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
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.
- Grape and Wine Festival – Bardolino – 2nd to 6th October
- Truffle Festival – Tignale – Approximately 4th-5th 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
- Ottobrata (Autumn Festival) – Gardone Riviera – Approximately 5th-6th October
- Banda Echi del Garda (Musical Concert) – Limone sul Garda – 5th October
- Gustati il Borgo – Bardolino – Approximately 11th-13th October
- Autunno diVino – Besenello – Approximately 11th-13th October
- Lake Garda Music Festival (International Choir and Orchestra Festival) – Limone sul Garda – 16th to 18th October
- The Flavours of Autumn – Brentonico – Approximately 18th-19th October
- Castione Chestnut Festival – Brentonico – Approximately 18th-19th October
- San Zeno Chestnut Festival – San Zeno di Montagna – Approximately 19th and 26th October
- New Oil Festival – Malcesine – Approximately 25th-26th October
- Maroni in Festa – Drena – Approximately 26th-27th October
- Evening Artisan Market – Bardolino – Various dates in October
- “Profumi di Mosto” (tastings) – Valpolicella (areas bordering Garda) – Various dates in October
- Valeggio Veste il Vintage – Valeggio sul Mincio – Approximately 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
- 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
International sports events in October on Lake Garda
For you sports enthusiasts, October on Lake Garda and its surroundings offers a jam-packed calendar of high-level competitions:
Sailing:
- International Finn Cup 2025 – A. Menoni Trophy – Malcesine – 3rd to 5th October
- 2.4mR Inclusive World Championship 2025 – Malcesine – 7th to 12th October
- Techno 293 Zonal Regatta 2025 – Malcesine – 18th to 19th October
- Garda Winter Championship – Bardolino – 26th October (and subsequent dates in November)
Climbing:
- Arrampicata in Falesia (Cliff Climbing) – Guided accompaniment and teaching – Lake Garda – 5th October
- Rock Master 2025 – Arco (Garda Trentino) – 17th to 19th October
Running/Marathon:
- Venicemarathon 2025 – Venice – 26th October (relevant for those in the Verona area)
- Garda Trentino Half Marathon 2025 – Riva del Garda – 9th November (outside October, but early November)
Classic Cars:
- Concours d’Elegance for Historic Cars – Classic Car Exhibition – Bardolino – 2nd to 6th October
- Franco Mazzotti Cup – Brescia, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, and Franciacorta – 24th to 26th October
- Motors Festival – Montichiari (BS) – 11th-12th October
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 October on Lake Garda: top tips for a perfect visit
To make your October experience on Lake Garda truly complete and hassle-free, here are a few friendly pointers, designed for those seeking adventure and relaxation, culture and good food.
Activities and places to visit in October:
Lake Garda in October is absolutely buzzing with opportunities!
- Watersports: The lake’s waters are perfect for water sport windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, SUP, and canoeing. Schools along the shores, especially in the northern lake (Riva del Garda, Torbole), offer courses for all levels.
- Trekking and biking: The surrounding mountains offer trails for every leg. From the panoramic Ponale Path (check out our Trekking & Bike Sports Lake Garda) to quieter cycle paths like the one in Limone (see all Cycle Paths on Lake Garda), you’re spoilt for choice.
- Amusement parks: The south of the lake is the realm of fun with parks like Gardaland, Movieland, and Caneva Aquapark, ideal for families and adrenaline seekers.
- Unique experiences: Take a sunset boat tour, try a wine tasting at one of the many local wineries, or discover the thrill of a guided e-bike tour through the olive groves. For more immersive experiences, check out our dedicated section: Experiences on Lake Garda.
- Shopping and markets: Besides the evening markets at events, the village streets offer boutiques and artisan shops. Discover the weekly markets for local products and souvenirs.
Must-visit places in October:
Every village on Garda has its own soul. Don’t just stick to the main resorts!
- Sirmione: With its fairytale castle and the Grotte di Catullo, it combines history and wellness.
- Malcesine: Perfect for a cable car ride up Monte Baldo and for its impressive castle.
- Limone sul Garda: Famous for its lemon houses and its cycle path perched dramatically over the lake.
- Riva del Garda: The capital of watersports and boasting a lively historic centre.
- Hidden villages: Explore gems like Tremosine (with its Strada della Forra), Gargnano, or the smaller inland towns for a taste of authenticity. Find your inspiration: Villages on Lake Garda.
Where to eat:
Lake Garda is a gastronomic paradise. Every meal is an opportunity to savour the flavours of the region.
- Lake fish: Try fresh fish, simply cooked, in restaurants directly on the lake.
- Olive oil and local wines: Don’t miss a tasting of the DOP olive oil and Bardolino, Lugana, Valtenesi wines.
- Traditional cuisine: In the inland trattorias, sample hearty dishes like polenta with local cheeses or cured meats. To discover the best restaurants and culinary experiences, visit our guide: Where to eat on Lake Garda.
Book your holiday:
For a hassle-free stay, book your holiday in advance. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cosy B&B, an agriturismo nestled in nature, or a campsite for families, Lake Garda offers solutions for every need. Find the perfect accommodation and secure your spot in paradise: Where to sleep on Lake Garda.
We’d also like to remind you about the weekly markets on Lake Garda, which you can discover with all their information by reading this story: weekly markets
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!
October on Lake Garda in a Nutshell
October on Lake Garda offers an autumn 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, artisan markets, and traditional celebrations. For sports enthusiasts, highlights include important international sailing regattas, sport climbing competitions, and classic car gatherings, all enjoyed in a milder, more relaxed climate. The cities of Trento, Mantua, Verona, and Brescia enrich the offerings with fairs, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. It’s the perfect time for a holiday focused on taste, nature, and sport.
