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?
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 and annual trends, but may be subject to change. New events might also be added. It’s always advisable to consult official organisers’ websites or local tourism portals for real-time updates.
- FNotte di Fiaba – Riva del Garda – 28th August to 1st September
- Food Truck Night – Malcesine – 30th August to 1st September
- Il Bardolino Freddo – Bardolino – 30th August to 1st September
- The Magical World of Cosplay – Parco Giardino Sigurtà – 31st August to 1st September
- Magnalonga Settembrina – Negrar – 1st September
- Live Music – Lazise – Various dates in September (e.g., 2nd, 7th, 9th, 12th, 16th September)
- Live Music – Bardolino – Various dates in September (e.g., 3rd, 10th and 17th September)
- Campagnola Festival – Malcesine – 5th September
- Salò in Music and Fireworks – Salò – 5th September
- Sagra dei Osei – Cisano di Bardolino – 5th to 9th September
- Dinner in the Sky – Pacengo – 5th to 11th September
- Music in the Square – Malcesine – Various dates in September (e.g., 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th September)
- Wardagarda – Cavaion Veronese – 6th and 7th September
- September Carnival – Torri del Benaco – 6th and 7th September
- Beer Best – Garda – 6th to 8th September
- Jazz Festival – Lonato del Garda – 6th to 8th September
- Garda Classic Car Show – Bardolino – 7th September
- Brenzone in Musica – Magugnano di Brenzone – 7th September
- Creative Handmade Market – Lazise – 7th and 8th September
- Beer Festival – Costermano sul Garda – 12th to 15th September
- Salò Botanica – Salò – 12th to 15th September
- Malcesine Music Festival – Malcesine – 13th September
- Miss Colà Terme Competition – Colà di Lazise – 13th September
- Garda 4×4 Fest – Garda – 13th to 15th September
- Dragon Power – Bardolino – 14th September
- Ordinary Dance Project – Garda – 14th September
- Calisthenics World Championship – Bardolino – 14th and 15th September
- 36th Silvano Mascanzoni Trophy – Optimist Class Sailing Regatta – Bardolino – 15th September
- Sports Festival – Bardolino – 15th September
- Choir Festival – Dogana Veneta di Lazise – 15th September
- Notes of Fireworks – Riva del Garda – 20th September
- Lavanda del Lago – Bardolino – 20th to 22nd September
- Oktoberfest – Peschiera del Garda – 20th to 22nd September
- Ciottolando con Gusto – Malcesine – 21st and 22nd September
- Oktoberfest – Albisano di Torri del Benaco – 21st September
- RosArt – Torri del Benaco – 22nd September
- Journey Through Time – Parco Giardino Sigurtà – 22nd September
- Eurodonne Solidarity Market – Garda – 28th and 29th September
- Antiques and Vintage Market – Desenzano del Garda – Every first Sunday of the month (7th September)
- Antiques and Hobbies Market – Bardolino – Every third Sunday of the month (21st September)
- Antiques Market – Valeggio sul Mincio – Every fourth Sunday of the month (28th September)
- Grape and Wine Festival – Bardolino – Approximately 27th-30th September
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:
Sailing:
- 74th Centomiglia – Porto di Brenzone – 8th September
- M32 World Championship – Riva del Garda – 2nd to 10th September
- IFCA Slalom European Championships – Torbole sul Garda – 24th to 28th September
- Formula Foil Worlds – Torbole sul Garda – 30th August to 31st August (straddling with September)
- iQFoil Regatta – Torbole sul Garda – 20th to 21st September
- Austria Slalom Cup #2 – Torbole sul Garda – 9th to 13th September
- Gorla Trophy (sailing) – Gargnano – Approximately 31st August (often prefaces September events)
- International Sailing Regattas (various classes) – Malcesine, Torbole, Riva del Garda – Various dates in September
Athletics and Running:
- I^ Grand Prix Lombardia Brescia (International Athletics Meeting) – Brescia – 8th September
- Sports Festival – Bardolino – 15th September
- Calisthenics World Championship – Bardolino – 14th and 15th September
Watersports (non-sailing):
- World Fishing Championship for Nations (Match Fishing) – Mincio River (Peschiera del Garda – Valeggio sul Mincio) – 6th to 12th September (opening ceremony in Verona)
- Dragon Power (Dragon Boat) – Bardolino – 14th September
Cars and Motorbikes:
- Garda Classic Car Show – Bardolino – 7th September
- Garda 4×4 Fest – Garda – 13th to 15th September
- Gran Premio Nuvolari – Mantua – Approximately 14th-17th September (international historic regularity event)
Other Sports:
- Junior World Championships and 5 Days of Italy (Orienteering) – Trentino – Various dates in August (some might extend into early September)
- Sports Book and Culture Festival – Mantua – 10th to 15th September (featuring meetings and discussions with athletes and sports personalities)
- Via le Mani (rowing against gender violence) – Mantua – 13th September
What to do in September in Trento
- Sports Festival – Trento – Approximately 19th-22nd September
- Antiques and Collectibles Market – Trento – Approximately 1st Sunday of the month (7th September)
- Trentodoc (Classic Method Festival) – Trento – Approximately late September
- Events at Buonconsiglio Castle – Trento – Various dates in September
What to do in September in Mantua
- Literature Festival – Mantua – Approximately 4th-8th September
- Mantua Science (outreach events) – Mantua – Various dates in September
- Antiques Market – Mantua – Approximately 2nd Sunday of the month (14th September)
- Exhibitions at Palazzo Ducale – Mantua – All of September
What to do in September in Verona
- Opera Festival at Verona Arena (final performances) – Verona – First weeks of September
- Mura Festival (closing events) – Verona – First weeks of September
- Marmomac (International Marble Fair) – VeronaFiere – Approximately 24th-27th September
- Antiques and Hobbies Market – Verona – Approximately 1st Saturday of the month (6th September)
- ArtVerona (Modern and Contemporary Art Fair) – VeronaFiere – Approximately late September
What to do in September in Brescia
- Madness Festival – Brescia – Approximately early September
- Brescian Culture Week – Brescia – Approximately mid-September
- Antiques Market – Brescia – Approximately 2nd Saturday of the month (13th September)
- Exhibitions at Brescia Civic Museums – Brescia – All of 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.
