Festivals and village events around Genoa: May 2026 highlights

Festivals and village events near Genoa: May 2026

With spring in full swing, coastal and inland villages around Genoa come alive with festivals, patronal feasts and local initiatives celebrating food and tradition. Below is a practical guide to the main events and how to attend.

Main events

• Camogli Fish Festival (Sagra del Pesce) – The famous giant pan for fried fish and fireworks: a showcase event attracting visitors across the province to enjoy fried fish in the seaside square.
• Crevari (April 25 and May 1, 2026) – Days of focaccine, music and typical dishes: two local gatherings focused on regional specialties and community conviviality.
• St. George's Feast in Portofino – Bonfires, procession and traditional celebrations that involve the historic center and local communities.
• Patronal feast of Saint Zita – Fair, procession and parish celebrations typical of village life.
• Spring Festival in Sciarborasca – Music, food stalls and solidarity initiatives supporting the territory.
• Tonno da Oscar – Film screenings and tastings at the Nickelodeon with three projections paired with themed samplings: a meeting point between cinema and local cuisine.
• Swing and Lindy Hop at Palazzo Ducale – ZenaSwingers at the Mentelocale Bistrot: evenings of dancing and aperitivo that bring life to historic venues.

Practical tips for visiting the villages

• Arrival and parking: traffic increases on festival days: consider public transport or parking outside the center and walking in.
• Timings: many festivals run across the day and into the evening; check specific schedules for each event.
• Bring cash: some stalls may not take cards, so carry cash for purchases and tastings.
• Respect the place: historic villages are delicate: follow local guidance on waste disposal and behaviour.

Why visit

Village festivals are a chance to discover culinary traditions, support local communities and experience historic centers authentically. Attending these events helps promote intangible local heritage and reveals lesser-known corners of the Genoa area.