Lake Como Summer Events bring music, culture, and local traditions to life all around the lake, from classical concerts in historic villas to lively lakeside markets. If you’re visiting between June and September, there’s a good chance something is happening within easy reach of wherever you’re staying.
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Happening right now or coming up soon (updated August 2026):
Gravedona Summer Night Market — happening every Saturday through August 29
Dates: Every Saturday, June 27 – August 29, 2026 (skipping August 15)
Time: 5 PM to 11 PM
Where: Lakeside promenade, Gravedona ed Uniti
Entry: Free
More info: mercatiniecuriosita.com
If you’re on the lake this month, this one’s still running — every Saturday night, the promenade in Gravedona turns into a lively market of local artisans, vintage finds, and handmade crafts. Free to browse, and a nice quiet alternative to the busier southern towns.
Local tip: Gravedona is one of the quieter towns on the lake — a great choice for a relaxed evening away from the Bellagio crowds. If you’re deciding where to base yourself for the summer, my Where to Stay in Lake Como guide covers the northern towns too, not just the well-known ones.
Lake Como Design Festival — September 12–20, 2026
Dates: September 12–20, 2026
Where: Multiple venues across Como, plus new locations in Lecco this year
More info: lakecomodesignfestival.com
Now in its eighth edition, this design and architecture festival brings exhibitions, installations, and talks to historic villas and hidden spaces around Como. This year’s theme, “Confine” (Border), explores creative boundaries — and for the first time, the festival is extending into neighboring Lecco. If you’re planning a September visit, this is well worth building a day around, alongside my guide to the Old Town of Como.
Palio del Baradello — Como’s Medieval Festival
Typical dates: Late August through mid-September (exact 2026 dates not yet confirmed — I’ll update this once announced)
Where: Historic center of Como, plus Castello Baradello
More info: paliodelbaradello.it
This is one I’d genuinely recommend building a trip around if historical pageantry is your thing. It’s a weeks-long historical reenactment commemorating Emperor Frederick Barbarossa’s visit to Como in 1159, with a medieval camp, costumed processions through the old town, a boat race with traditional “lucie” boats, tug-of-war competitions, and a grand final parade through Piazza Duomo. It’s been running for decades and is genuinely a community event, not a tourist show — locals take it seriously.
Sagra del Missultin — Mezzegra’s Fish Festival
Typical dates: Last weekend of August (exact 2026 dates not yet confirmed)
Where: Municipal park, Mezzegra (part of Tremezzina, near Villa Carlotta)
More info: prolocodimezzegra.it
A proper local tradition, running since 1964. Missoltino is a Lake Como specialty: agone fish, caught in early summer, salted and sun-dried, then grilled and served with polenta. This small-town festival is where locals actually go to eat it, alongside live music and dancing in the park. If you’re already in Tremezzina visiting Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello, it’s an easy, genuinely local evening to add on.
Already happened this year — worth knowing about for 2027
These are genuinely excellent events, but their 2026 editions have already taken place. I’m noting them here so you know what to look for if you’re planning a summer trip for next year — I’ll update with confirmed 2027 dates as soon as they’re announced.
Festival Como Città della Musica — usually held late June into mid-July (2026 edition ran June 30–July 12) at the Arena of Teatro Sociale in Como. Opera, concerts, and dance under the stars.
LacMus Festival — usually held in early-to-mid July (2026 edition ran July 6–19) across iconic villas including Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello. One of Italy’s most distinguished classical music festivals — book well ahead if you’re planning around it next year. Both villas are worth visiting outside festival season too; see my guides to Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello for details.
Final Tip
Lake Como’s summer calendar repeats a similar rhythm each year — late June through July for the big music festivals, and September for design and culture. Bookmark this page; I update it through the season as new dates are confirmed. For a broader look at planning your visit, check my guide to the best months to visit Lake Como.