Lake Garda Events

Lake Garda events in May

Mille Miglia, Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera

‘The most beautiful race in the world’, this famous race of classic cars begins in Brescia, passing through Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera on the route to Rome. Head to Brescia for the starting line or check out the timetable and find a vantage point and watch the cars go by.

Trofeo Neirotti, Torbole

A 2 day windsurfing event in Torbole, including a section of the Italian world cup and a regional slalom championship in memory of great Italian windsurfer Paolo Neirotti. Torbole is a hive of activity and excitement during this event - head down to the lakeside to enjoy the action.

Garda Trentino Olympic Week, Riva

The European circuit usually kicks off in Riva with Garda Trentino Olympic Week. Organised by EUROSAF, this 5 day sailing event features both Olympic and Paralympic classifications with participants including some of the world’s best sailors. Enjoy the action from the lakeside – there are even Spectator boats where you can watch from the water.

Bike Festival Garda Trentino, Riva

Europe’s mountain biking season opens with this bike festival which Lake Garda has hosted for the past 20 years. With various competitions including a marathon, exhibitions and Riva’s amazing mountain terrain, it attracts around 25,000 visitors. There’s lots on during opening night from a rodeo-style surfing simulator to hot dog stands and guaranteed partying.

See Lake Garda in May or research: Bardolino | Desenzano | Garda | Gardone | Malcesine | Peschiera | Riva | Salo | Sirmione | Torbole | Torri | Limone | Maderno

Lake Garda events in July

Summer festival at the Vittoriale Theatre, Gardone Riviera

The open air Vittoriale Theatre offers a spectacular view over the lake and mountains. Every summer it hosts a fantastic arts festival with performances including Theatre, Classical music, Opera and Ballet. Past performers include the Vienna Opera, Pat Metheny, Wynton Marsalis, Lou Reed and the New York City Ballet.

Sardellata al Pal del Vo, Lake Garda

If you want to experience an age-old tradition and enjoy a really magical evening, head to San Vigilio and Manerba for the Sardellata al Pal del Vo. Boats gather in the middle of the lake around the promontory of Vo to practice the ancient rites of Lake Garda fishermen in one of the most fascinating events on the lake. Sardines are caught, cooked and enjoyed on the lakeside under the stars, followed by celebratory fireworks.

Film Festival del Garda, Lake Garda

This annual film festival celebrates national and international films, both new and old in one of the towns on Lake Garda. With showings of feature and short films and award ceremonies as well as music and entertainment, it’s definitely worth getting involved if you’re staying in Lake Garda at the time.

Il Festival del Garda, Lake Garda

The Festival del Garda takes place annually in July and August and is one of the only events on Lake Garda that tours most of the towns on the lake. With events including music competitions and beauty pageants it brings a great air of excitement to the area.

See Lake Garda in July or research: Bardolino | Desenzano | Garda | Gardone | Malcesine | Peschiera | Riva | Salo | Sirmione | Torbole | Torri | Limone | Maderno

Lake Garda events in September

Cento Miglia, Lake Garda

This is Lake Garda’s most important sailing regatta, attracting crowds of sailors and spectators every year in the first weekend of September. Established in 1951, it also holds the title of the longest running sailing competition in Italy. The world famous event sees hundreds of boats compete in a race around the lake, including some of sailing’s biggest names.

See Lake Garda in September or research: Bardolino | Desenzano | Garda | Gardone | Malcesine | Peschiera | Riva | Salo | Sirmione | Torbole | Torri | Limone | Maderno