Weekend May 16-17, 2026: fairs, festivals and events not to miss

The weekend of May 16-17, 2026 features a busy calendar of food and cultural events across Italy, perfect for short culinary trips and family outings. Below is a regional selection and practical advice to plan your visits.

Main events by region

• Lombardy – Cantello Asparagus Fair (running May 15–24, 2026): food stalls and asparagus-based menus.
• Emilia-Romagna – Altedo Green Asparagus Fair and Lagosanto Strawberry Festival: markets, themed menus and entertainment.
• Veneto – Frog Festival (Comugne) and Rice Festival with Saltarei (Pontepossero): traditional dishes and family activities.
• Latium – Strawberry Festival in Carchitti (Palestrina): tasting routes and events for strawberry lovers.
• Tuscany – Terricciola Strawberry Festival: tastings and local products through May 17, 2026.
• Liguria – Lemon Festival in Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre): citrus, seafood and local traditions.
• Sicily – Cannolo Fest in Piana degli Albanesi: live cooking shows and tastings dedicated to the Sicilian cannolo.
• Sardinia – Olbia Mussel Festival: a celebration of sea and local cuisine with events throughout the month.

How to plan your itinerary

To make the most of your time, group events geographically:

• North: combine Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto for short transfers between festivals.
• Center: Latium and Tuscany are ideal for routes through villages and tastings.
• South and Islands: focus on single regions (for example Sicily or Liguria) to optimize connections.

Practical tips

• Check updates: dates and programs can change; always confirm on official channels.
• Bookings: show cooking or guided tastings often require reservations.
• Transport and parking: village parking is limited; consider public transport or local shuttles.
• Payments: bring cash: some stalls prefer it.
• Clothing: wear comfortable shoes for markets and outdoor areas.

Recommended events for the weekend

Highlights for a quick food trip include Cantello (asparagus), Altedo and Lagosanto (asparagus and strawberries), Carchitti and Terricciola (strawberries), Monterosso al Mare (lemon) and Piana degli Albanesi (Cannolo Fest).

Final tip

Plan ahead and check the organizers' official sites for the latest program and booking information. Enjoy the weekend of festivals!