spazio Libero, 10:00–19:00: thousands of records, CDs and music items organized by Records Family Groove.
• Musica a San Cassiano – Velate (Varese), early-music series running May 9–June 6: first concert on Saturday May 9 in the small church of San Cassiano.
• Nebbiolo tasting (ONAV) – Sunday May 10, 2026, Grand Hotel Palace (Via Manara 11, Varese), 10:30–17:30: tasting event focused on the Nebbiolo grape.

Other weekend highlights

• Cantine in Festa – Gorla Maggiore, Saturday May 9 and Sunday May 10: wine tastings and local food pairings.
• Biandronno – A passo lento 2… – Sunday May 10: guided walk through the Palude Brabbia; meeting point at Cascina Camilla at 15:30.
• Games and Tonic – Besozzo, Friday May 9 from 19:30: evening of games and social activities at the ex-Sonnino factory.
• Saint festival in Arsago Seprio – Saturday evening with music and food; Sunday historical parade and monuments opening.
• Pizzoccheri and music – Arcisate, Saturday May 9: charity evening with local food and a live cover-band concert.
• Welcome swifts (Bentornati Rondoni) – Cislago, Friday May 8: civic event with school activities and awards.
• Nova Coop solidarity day – Saturday May 9: collection of goods at Tradate, Luino and Castano Primo stores.
• Pensiero Meticcio – Gallarate, Sunday (17:00–20:00): charity event at the municipal shelter to support animal care.
• Monastery events – Cairate, starting May 8: weekend of guided visits, talks and restoration updates at the Monastery of Santa Maria Assunta.

Practical tips

Tickets and reservations: check each event for booking requirements and possible entrance fees. Some activities have limited capacity.

Getting there: arrive early for popular fairs and food festivals. Verify public-transport options for Lake Maggiore events and parking at venue sites.

Family-friendly: many events include workshops and outdoor activities for children—dress appropriately and bring water and sun protection for nature outings.

Enjoy the weekend exploring culture, food and nature across Varese province.