One of the most common questions we hear from guests planning a trip to Lake Orta is: "What's happening while we're there?" The answer, especially between April and September, is quite a lot. Lake Orta and the wider Piedmont region come alive with music, food, wine, and cultural events that can transform a relaxing lakeside holiday into something truly memorable.
Here is your month-by-month guide to the best events near Villa Volpe in 2026.
April — Wine Season Begins
Vinum Alba (April 25–26 & May 1–3)
Piedmont's premier wine festival takes over the historic center of Alba, transforming its elegant piazzas into open-air tasting rooms. Now in its 48th edition, Vinum brings together over 100 Piedmontese DOC and DOCG wines, from Barolo and Barbaresco to Roero Arneis and Moscato d'Asti. At the Castle of Roddi, you can taste by the glass alongside menus from prestigious local chefs. Alba is about 90 minutes south of Villa Volpe — an easy and rewarding day trip through the stunning Langhe hills.
Orta in Fiore (Late April)
Every spring, the charming Piazza Motta in Orta San Giulio becomes a garden. Orta in Fiore is a flower show and market where local nurseries and botanical enthusiasts fill the lakeside square with local and exotic plant species, from alpine herbs to rare orchids. It's a lovely, low-key event — perfect for a morning stroll followed by lunch at one of the piazza's restaurants. Just a few minutes from Villa Volpe.
May — Food, Wine & Sacred Mountains
Festa della Barbera (May 22–24)
For one weekend in May, the hilltop village of Castagnole delle Lanze in the Asti province opens its courtyards and streets for a celebration of Barbera wine. The festival is called "di cortile in cortile" (from courtyard to courtyard) — you wander through the village's historic center tasting different Barbera wines paired with local Piedmontese dishes, all accompanied by live music. It's one of the most authentic wine experiences in Piedmont, about 90 minutes from Villa Volpe.
Sacri Monti Spring Activities
With the arrival of spring, the Sacred Mountains of Piedmont — including Orta's own UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte — resume their program of guided walks, educational visits, and cultural events. The Sacro Monte of Orta, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, is a 10-minute walk uphill from Villa Volpe and offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and island.
June — Music on the Island
Cusio Festival of Ancient Music (From June 1)
Now in its 42nd edition, the Cusio Festival is one of Lake Orta's most magical events. Organized by the Vittorio Cocito "Friends of Music" Association, the festival brings Baroque symphonies, medieval ballads, Gregorian chants, and Renaissance sonatas to intimate venues around the lake. The main concerts take place in the Sala Tallone on San Giulio Island — imagine listening to a harpsichord concert in an 18th-century villa, surrounded by water. The 2026 edition opens on June 1.
Oceanman Lago d'Orta (June 12–14)
For the sporty visitors, Oceanman returns to Lake Orta with its international open water swimming event. Swimmers from around the world compete in races across the lake's crystal-clear waters (average temperature: 19°C). Even if you're not swimming, it's a spectacular event to watch from the shore. The weekend includes an after-party at Gozzano's Lido. Villa Volpe is perfectly positioned to enjoy the action.
July & August — Peak Summer
Festival Letterario "Un Lago di Libri" (August 1–3)
The literary festival at Palazzo Penotti Ubertini in Orta San Giulio returns for its second edition. Born from the idea that Lake Orta's landscape of art, nature, and ancient legends deserves a festival of words, the event brings together authors, readers, and storytellers in one of the lake's most beautiful historic buildings. Check local listings for the 2026 program.
Concerti di Mezzogiorno (August 16–24)
The Midday Concerts are a beloved Lake Orta tradition now celebrating their 30th edition. For nine days in August, classical and jazz performances are held at noon in scenic locations throughout Orta San Giulio. Past programs have featured everything from cello and harp duets to jazz trios. It's the perfect excuse to combine a morning swim with a cultural afternoon.
Local Sagre (Throughout Summer)
Throughout July and August, the small towns around Lake Orta host sagre — traditional Italian food festivals celebrating a single local ingredient or dish. You might stumble upon a sagra della polenta, a gnocchi festival, or a celebration of lake fish. These are wonderfully informal, community-driven events with great food, local wine, and usually a band playing in the piazza. Ask us when you arrive and we'll point you to whatever's happening that week.
Planning Your Visit
The beauty of staying at Villa Volpe is that you're perfectly positioned for all of it. The lake events — Cusio Festival, Midday Concerts, the literary festival — are literally minutes away. The Piedmont wine festivals require a day trip south, but the drive through the Langhe hills is half the experience. And no matter what events you attend, you come home to a quiet lakefront villa with views that never get old.
We recommend booking early for the June and August weekends, as these tend to be our busiest periods. Spring (April–May) is a wonderful alternative — fewer crowds, mild weather, and the vineyards in full bloom.
This calendar was last updated in March 2026. Event dates may shift — we recommend checking the official websites linked above before planning your trip. We're also happy to help with restaurant reservations and logistics for any of these events.