When autumn arrives, Rome and its surrounding towns celebrate the season with sagre—traditional food and wine festivals that showcase local produce, folklore, and community spirit. These events, often overlooked by tourists, are a cornerstone of Italian culture, where locals gather to eat, drink, and honor centuries-old traditions.
Joining an autumn sagra is one of the best ways to experience Rome beyond its monuments, blending history with authentic flavors. For a deeper dive, our Rome food and wine tours often include visits to these festivals, combining local discovery with unforgettable tastings.
Sagra della Porchetta di Ariccia
Held in Ariccia, a town in the Castelli Romani just south of Rome, this festival celebrates the famous porchetta—succulent roast pork with crispy skin and herbs.
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Dates: Early September, but celebrations and tastings continue into the autumn season.
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Highlights: Food stalls offering porchetta sandwiches, local wine, and live music.
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Atmosphere: Festive and crowded, with parades and fireworks adding to the charm.
Festa dell’Uva di Marino
The grape harvest festival in Marino is one of Lazio’s most famous events, usually held in early October.
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Unique feature: The town’s fountains flow with wine instead of water during the festival.
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Highlights: Parades, folk dances, wine tastings, and traditional dishes.
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Why visit: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a medieval-inspired celebration of wine.
Sagra delle Castagne di Soriano nel Cimino
About an hour north of Rome, the medieval town of Soriano nel Cimino hosts one of Italy’s largest chestnut festivals in October.
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Highlights: Historical reenactments, costumed parades, and of course roasted chestnuts.
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Food and drink: Chestnut-based recipes paired with local wines and hearty autumn cuisine.
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Atmosphere: A mix of folklore and gastronomy, perfect for families and history lovers.
Sagra della Polenta di San Lorenzo in Campo
In the countryside surrounding Rome, small towns host festivals celebrating traditional dishes. The polenta festival is among the most authentic, bringing locals together around long communal tables.
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Highlights: Endless variations of polenta served with sausages, mushrooms, or wild boar ragu.
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Folklore: Folk music and dancing create a warm village atmosphere.
Other Local Autumn Festivals
Smaller sagre can be found throughout Lazio in September and October:
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Sagra delle Olive di Palombara Sabina: Celebrating the olive harvest with tastings of new oil.
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Sagra del Fungo Porcino di Lariano: Dedicated to porcini mushrooms, a seasonal delicacy.
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Harvest celebrations in Frascati: Known for its white wines, often paired with local cheeses and salumi.
Tips for Enjoying Autumn Sagre
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Go by car or train: Many festivals take place in small hill towns outside Rome.
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Arrive hungry: Food is at the heart of every sagra, so be ready to indulge.
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Bring cash: Small stalls may not accept cards.
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Check dates in advance: Festivals often shift slightly each year according to harvests.
Final Thoughts
Autumn in Rome and Lazio is not only about art and history—it’s about food, wine, and community traditions. From roasted chestnuts to porchetta and wine fountains, the region’s sagre offer a sensory feast and a direct connection to local life. For those seeking an authentic Italian experience, these festivals are the perfect way to celebrate the season like a true Roman.
