With the arrival of autumn the pumpkin becomes the centerpiece of festivals, fairs and harvest celebrations across Italy. There are numerous events dedicated to this vegetable, including tastings, local products, markets, performances and activities for the whole family.
Here is our selection of pumpkin fairs and harvest festivals for 2026 to mark on your calendar and to enjoy the colors and flavors of autumn together.
National Pumpkin Fair, Piozzo (CN)
From October 3 to 4, 2026, Piozzo, on the edge of the Langhe, hosts the 33rd edition of the Pumpkin Fair, which this year, after more than thirty years of life, officially earns the status of National Fair.
The exhibition showcases over 600 varieties of pumpkins, with specimens spanning a wide range of shapes, sizes and hues. The event also features themed gastronomic stalls with risottos, desserts, street food and pumpkin-based specialties, alongside displays, activities, performances, music and biodiversity-focused programs.
Pumpkin Festival, Valchiusa (TO)
From October 10 to 13, 2026 the Pumpkin Festival returns to Valchiusa, in the Turin province, now in its 18th edition. The event, hosted in the small mountain village of Meugliano, celebrates one of autumn’s symbol products through an experience that blends local traditions, gastronomy, artisanal markets, workshops for children and the promotion of the territory. The autumn-scented celebration is free of charge.
Bertagnina Pumpkin Festival, Dorno (PV)
From October 10 to 16, 2026 Dorno, in the province of Pavia, dedicates an entire week to its Bertagnina Pumpkin, a typical Lomellina product recognized with the De.C.O. (Denominazione Comunale di Origine).
The festival presents numerous culinary interpretations of the squash, ranging from tortelli to velvety soups, up to tarts and cookies. The program also includes exhibitions, concerts, performances, an agricultural and craft market.
Pumpkin Fair, Zuccarello (SV)
On October 11, 2026 it is Zuccarello’s turn, a small Ligurian coastal town, where the traditional Pumpkin Fair takes place. The event highlights local varieties and offers gastronomic products, educational laboratories, wine tastings and dishes, Ligurian specialties, live music, family-oriented activities, the awarding of the best pumpkin of the year, and craft stalls in a festive atmosphere. Local restaurants in the area also participate with pumpkin-themed proposals, turning the day into an opportunity to discover the territory as well.
Zucca in Festa, Ostellato (FE)
The 24 and 25 October and the 31 October and 1 November 2026 Ostellato, in the Ferrara area, host the 29th edition of Zucca in Festa. The event, organized by the Pro Loco, brings the pumpkin to the heart of the town with a gastronomic stand named “Al Parol” (the cauldron) in Piazza Giorgio Bassani and activities dedicated to this autumn product. During the festival you can taste the cappellacci di zucca with ragù or with butter and sage, the pumpkin risotto and sausage, and pumpkin gnocchi. An ideal opportunity to pair the discovery of local flavors with a stroll through the Ferrara countryside.
Zucca Days, Casumaro (FE)
From October 25 to 27, 2026 Casumaro, a fraction of Cento in the province of Ferrara, offers the Zucca Days, a pumpkin festival presented in a variety of forms. On the plate come soups, tortelli, risotti, desserts, savory pies, fritters and mustards, while the program includes pumpkin-carving workshops, artistic exhibitions, contests, music and children’s activities.
