Weekend in Piedmont: what to do on May 16 and 17, 2026

The weekend of May 16-17, 2026 features a packed calendar of fairs, festivals and local events across Piedmont: from food and wine tastings to historical reenactments and outdoor activities. Below are the main appointments and practical tips to plan your visit.

Main events

• Turin International Book Fair – trade fair running from May 14 to 18 with stands, author talks and book presentations.
• Golosaria in Monferrato – May 16-17: an event spread across more than 40 villages between Asti and Alessandria, focused on local products and tastings.
• Artichoke Festival (Costigliole d’Asti) – themed menus and castle visits celebrating the local artichoke.
• Asparagus Festival (Santena) – running May 15-24 with markets and food stalls dedicated to asparagus.
• Asparago diVino (Vinchio) – Saturday, May 16: tastings in Piazza San Marco featuring asparagus dishes paired with local wines.
• Strawberry fairs – markets and tastings in San Raffaele Cimena, Volpedo and Verrua Savoia.
• Rose Festival (Venaria Reale) – the historic center turns into a large garden with scent and essences events.
• QuintEssenza (Savigliano) – May 17: herbs, spices and flowers, family-friendly activities.
• BiogliOlistica (Bioglio) – weekend dedicated to wellbeing, with oriental disciplines, music and workshops.
• May Tournament at the Court of Re Arduino (Cuorgnè) – historical reenactment with performances and street animation.
• Basilisk Festival (Borgone Susa) – two days of fantasy-themed events, role-playing games and folk-inspired music.
• Saras del Fen Fair (Bobbio Pellice) – celebrations of alpine traditions and transhumance with typical dishes.
• Giro delle 5 Torri (Langa Astigiana) – Sunday, May 17: 19th edition offering 18 or 30 km routes with refreshment stops and scenic views.
• Local fairs – events in Cameri (Porchetta Fair), Montegrosso d’Asti (Divin Mongros) and Quarona (Babbiu Beer Fest) featuring street food, wines and craft beers.

Practical tips

• Schedules and programs: check official timetables before leaving: many events include side activities or run for several days.
• Traffic and parking: for popular events consider alternative routes and arrive early to secure parking.
• Payments: carry some cash for rural markets as not all stalls accept cards.
• Bookings: reserve in advance for guided tastings or busy restaurants linked to the events.
• Clothing: wear comfortable shoes for markets and walks; verify the weather forecast.

Where to go

For a focused food-and-wine experience, Piazza San Marco in Vinchio (AT) hosts the Asparago diVino tastings. Many other activities are distributed across Monferrato and the Asti area: always check the exact location of the chosen event before you travel.

Plan your route by combining culinary stops, cultural sites and nature walks: Piedmont has options for families, food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts during the May 16-17 weekend.