From Snow Peaks to Pasta Feasts

The Top Events in Italy You’ll Want to Experience in 2026

As Italy prepares to take centre stage in 2026, the calendar is already brimming with reasons to visit — from snow-dusted Olympic peaks to sun-kissed festivals of music, design, and fine food. Whether you dream of cheering on world-class athletes in the Dolomites, wandering the fashionable streets of Milan in search of the latest food trends, or soaking in jazz under the stars in Modena, next year promises to be a celebration of Italian style and spirit. 

We’ve gathered some of the most captivating events across the country — each one an invitation to experience Italy’s beauty, culture, and timeless allure in a new way.

A Year of Italian Style: The Must-See Cultural, Sporting & Culinary Events

Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics (6 – 22 February 2026) & Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics (6 – 15 March 2026)

Italy returns to the world-stage as host of the Winter Olympics, with the action centered on vibrant Milan and the alpine splendour of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites.
Whether you’re into top-tier competition, luxury mountain resorts, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a global event in a stunning setting — this is a unique moment to visit Italy in prime winter. Think crisp alpine air, snow-covered peaks, and the style of Milan intertwined with sporting excitement.

Not just the Olympics — immediately following comes the Paralympics in the same region.
This offers a more intimate yet equally powerful experience: inspiring athletes, inclusive events, and the chance to explore Italy’s north-country in a way fewer tourists will. A great pick if you want meaningful travel, unique stories, and still-less-crowded galleries or slopes.

Rome Marathon (22 March 2026)

In the heart of the Eternal City, this 42.195 km race takes you past some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks — from the Colosseum to the Tiber.
For readers of your blog this could be framed either as a story of taking part, or simply being a spectator in a city historic beyond words. Combine the marathon with a spring-time visit to Rome’s art, cuisine and warm early-spring weather.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este (15–17 May 2026 – Lake Como)

Set beside the breathtaking waters of Lake Como in northern Italy, this is one for lovers of beauty, elegance, design and heritage. The 2026 edition is scheduled for mid-May 2026.
Think rare classic cars, luxury hospitality, the Italian lakeside lifestyle — and stunning photo opportunities. A different flavour from high-adrenaline sport: more leisure, refinement, style.

Music: Jazzopen Italia (13–18 July 2026, Modena)

If you love music with ambience and Italian charm, this new edition of Jazzopen in Italy is perfect. The festival moves to the city of Modena in the Emilia-Romagna region from 13–18 July 2026, with its main stage in the majestic Piazza Roma and additional performances in the peaceful Giardino Ducale Estense. 
It’s a slightly different flavour from heavy pop or EDM—think jazz, fusion, refined live sets, and the chance to explore a historic Italian city, its food and wine, alongside the music.
Pair the festival with a stay in Modena, enjoy the local balsamic vinegar heritage, try a drive in the countryside, and catch a bay-window seat for the outdoor nights of music under Italian skies.

Food/Drink: TUTTOFOOD 2026 (11–14 May 2026, Milan)

For those of you who love food, innovation and Italian culinary culture, TUTTOFOOD 2026 in Milan is a must-see. Scheduled for 11–14 May 2026 at the Fiera Milano exhibition centre in Rho, this major food & beverage trade fair showcases everything from pasta and gelato to new plant-based offerings, along with sessions on food sustainability and the future of eating.
Milan has become a food-innovation hub. Even if you aren’t a professional in the food trade, the fair atmosphere and surrounding Milan food scene make it an interesting destination.