Between late October and November, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy a day trip in the surroundings of Como and its beautiful lake, or explore the charming villages of Canton Ticino. Wander through pumpkin displays at a historic villa, discover traditional country fairs, taste local specialities, or admire the spectacular autumn foliage on a woodland hike or a scenic train journey.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic escape, or a weekend surrounded by nature and delicious food, here are the autumn events to enjoy in 2026 between Lake Como and Ticino.
Autumn Festivals and Events in the Province of Como
Autumn Festival at Villa Carlotta – Tremezzina (CO)
From 2 October to 8 November 2026, Villa Carlotta embraces the autumn season with seasonal displays, a pumpkin patch, and cosy corners where visitors can unwind. The programme also includes outdoor readings, tasting experiences in collaboration with local producers, and creative workshops for children, including pumpkin decorating and carving activities on selected dates in October.
A wonderful opportunity to explore one of Lake Como’s most enchanting historic villas, surrounded by the colours of autumn.
Source: https://www.villacarlotta.it/en/events/autumn-festival-at-villa-carlotta/
Workshops: https://www.villacarlotta.it/en/events/my-halloween-pumpkin-2/
Autumn at Villa del Grumello – Como
Villa del Grumello is another wonderful destination for enjoying autumn surrounded by nature and wellness. Overlooking the lake, its park provides a beautiful setting for walks among the autumn colours and activities focused on movement, breathing, and body awareness, including yoga classes, group meditation, and Qi Gong sessions.
Check the official programme for updated activities and dates.
Source: https://www.grandigiardini.it/5644-evento-COLTIVIAMO-L-ENERGIA
Fera de Barni and Donkey Festival – Barni (CO)
The historic Fera de Barni returns in 2026 with two days packed with activities and local traditions.
On Saturday 24 October, the Fera de Barni features a photography exhibition and a preview of the fair, with live music, a food truck serving gourmet sandwiches and sausage risotto, and the traditional cuccagna climbing challenge.
On Sunday 25 October, the fair continues with the Donkey Festival (Festa dell’Asino), featuring market stalls, farmers’ markets, local crafts, traditional dishes (including lasagne, cheese, tripe, and polenta), workshops for adults and children, and, of course, the donkeys themselves, the stars of the Donkey Show and Competition.
A delightful festival for rediscovering local traditions and flavours while spending a memorable day with family or friends.
Source: https://www.culturabarni.it/festa-dellasino-e-fera-de-barni/
Make the most of these events by staying in our holiday apartments in Como City Centre or around Lake Como.
Autumn Festivals and Fairs in Ticino and the Surrounding Area
Pumpkin Festival – Castel San Pietro
On 24 and 25 October 2026, Castel San Pietro welcomes back the Pumpkin Festival (Sagra della Zucca), celebrating one of autumn’s most iconic ingredients. With pumpkin-based products and traditional specialities, it’s a wonderful opportunity to discover the flavours of Ticino and admire hundreds of pumpkin varieties in all shapes, sizes, and colours, from decorative gourds to delicious pumpkins used in seasonal recipes.
Source: https://castelsanpietro.ch/SAGRA-DELLA-ZUCCA-13a-edizione-9871ae00
Pumpkin Fair – Roveredo (Grisons)
On 24 and 25 October 2026, Roveredo hosts a pumpkin-themed celebration featuring market stalls, local food, workshops, and activities for children. A perfect excuse to venture just beyond Ticino and savour seasonal specialities during a lovely autumn weekend.
Source: https://www.tio.ch/agenda/day/20261025/64228
St Martin’s Fair – Mendrisio
From 11 to 15 November 2026, Mendrisio hosts the traditional St Martin’s Fair (Fiera di San Martino), one of the best-known events on Ticino’s autumn calendar.
The fair features stalls selling regional food specialities and local handicrafts, alongside fairground rides, food stands, and livestock displays. Local associations contribute traditional dishes, best enjoyed with wines from the Mendrisiotto region.
An event worth adding to your calendar if you love traditional fairs and delicious local food.
Source: https://mendrisio.ch/en/home/vivere-e-visitare/eventi/iniziative-cittadine/fiera-di-san-martino
Enjoy these traditional festivals while staying in our holiday apartments in Mendrisiotto or the Locarno area, or use Lugano as your starting point.
Where to See Autumn Foliage Between Lake Como and Ticino
Looking for the best places to admire autumn foliage around Lake Como and Ticino? Autumn is the perfect season to discover copper-coloured forests, panoramic trails, and landscapes glowing in shades of red and gold. From the famous Foliage Train to scenic walks around Como and woodland hikes in the Intelvi Valley, here are three wonderful ways to experience the magic of the season.
1. The Foliage Train Between Locarno and Domodossola
From 10 October to 15 November 2026, the famous Foliage Train on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway travels through Italy’s Vigezzo Valley and Switzerland’s Centovalli, offering a spectacular scenic journey past colourful forests, bridges, waterfalls, and picturesque villages. The approximately 52-kilometre route connects Domodossola and Locarno, linking Switzerland and Italy through truly breathtaking landscapes.
How to book: purchase your ticket directly from the official Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway website, selecting your preferred date, number of passengers, and departure times. The ticket includes a return journey, with the option of one intermediate stop. Seat reservations are compulsory, and due to high demand, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
You can easily catch the train by staying in one of our holiday apartments in the Locarno area.
2. Spina Verde Regional Park: Autumn Foliage Just Outside Como
For those who prefer a walk without venturing too far from Como, Spina Verde Regional Park offers beautiful woodland trails, panoramic viewpoints, and fascinating historical landmarks, including Castel Baradello.
Among our recommended routes are the Dorsale Collinare, a scenic trail taking approximately two hours, and the shorter Monte Caprino trail, which takes around 45 minutes. Both are accessible hikes, ideal for enjoying the autumn colours without tackling a particularly demanding route.
Information and trails: https://enteparco.spinaverde.it/spinaverde/zf/index.php/servizi-aggiuntivi/index/index/idtesto/26
3. Autumn Foliage in the Intelvi Valley: Two Scenic Woodland Hikes
The Intelvi Valley is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in nature and admire the autumn foliage while walking through forests, alpine pastures, and ancient mule tracks. Here are two hiking ideas:
- Sentiero delle Espressioni – Schignano: a fascinating woodland trail featuring wooden sculptures hidden among the trees, passing through Alpe Comana and offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The hike takes approximately 3–3.5 hours, with an elevation gain of around 370 metres.
Combining art and nature, this walk is particularly popular with children, making it a lovely choice for families. You can also stop for lunch at Agriturismo La Pratolina. (https://www.in-lombardia.it/en/tourism-in-lombardy/tourism-como/trail-expressions) - The Mule Track to Erbonne: starting from La Bolla, in the heart of the Intelvi Valley, this relaxing, entirely flat trail takes approximately one and a half hours. Along the way, it opens onto beautiful views of Lake Como before reaching the picturesque little village of Erbonne. (https://www.in-lombardia.it/en/tourism-in-lombardy/tourism-como/bridle-path-erbonne)
Information and trails: ERSAF – Intelvi Valley Regional Forest
Plan your autumn hikes while staying in our holiday apartments in the Surroundings of Como, Como City Centre, or around Lake Como.
An Autumn Weekend Surrounded by Nature and Traditions
Whether you prefer a traditional village fair, a tasting of local specialities, or a walk through colourful autumn forests, the area between Lake Como and Ticino offers countless opportunities to enjoy the season. With Quokka 360, you can find the perfect holiday home and make the most of these wonderful experiences.
And if you love the mysterious atmosphere of late October, don’t miss our guide to Halloween events between Lake Como and Ticino and plan a getaway filled with unforgettable experiences.
