Weekend in Varese and the Province (May 8-10, 2026): events guide

May 8-10, 2026 weekend in Varese and the province

Three days of events across the area: festivals, food fairs, markets and family-friendly activities. Below is a concise guide to the main happenings and practical details to organize your weekend.

Main events

• Festival della Meraviglia – Laveno Mombello and Luino, May 8-10 (some initiatives in Luino continue until May 24): theatre, talks and cultural projects on Lake Maggiore.
• Oasi Palude Brabbia Festival (LIPU) – May 10: reserve opening with children's workshops, botany activities and biodiversity shows.
• Puglia Food Festival – Cassano Magnago, Area Feste del Maggiolone Social Park: May 8-10 featuring Puglian specialties such as bombette, orecchiette and puccia.
• Vinyl Market – May 10, Materia Spazio Libero, 10:00-19:00: vinyl, CDs and music memorabilia organized by Records Family Groove.
• Music at San Cassiano – Velate (Varese), early music series from May 9 to June 6: first concert on Saturday May 9 in the little church of San Cassiano.
• Nebbiolo tasting (ONAV) – May 10, 2026, Grand Hotel Palace (Via Manara 11, Varese), 10:30-17:30: tastings focused on the Nebbiolo grape.

Other weekend highlights

• Cellars Festival (Cantine in Festa) – Gorla Maggiore, May 9-10: wine tastings and local food.
• Biandronno – A passo lento 2… – May 10: walk in the Palude Brabbia, meeting at 15:30 at Cascina Camilla.
• Games and Tonic – Besozzo, May 9 from 19:30: games night at Fabbrica ex Sonnino.
• Patron Saint Festival in Arsago Seprio – Saturday evening with music and food; Sunday historical parade and monument openings.
• Pizzoccheri and music – Arcisate, May 9: charity evening with pizzoccheri and live music.
• Bentornati Rondoni – Cislago, May 8: municipal hall event with awards and school activities.
• Nova Coop solidarity day – May 9: goods collection at stores in Tradate, Luino and Castano Primo.
• Pensiero Meticcio – Gallarate, May 10 17:00-20:00: events supporting animals housed in the municipal shelter.
• Monastery of Santa Maria Assunta – Cairate, from May 8: guided visits, talks and heritage activities.

Practical tips

• Schedules and tickets: check official event pages for confirmations: some activities require booking or have limited places.
• Transport and parking: arrive early for popular food fairs and markets; check connections to Lake Maggiore.
• For families: bring suitable clothing, water and sun protection for outdoor activities; many events offer workshops for children.

Enjoy a weekend of flavors, music and nature across the Varese area!

Where: Grand Hotel Palace, Via Manara Luciano 11, 21100 Varese (coordinates: 45.8221076, 8.809645)