Right then, you travel enthusiasts, get ready for a magical October on Lake Garda! With the air turning crisper and the landscapes painting themselves in a thousand shades of gold and red, this month is perfect for anyone seeking a more intimate and authentic experience. It’s the time for chestnuts, new olive oil, and wonderfully atmospheric settings. Even though the main tourist season is drawing to a close, the events calendar remains packed, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the true heart of Garda. Ready to explore it?
Please note: Dates and availability for October 2025 (and early November) events are based on current information and annual trends, but may be subject to change. New events might also be added. It’s always advisable to consult this article regularly and the official organisers’ websites for real-time updates.
Main events on Lake Garda in October
- Truffle Festival – Tignale – Approximately first week of October (e.g., 4th-5th October)
- Ottobrata (Autumn Festival) – Gardone Riviera – Approximately 5th-6th October
- Pumpkin and Winter Vegetable Festival – Lasino (Valle di Cavedine) – Approximately 4th-5th October
- Val di Gresta Market Exhibition – Ronzo Chienis – Approximately 5th-6th October
- Gustati il Borgo – Bardolino – Approximately 11th-13th October
- Autunno diVino – Besenello – Approximately 11th-13th October
- The Flavours of Autumn – Brentonico – Approximately mid-October (e.g., 18th-19th October)
- Castione Chestnut Festival – Brentonico – Approximately 18th-19th October
- San Zeno Chestnut Festival – San Zeno di Montagna – Approximately last two Sundays of October (e.g., 19th and 26th October)
- New Oil Festival – Malcesine – Approximately 25th-26th October
- Maroni in Festa – Drena – Approximately 25th-26th October
- Evening Artisan Market – Bardolino – Various dates in October (e.g., every Tuesday evening)
- “Profumi di Mosto” (tastings) – Valpolicella (areas bordering Garda) – Approximately October weekends
- Valeggio Veste il Vintage – Valeggio sul Mincio – Approximately 1st Sunday of the month (5th October)
- Painting and Sculpture Exhibition – Salò – Various dates in October
- Food and wine events dedicated to chestnuts and mushrooms – Various mountain locations (e.g., Lessinia) – Various dates in October
- Guided Trekking & Bike Tours with an autumn focus – Various Garda locations – Various dates in October
- Milk Festival – Fiavè (Val di Comano) – Approximately mid-October (e.g., 18th-19th October)
- Halloween Party for families – Amusement parks (e.g., Gardaland, Movieland) – Last week of October and 31st October
- Sagra della Ciuiga – San Lorenzo in Banale – Approximately 31st October to 3rd November
What to do in October in Trento
- Chocolate Festival – Trento – Approximately 10th-12th October
- Antiques and Collectibles Market – Trento – Approximately 1st Sunday of the month (5th October)
- Trento between Fairs and Markets (traditional fairs) – Trento – Various dates in October
- Exhibitions at Muse (Science Museum) – Trento – All of October
What to do in October in Mantua
- Festivaletteratura (concluding or special events) – Mantua – Approximately first weeks of October
- Antiques Market – Mantua – Approximately 2nd Sunday of the month (12th October)
- Art Exhibitions at Ducal Palace and Palazzo Te – Mantua – All of October
- Gastronomic events related to pumpkin and autumn produce – Mantua – Various dates in October
What to do in October in Verona
- Hostaria (Wine Festival) – Verona – Approximately 10th-12th October
- Antiques and Hobbies Market – Verona – Approximately 1st Saturday of the month (4th October)
- Fieracavalli (International Horse Show) – VeronaFiere – Approximately 6th-9th November (check exact dates, often straddles Oct/Nov)
- Veronafiere (other exhibition events) – VeronaFiere – Various dates in October
- Theatre performances and concerts – City theatres – Various dates in October
What to do in October in Brescia
- International Photography Festival – Brescia – Approximately early October
- Antiques Market – Brescia – Approximately 2nd Saturday of the month (11th October)
- Exhibitions at Civic Museums and Santa Giulia Complex – Brescia – All of October
- Cultural and musical events in the centre – Brescia – Various dates in October
Your golden October on Lake Garda awaits!
As you’ve seen, even in October, Lake Garda and its splendid cities don’t lack vitality and surprises. This month, with its warm colours and a more intimate atmosphere, is ideal for anyone seeking a perfect mix of traditional events, authentic flavours, and the breathtaking beauty of autumn nature. From gastronomic festivals to fairs, from strolls through vineyards to visits to less crowded villages, your unforgettable October awaits you here. Pack your camera and get ready to be enchanted!
