Oh, you travel enthusiasts, prepare 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 is the time for chestnuts, new olive oil, and wonderfully atmospheric settings. Even though the tourist season is drawing to a close, the events calendar remains packed, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the heart of Garda. Are you ready to explore it?
October on Lake Garda in a Nutshell
Autumn on Lake Garda offers an experience rich in colours and flavours. It’s the ideal month to explore the region with food and wine events dedicated to local produce like truffles, chestnuts, pumpkins, and new olive oil. The calendar includes wine festivals, traditional celebrations, and high-level sports competitions. In nearby cities like Trento, Mantua, Verona, and Brescia, you will find fairs, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. It is the perfect time for a holiday focused on taste, nature, and sport.
Main Events on Lake Garda in October
If you think autumn on Garda is a sleepy season, you are very much mistaken. In October, the lake is buzzing with opportunities, and its calendar is rich with events celebrating the season and its flavours.
- Festa dell’Uva e del Vino (Grape and Wine Festival) – Bardolino – 2nd to 6th October
- Concorso di eleganza per auto storiche (Concours d’Elegance for historic cars) – Bardolino – 2nd to 6th October
- International Finn Cup – Malcesine – 3rd to 5th October
- GO! Autunno 2025 – Small explorers in the autumn woods – Bosco Chiesanuova – 5th October
- Sagra dei Marroni (Chestnut Festival) – San Rocco di Piegara – 4th to 5th October
- Profumi di Mosto – Valtenesi – 5th October
- 2.4mR Inclusive World Championship – Malcesine – 7th to 12th October
- Festival dello Sport (Sports Festival) – Trento – 9th to 12th October
- Autumnus – Trento – 9th to 19th October
- Sapori d’autunno a Brentonico (Autumn Flavours in Brentonico) – Brentonico – 11th to 12th October
- Festival dei Motori (Motors Festival) – Montichiari (BS) – 11th to 12th October
- Val Polis Cellae – Valpolicella – 12th October
- Pearà day – Grezzana – 18th October
- Sagra dei Marroni (Chestnut Festival) – San Rocco di Piegara – 19th October
- Maroni in Festa (Chestnut Festival) – Drena – 25th to 26th October
- Sagra della Ciuìga – San Lorenzo Dorsino – 31st October to 2nd November
- Coppa Franco Mazzotti – Brescia, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, and Franciacorta – 24th to 26th October
- Campionato Invernale del Garda (Garda Winter Championship) – Bardolino – 26th October
- Venicemarathon – Venice – 26th October
- Halloween Party – read the dedicated article on Halloween parties
What to do in October in Trento
Even lively Trento in October comes alive with events that combine sport and culture.
- 9th to 12th October – Festival dello Sport – Trento
- 9th to 19th October – Autumnus – Trento
What to do in October in Mantua
In Mantua, October is synonymous with art, culture, and tradition. The autumn atmosphere is perfect for strolls among its historic palaces and for cultural visits. At the moment, there are no confirmed dates for specific events for October 2025, but the museums and historic sites like Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te are always open, perfect for a day of discovery.
What to do in Verona in October
Verona, the city of love and the Arena, always offers a rich calendar of events, even though not all the dates for 2025 have been officially confirmed yet. Despite this, for antiques enthusiasts, the first Sunday of the month is an opportunity not to be missed.
- 5th October – Mercatino dell’Antiquariato (Antiques Market) – Verona
- 11th to 12th October – Sapori d’autunno a Brentonico – Brentonico
- 18th October – Pearà day – Grezzana
- 26th October – Venicemarathon – Venice
What to do in Brescia in October
In Brescia, October is the month of art and culture. You can discover the lively atmosphere of the city and its traditions.
- 11th to 12th October – Festival dei Motori – Montichiari (BS)
- 24th to 26th October – Coppa Franco Mazzotti – Brescia, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, and Franciacorta
Your golden October on Lake Garda awaits
As you can see, even in October, Lake Garda and its splendid cities do not 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 let yourself be enchanted.
