Weekend 16-17 May 2026: unmissable food festivals and fairs

The weekend of 16-17 May 2026 offers a packed schedule of local festivals and fairs across Italy, celebrating spring produce such as asparagus, strawberries and lemons. Below you’ll find regional highlights and practical tips to plan your visit.

Main events by region

• Lombardy – Asparagus Fair in Cantello: a spring showcase with food stands and asparagus-based dishes (running 15–24 May 2026).
• Emilia-Romagna – Green Asparagus Festival in Altedo and Strawberry Festival in Lagosanto: typical fairs with markets and themed menus through the weekend until 17 May 2026.
• Veneto – Frog Festival (Comugne) and Rice Festival with Saltarei (Pontepossero): traditional events featuring local recipes and family entertainment.
• Lazio – Strawberry Festival in Carchitti (Palestrina): tasting routes and sweet-focused events.
• Tuscany – Strawberry Festival in Terricciola: tastings and regional products through 17 May 2026.
• Liguria – Lemon Festival in Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre): events combining citrus fruit and seaside tradition.
• Sicily – Cannolo Fest in Piana degli Albanesi: festival dedicated to the Sicilian cannolo with show cooking and tastings.
• Sardinia – Mussel Festival in Olbia: celebrating the link between sea and local cuisine, with month-long programming.

Planning your route

To minimize travel time, group events by geographic area:

• North: combine Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto for short transfers between fairs.
• Center: Lazio and Tuscany are perfect for routes through villages and tastings.
• South and Islands: focus on a few key stops (for example Sicily or Liguria) to make the most of connections.

Practical tips

• Check official channels for times and updates: small events can change schedule.
• Book in advance for showcookings, special tastings or seated dinners.
• Transport and parking: village parking is often limited; consider public transport or local shuttles.
• Bring cash: some stalls prefer cash payments.
• Wear comfortable shoes for markets and outdoor walking.

Recommended events for the weekend: Cantello (asparagus), Altedo and Lagosanto (asparagus and strawberries), Carchitti and Terricciola (strawberries), Monterosso al Mare (lemon) and Piana degli Albanesi (Cannolo Fest) — excellent choices for short food-focused trips.

Event period: 16-17 May 2026

Location (example): Piana degli Albanesi (PA), Italy — coordinates 37.9948398, 13.2834749.

Final tip: plan ahead and consult organizers’ websites for the latest program and reservation details.