Autumn is the season of new beginnings (not always easy), of returning to work and school and of holidays now over or long gone. Fortunately, there are many wonderful reasons to chase away the melancholy of summer just ended!
The intense aroma of roasted chestnuts in the narrow streets of villages, the sweetness of pumpkin transformed into many delicious recipes, the irresistible scent of apple fritters, wine must after the harvest, and many other delicacies: this is just a taste of the experiences you will enjoy during the four unmissable events that will enliven the month of October 2025 in the Province of Como!
If you love the autumn atmosphere, taking part is a must: let’s discover all the details of these events together.
Orticolario: 2 to 5 October 2025 – Cernobbio
Orticolario has become one of the flagship events of the Cernobbio exhibition centre since 2009, achieving international fame. This event dedicated to the world of advanced gardening, green culture and landscaping comes to life at Villa Erba, a historic residence overlooking the lake, which becomes a stage for creativity: artistic installations in the gardens, themed exhibitions, sensory workshops and meetings with experts in botany and landscape design. Over 250 Italian and foreign exhibitors present botanical rarities, outdoor furniture and ideas for experiencing green spaces in innovative ways. An event that combines beauty, art and nature, attracting enthusiasts from all over Europe.
USEFUL INFO:
Tickets:
Full price for adults: € 20
Free admission for children under 14.
Purchase tickets on the website: https://www.ticket.it/mostre/evento/orticolario.aspx
Opening hours:
- Thursday 2 October: 3pm – 7pm
- Friday 3 / Saturday 4 / Sunday 5 October: 9am – 7pm
Parking:
Free and paid parking is available near Villa Erba, with a free shuttle bus service from the more distant car parks to the event entrance. Please visit the official website for more details: https://www.orticolario.it/it/info-utili-acquisto-biglietti/
Recommended parking:
- Villa Erba car park (approx. 360 spaces) – daily rate approx. € 10
- Ex Galoppatoio, Via Regina 2A – adjacent to the park, rate approx. € 10
Public transport:
A boat service from Como to the Villa Erba pier is available on Saturdays and Sundays and is included in the ticket price.
Festa dei Crotti: 4-5 and 11-12 October 2025 – Albavilla
The Festa dei Crotti di Albavilla is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the autumn in the Como area. For two consecutive weekends, the typical crotti – ancient natural cavities converted into cellars – open their doors to visitors. Here you can enjoy authentic traditional flavours: polenta and braised meat, local cheeses, artisan cured meats and, of course, excellent wine. The festival is enlivened by live folk music, markets selling typical products and workshops that recount the history and traditions of the area. A unique opportunity to experience the genuine hospitality of the Como Brianza area in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Opening hours
- Saturday afternoon from 5 p.m. (dinner from 7 p.m.)
- Sunday from 9 a.m. (lunch from 12 p.m. – dinner from 7 p.m.)
Parking:
Among the car parks recommended by the ProLoco, marked on the event map (https://www.prolocoalbavilla.it/images/festa_dei_crotti/pdf/programma-festa-dei-crotti-2025.pdf ): Cemetery, Villa Gonda, Middle Schools and Market Area.
There is also a free shuttle bus service on Sundays.
Official event link: https://www.prolocoalbavilla.it/manifestazioni/festa-dei-crotti.html
“Castagne, Streghe e…Dintorni 2025”: 11-12 October 2025 – Rovenna (Cernobbio)
The small hamlet of Rovenna, above Cernobbio, is transformed into an enchanted village for the 20th edition of this much-loved festival, “Castagne, Streghe e…Dintorni” . The streets are filled with carved pumpkins, spiders and cobwebs, spooky scenery, and come alive with travelling shows, craft markets and evening concerts. Don’t miss the cauldrons of roasted chestnuts and autumn desserts, along with food stands offering typical local dishes. Children will be the stars of the show thanks to creative workshops, themed games and entertainment that create a magical and fun atmosphere. A real “Night of the Witches” with breathtaking views of the lake. For wine lovers, there is also the “Aperistrega” formula, a travelling aperitif in three locations, with wine tastings and appetisers (to be booked in advance).
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Tickets:
Adults: € 3.50
Children (6-14 years): € 1
Children (0-5 years): free
Purchase your ticket on the website: https://www.ticket.it/fiere/evento/castagne-streghe-e-dintorni.aspx
Opening hours:
- Saturday 11 October: from 3 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
- Sunday 12 October: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Parking:
Parking is available in the designated areas near Villa Erba and Villa Bernasconi, where the shuttle bus departs.
Transport:
The free shuttle service departs from in front of Villa Bernasconi (about 200 metres from the Villa Erba car park) and stops at Piazza S. Stefano – Campo Solare Primary School.
- Saturday 11 October: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday 12 October: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
By train + bus: arriving by train at Como Lago or Como San Giovanni, continue by bus to Cernobbio (lines C110, C120, C125, N6), or by boat to Cernobbio, and from Villa Bernasconi take the shuttle bus to Rovenna.
On foot, from Cernobbio the village can be reached with a short scenic walk (please note: the road is uphill and takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on your fitness level).
For more information, visit the official website https://castagnestregheedintorni.it/
Sagra del Torchio: 12 October 2025 – Palanzo
An event rooted in the farming tradition of the lake: the Sagra del Torchio celebrates wine and the grape harvest, centred around the large 17th-century wooden wine press, one of the oldest in Europe, which is put into operation once an hour to press the grapes. You can taste the freshly pressed must, accompanied by local specialities such as polenta and cold cuts, savoury pies, roasted chestnuts and typical desserts, including delicious fried tortelli and bread cake. The medieval village of Palanzo comes alive with music, folk songs, theatre performances, craft stalls and historical re-enactments, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the authentic bond between the community and its traditions.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Tickets:
Opening hours:
The event begins in the morning (around 9:30–10:00) with the opening of the stands, markets and themed exhibitions, and continues until late afternoon (around 17:00-18:00).
Parking:
Parking is available near the medieval village of Palanzo: public areas, equipped squares and adjacent side streets.
It is advisable to use the outermost car parks and walk to the historic centre to avoid congestion in the centre of the village. For those who have the opportunity, car sharing is recommended to reduce the number of cars, and those who own motorbikes and scooters can travel on two wheels.
