With the arrival of summer, Veneto prepares, as it does every year, to celebrate the most beautiful season through its local products. Wine, here in Veneto, is an institution, but it's also something that goes beyond a simple product: it's an identity. And this must be celebrated properly, with music, dancing, local cuisine, and plenty of fun.
If you're planning your vacation in Veneto for this summer 2026, then mark these unmissable food and wine events. This way, you can enrich your stay with an authentic local experience, something every Venetian citizen looks forward to all year round. You can savor fine local wines and simpler ones, which still convey the flavor of this land.
You can rent an apartment in the city centers of Vicenza, Verona, or Venice and Padua, and then head off to the villages and towns where you can celebrate together, with complete independence and freedom. Here are the most interesting food and wine festivals in Veneto in 2026.
Riviera Folk Festival 2026: The magic lights up in Vicenza
returns again this year, now in its 25th year, Riviera Folk Festival to the Santa Croce Bigolina neighborhood of Vicenza. This festival is both a neighborhood festival and a regional hub for alternative and popular music. It will be held from June 4th to 7th, 2026, just before summer, and is completely free.
The heart of the event is undoubtedly the live music, ranging from folk to rock to world music. But the people of Vicenza don't just come for the music, but for the experience this festival offers in the heart of the city. People gather here to chat, have fun, drink, and eat, accompanied by exceptional entertainment. It's a chance to meet and welcome summer, to see how traditional music blends with modern influences, creating an engaging mix of experimentation.
The "Il Calderone" food and wine stand will be waiting for the public, with volunteers ready to delight palates with traditional dishes, street food, and craft beers. There will also be plenty of opportunities at the tavern to sample local wines and toast to another fabulous summer in Veneto.
Buffalo Goodness Festival in Terrassa Padovana: popular entertainment
If you're looking for a more popular event with truly delicious food, then simply head June 26, 27, and 28, and July 3, 4, and 5. to the Bontà di Bufala festival This food and wine event in Padua is dedicated to the products of buffalo farming, a local livestock industry.
This event centers on a food stand offering a varied menu featuring buffalo meat and milk, but it's also a gathering place to dance on the dance floor, take part in the charity raffle, and have fun with the locals who gather here from 6:00 PM onwards.
Calici di Stelle: The Magic That Lights Up Summer Nights
This is the event for you if you're a true wine enthusiast. Calici di Stelle takes place on July 31st and August 1st and 2nd in the beautiful village of Monselice, nestled in the picturesque Euganean Hills. The event is organized by Strada del Vino Colli Euganei, the association that promotes and sponsors a journey of discovery through the hills, with their unique conformation that transforms a simple product like wine into a local delicacy.
This is a more sophisticated event, dedicated to enthusiasts and those seeking a moment of pure beauty among the stars and the fascinating Veneto region. Wines from prestigious local wineries will be featured, along with a varied and delicious menu prepared by the local inns of the hills. A truly rich festival that will allow you to discover the village of Monselice, the Euganean Hills, and local delicacies in a refined and engaging way.
Jesolo Gourmet Festival: The Joy of Flavors
More recently, this event takes place on weekends in May, and the Jesolo Gourmet Festivaltransforms the city into a hub of haute cuisine. It will take place from Friday, May 15th to Sunday, May 17th , and then from Friday, May 22nd to Sunday, May 24th, 2026, in the streets of Jesolo, where you can sample delicious recipes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
The festival has become a benchmark for those seeking quality gastronomic experiences in the Venice area, but it's also an opportunity for chefs to celebrate and showcase local products. You'll have the chance to sample 12 dinners at 12 participating restaurants in the city, with a series of Michelin-starred chefs discussing and sharing ideas and experiments on theVeneto's food and wine heritage. An unmissable opportunity for your next weekend in Venice.
Chioggia Fish Festival: an unmissable event
We're staying in Venice for this event, which grows more anticipated every year: the Chioggia Fish Festival. From July 10 to 19, 2026, you can immerse yourself in local traditions and enjoy fresh catch in a festive and fun atmosphere that blends local culture and cuisine.
This is the 87th edition of an event that has been celebrated since 1938 and is one of the most anticipated events in the Veneto region, held along Corso del Popolo. Featuring folklore and gastronomy, the Chioggia Fish Festival is an event that draws people from all over Italy for 10 evenings of pure fun.
The flavors of the sea and the lagoon blend together, and the fishermen celebrate the fruits of their labor: among the delicacies, don't miss the saor, a bluefish dish; the fritto misto with polenta; bibarasse in cassopipa, a dish of clams with garlic and parsley; and stewed cuttlefish. Also available are grilled fish, fried fish, and much more. If your mouth is already watering, you're in luck: the Chioggia Fish Festival awaits you with excellent dishes, rich culture, and local customs.
A summer in Veneto with festivals and food and wine events
If you want to experience the Veneto region at its most authentic, filled with flavors, traditions, music, and villages to discover, these food and wine festivals are the perfect opportunity to plan a stay filled with excitement. From tastings under the starsto signature dinners, village festivals, and the scents of the lagoon, every event can become an unforgettable experience.
To enjoy everything with complete freedom, choose a vacation home or apartment in a strategic location: you'll have greater freedom when traveling, greater comfort during your stay, and the ability to experience each event at your own pace. Book your private apartment now and plan your summer 2026 among the best food and wine events in Veneto.
