Events and what to do in September on Lake Garda: your month for culture, flavours, and adventure

Discover September on Lake Garda! Enjoy cultural events, authentic flavours & outdoor adventures without the crowds. Plan your unforgettable autumn getaway!

Right then, you travel enthusiasts, get ready to fall in love with Lake Garda in September! The month that signals the start of autumn brings with it a magical atmosphere: the light grows softer, the air gets crisper, and the events calendar remains packed, but with an added touch of authenticity. From grape festivals to cultural happenings, from outdoor adventures to traditional gatherings, Garda offers you an unforgettable September. We’ve gathered the main events for you. Ready to experience them all?

Events in September in Tremosine sul Garda

Friday, 5th September

  • Pieve sErATa vINo BIANCO – from 6:00 pm, a white aperitif in participating venues (white dress code required), plus a local crafts and producers market and live music.

Saturday, 6th-7th September

  • Buskers fest – Oratorio Don Bosco Pieve, two days dedicated to children.
    • 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm stilt walkers
    • 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm “Hansel and Gretel” puppet theatre
    • 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Bimbobell show

Sunday, 7th September

  • Buskers fest – continues with:
    • 12:00 pm bouncy castles
    • 2:00 pm Clown Rodrigo
    • 3:00 pm baby dance (lasts around two hours)

14th September

  • La Transumanza, the Alpe del Garda Dairy festival.

For info and bookings, call +39 0365 953185 or email info@infotremosine.com.


Events in September in Gargnano

Wednesday, 3rd September

  • CINEMA ALL’APERTO caMPo SPorTIVo – an open-air cinema at a sports field in Sasso, 8:30 pm.

Friday, 5th September

  • Manifestazione CENTO JUNIOR – a sailing event for young people in Bogliaco, 2:00 pm.

Saturday, 6th September

  • ESCURSIONE GUIDATA EMOZIONALE CON DEGUSTAZIONE – a guided emotional excursion with a tasting, exploring Muslone and its ancient connecting routes, 8:30 am.
  • Manifestazione CENTO JUNIOR – a sailing event for young people in Bogliaco, 9:00 am.
  • Manifestazione CENTOMIGLIA – a major sailing event in Bogliaco (also on Sunday, 7th September), 8:00 am.

Saturday, 13th September

  • ESCURSIONE GUIDATA EMOZIONALE CON DEGUSTAZIONE – a guided emotional excursion with a tasting in Costa, 8:30 am.
  • PALIO DELLE CONTRADE – a traditional neighbourhood festival in Villa, 4:00 pm.

Saturday, 20th September

  • ESCURSIONE GUIDATA EMOZIONALE CON DEGUSTAZIONE – a guided emotional excursion with a tasting, following the BVG route from Gargnano to Piovere, 8:30 am.

Sunday, 21st September

  • CHILDREN WIND CUP – a children’s windsurfing competition in Bogliaco, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Saturday, 27th September

  • ESCURSIONE GUIDATA EMOZIONALE CON DEGUSTAZIONE – a guided emotional excursion with a tasting, visiting the Hermitage of San Valentino, 8:30 am.

For information and bookings, call +39 3486591447 or email info@thisisgargnano.it.

Main events on Lake Garda in September

Right then, you travel enthusiasts, get ready to fall in love with Lake Garda in September! The month that signals the start of autumn brings with it a magical atmosphere: the light grows softer, the air gets crisper, and the events calendar remains packed, but with an added touch of authenticity. From grape festivals to cultural happenings, from outdoor adventures to traditional gatherings, Garda offers you an unforgettable September. We’ve gathered the main events for you. Ready to experience them all?

Please note: Dates and availability for September 2025 events are based on current information but may be subject to change. New events might also be added. It’s always advisable to consult official organisers’ websites for real-time updates.

International sports events in September

For you sports enthusiasts, September on Lake Garda and its surroundings offers a jam-packed calendar of high-level competitions:

Events in September

29th August

  • Notte di Fiaba – Riva del Garda – (continues until 31st August)

30th August

  • Notte di Fiaba – Riva del Garda – (continues)
  • Fuochi d’artificio sul Golfo (Fireworks on the Gulf) – Salò – (around 30th August)

31st August

  • Notte di Fiaba – Riva del Garda – (last day)

September 2025

3rd September

  • Festivaletteratura – Mantova – (starts, continues until 7th September)

4th September

  • Festivaletteratura – Mantova – (continues)
  • Festa di Campagnola – Malcesine – (around 4th September)

5th September

  • Festivaletteratura – Mantova – (continues)

6th September

  • Festivaletteratura – Mantova – (continues)
  • Carnevale Settembrino – Torri del Benaco, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm

7th September

  • Festivaletteratura – Mantova – (last day)

12th September

  • Garda 4×4 fest – Garda – (starts, continues until 14th September)

13th September

  • Garda 4×4 fest – Garda – (continues)

14th September

  • Garda 4×4 fest – Garda – (last day)

19th September

  • Festival Franciacorta in Cantina – Brescia and its province – (starts, continues until 21st September)

21st September

  • Festival Franciacorta in Cantina – Brescia and its province – (last day)
  • Gianna Nannini in concerto (Gianna Nannini in concert) at the Arena di Verona – Verona – 21st September

22nd September

  • Ciottolando con gusto – Malcesine – (last day)

23rd September

  • Marmomac (International Marble Fair) – VeronaFiere – (starts, continues until 27th September)

24th September

  • Francesco De Gregori in concerto (Francesco De Gregori in concert) at the Arena di Verona – Verona – 24th September
  • Marmomac (International Marble Fair) – VeronaFiere

26th September

  • Trentodoc Festival – Trento – (starts, continues until 28th September)
  • Festa dell’Uva e del Vino (Grape and Wine Festival) – Bardolino – (starts, continues until 30th September)
  • Marmomac (International Marble Fair) – VeronaFiere

27th September

  • Geolier in concerto (Geolier in concert) at the Arena di Verona – Verona – 27th September
  • Ciottolando con gusto – Malcesine – (starts, continues until 28th September)
  • Marmomac (International Marble Fair) – VeronaFiere
  • Trentodoc Festival – Trento – (continues until 28th September)

28th September

  • Trentodoc Festival – Trento – (last day)
  • Ciottolando con gusto – Malcesine – (last day)

October 2025

2nd October

  • Festa dell’Uva e del Vino (Grape and Wine Festival) – Bardolino – (starts, continues until 6th October)

International Sporting Events in September 2025

Sailing:

  • Campionato del Mondo Contender 2025 (Contender World Championship 2025) – Malcesine – From 28th August to 3rd September
  • M32 World Championship – Riva del Garda – From 2nd to 10th September
  • 74° Centomiglia – Gargnano – 8th September
  • Austria Slalom Cup #2 – Torbole sul Garda – From 9th to 13th September
  • iQFoil Regatta – Torbole sul Garda – From 20th to 21st September
  • IFCA Slalom European Championships – Torbole sul Garda – From 24th to 28th September

Athletics and Running:

  • I^ Grand Prix Lombardia Brescia (International Athletics Meeting) – Brescia – 8th September
  • Campionato mondiale di Calisthenics (Calisthenics World Championship) – Bardolino – From 14th to 15th September
  • Dragon Power (Dragon Boat) – Bardolino – 14th September

Cars and Motorcycles:

  • Garda Classic Car Show – Bardolino – 7th September
  • Garda 4×4 fest – Garda – From 13th to 15th September
  • Gran Premio Nuvolari – Mantova – From 14th to 17th September

Other Sports:

  • Campionati del mondo di Pesca al Colpo per nazioni (Nations World Championship of Pole Fishing) – Mincio River (Peschiera del Garda – Valeggio sul Mincio) – From 6th to 12th September
  • Festival del Libro e della Cultura Sportiva (Festival of Sport Books and Culture) – Mantova – From 10th to 15th September
  • Via le Mani (rowing against gender violence) – Mantova – 13th September

Cultural and Traditional Events in September 2025

WRO Open Championship Italy & Meet&Steam – Brescia – From 25th to 28th September

Lake Garda:

  • Notte di Fiaba – Riva del Garda – From 27th August to 31st August
  • Festival della Letteratura – Mantova – From 3rd to 7th September
  • Sagra dei Osei – Cisano di Bardolino – From 5th to 9th September
  • Mercatino dell’Antiquariato e del Vintage (Antiques and Vintage Market) – Desenzano del Garda – 7th September
  • Ciottolando con gusto – Malcesine – From 21st to 22nd September
  • Festa dell’Uva e del Vino – Bardolino – From 2nd to 6th October

What to do in September in Trento:

  • Mercatino dell’Antiquariato e del Collezionismo (Antiques and Collectors Market) – Trento – 7th September
  • Festival dello Sport – Trento – From 19th to 22nd September
  • Trentodoc Festival – Trento – From 26th to 28th September

What to do in September in Mantova:

  • Festival della Letteratura – Mantova – From 3rd to 7th September
  • Mercatino dell’Antiquariato (Antiques Market) – Mantova – 14th September

What to do in September in Verona:

  • Francesco De Gregori in concerto – Verona (Arena) – 24th September
  • Geolier in concerto – Verona (Arena) – 27th September
  • Marmomac – Verona (Fair) – From 24th to 27th September
  • Mercato Antiquariato ed Hobbismo (Antiques and Hobbies Market) – Verona – 6th September

What to do in September in Brescia:

  • Festival della Follia – Brescia – From 5th to 7th September
  • Mercato dell’Antiquariato (Antiques Market) – Brescia – 13th September

Your September on Lake Garda: top tips for a perfect visit

To make your September 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 September:

Lake Garda in September 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 September:

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 perfect September awaits you on Garda!

As you can see, Lake Garda and its splendid cities don’t slow down even in September. This month, with its unique light and a more relaxed atmosphere, is ideal for anyone seeking a perfect mix of cultural events, authentic flavours, and outdoor activities, all without the August crowds. Whether you want to participate in a grape harvest, discover art, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the lake, your unforgettable September awaits you here. Pack your bags and get ready to be surprised.

September on Lake Garda in a Nutshell

September on Lake Garda marks the transition from summer to autumn, but the activity certainly doesn’t stop. The month is characterised by important food and wine events, such as the Grape and Wine Festival in Bardolino, and by cultural and musical happenings that liven up the villages. Surrounding cities like Trento, Mantua, Verona, and Brescia continue to offer a rich programme of festivals, fairs, and markets. For sports enthusiasts, September is an ideal time for prestigious sailing regattas, athletics events, and classic car competitions, taking advantage of milder weather and fewer crowds compared to the height of August. It’s the perfect moment to enjoy the beauty of Garda at a more relaxed yet always stimulating pace.

September on Lake Garda
Walter Sestili

Destination Marketing manager since 1998, in love with Lake Garda and its opportunities. For these reasons Garda Outdoors was born, a meeting place where the passion for this territory meets the tourist's curiosity to visit and discover the beauties of the most beautiful and largest of the Italian lakes.

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