September 2025: Unmissable Events Around Lake Garda, Verona, Cortina and Venice!
When summer gives way to September, Northern Italy changes its face. The sun grows milder, the air fresher, and every place appears in a new dimension: golden reflections on the lake, vineyards on the verge of harvest, villages rediscovering their natural rhythm and authentic soul.
There are no longer fireworks or August crowds – emotions now speak in a more intimate voice. Here are the events that accompany this seasonal transition into autumn, between lake, city, mountains, and canals.
Lake Garda
6–7 September – Centomiglia Regatta, Lake Garda
Two days of sailing and spectacle on Italy’s largest lake. The Centomiglia is not just a competition – it is an icon. The boats cut through the water like blades, driven by wind and passion. On land, the atmosphere is electric: crews, onlookers, and enthusiasts mingle with toasts, stories, and anticipation. An event that blends sport, elegance, and the unfiltered beauty of Lake Garda.
7 September – Antique & Vintage Market, Desenzano del Garda
On the first Sunday of every month, Desenzano transforms into a timeless bazaar. Antique cups, industrial-chic lamps, dusty vinyl records: every object has a soul and tells a story. Strolling between the stalls is like leafing through an old photo album, where the past meets the curiosity of the present.
14–21 September – Lavanda del Lago, Bardolino
When the scent of lavender fills the lakefront, Bardolino dresses in violet. Fresh flowers, crafts inspired by local herbs, workshops for essential oils and scented cushions. An event that indulges the senses, bringing peace and the elegance of nature to the lake’s edge.
Third Sunday of September – Magnalonga, Costermano
A walking route connecting hills, olive groves, and historic villas – with stops for tasting local cured meats, cheeses, and wines. It’s not just a walk: it’s a ritual of conviviality, a way of nourishing both body and soul while the gaze drifts across one of Lake Garda’s most beautiful landscapes.
Verona
1–15 September – Urban Jungle, AMO Arena Museo Opera
The courtyard of Palazzo Forti becomes a green oasis in the heart of the city. Botanical installations, sustainable design, rare plants, and furnishings create tropical atmospheres. An urban jungle that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and let yourself be embraced by nature and creativity.
19–21 September – Tocatì, Verona
The streets of the historic center turn into a vast open-air playground. With Tocatì, Verona rediscovers traditional games from around the world: spinning tops, ropes, marbles, along with workshops, music, and storytelling. A festival for all ages, where people truly play, share, and learn that authentic fun needs no screens.
2–30 September – A Timeless Kiss, Palazzo della Gran Guardia
A photo exhibition and immersive installations dedicated to the most romantic gesture: the kiss. Author photography, iconic portraits, and contemporary interpretations turn the Gran Guardia into a meeting place of love, art, and visual poetry. Verona celebrates its soul as the city of lovers – with a universal language.
21 September – Vineyard Walk with Tasting “Colors and Scents of the Harvest,” Sommacampagna
Two sessions available, morning and afternoon. An environmental guide accompanies visitors through the rows of vines, telling the story of the land, while three carefully selected wines are served with local dishes. A small festival of the senses, where walking and tasting become one.
23–26 September – Marmomac, Verona Fiere
Marble becomes art, technology, and design. Marmomac is the international fair that turns Verona into the beating heart of architecture and innovation. From monumental sculptures to futuristic surfaces – every pavilion is a surprise. Matter becomes beauty, shaped by business, vision, and creativity.
Cortina & The Dolomites
6–7 September – The Queen of Taste
Cortina transforms into an open-air gourmet lounge. Star chefs and young talents reinterpret local cuisine along Corso Italia, with widespread tastings and selected wines. Every dish tells a story, every glass sparks a meeting. The Queen of the Dolomites celebrates taste with style and authenticity.
13–15 September – Fiat 500 Gathering
Small, iconic, irresistible: the legendary Fiat 500 takes over Cortina with joy and vintage charm. Colorful bodies parade through the Dolomite passes, creating a unique contrast between 1960s design and majestic mountains. A gathering that unites passion, history, and conviviality.
20–22 September – Delicious Festival Dolomiti
Trail running, guided hikes, and gourmet stops in mountain huts: a festival merging sport and flavor. Athletes run through forests and valleys, while visitors savor traditional dishes prepared by renowned chefs. The Dolomites become a stage for nature, taste, and shared emotions.
Venice & The Lagoon
27 August–6 September – 82nd Venice Film Festival, Lido di Venezia
Red carpets, stars, and premieres turn the Lido into the capital of world cinema. From the opening with Paolo Sorrentino’s La grazia to the closing screenings, it’s an event that fills the lagoon with glamour and creativity.
1–30 September – Candlelight Concerts in Venice
Imagine a historic Venetian hall lit only by hundreds of candles. Darkness – then the first notes: from Vivaldi to Morricone, from the Beatles to Queen. The Candlelight Concerts transform music into an intimate, poetic experience – a journey to the soul in a timeless setting.
7 September – Historical Regatta on the Grand Canal
A costumed parade opens the festival, bringing Venice back to its Renaissance splendor. Then the races: rowers competing stroke by stroke on the Grand Canal, accompanied by applause, colors, and the energy of the crowd. A spectacle that embodies the very essence of La Serenissima.
September is a whisper, not a shout.
No fireworks, no crowds – just experiences to be savored slowly, with delight and genuine wonder. A fine glass of wine beneath the vines, a leisurely stroll, a gondola at sunset: subtle gems that tell the soul of this land.