In Albonese, in the Lomellina area of the province of Pavia, one of the most eagerly awaited events of September returns: the 44th Corn Festival, taking place from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026 at the town’s festival marquee.

Organised by the Gruppo Feste Albonese, under the patronage of the Municipality of Albonese, the festival celebrates the close connection between the Lomellina area, its agricultural traditions and its popular cuisine. The undisputed star of the weekend is polenta, served on several occasions throughout the festival together with traditional dishes and entertainment for all ages.

The Albonese Corn Festival offers a varied programme combining food, music, sport and local traditions.

The festival opens on Friday 11 September. At 6:30 pm, at Palazzo Grocco, the Municipality will present the “Senatore Grocco” Award and Scholarship. At 7:30 pm, the evening continues with the first Great Polenta Dinner, while at 9 pm there will be live music and dancing with Lorenzo Sax.

On Saturday 12 September, the programme starts at 2 pm at the Municipal Sports Field with the “Vecchie Glorie Lomelline” tournament, a memorial event dedicated to Gualtiero Marcarini (Walter), organised by Polisportiva Albonese ASD–APS. In the afternoon, children and teenagers can take part in the traditional “Games of the Past”.

At 7:30 pm, food takes centre stage once again with the Great Polenta Dinner, followed at 9 pm by an evening of dancing and music with Angela.

The final day, Sunday 13 September, begins at 9 am with one of the most original events on the programme: the 1st Frog Tossing Tournament “Hit the Frog, Save the Polenta”, held at the festival marquee.

The tournament is open to 24 pairs, with prizes for the first three classified teams. It adds a playful and convivial element to the festival, perfectly reflecting the traditional spirit of village celebrations.

At 10 am, a Solemn Mass will be celebrated, including a special celebration for wedding anniversaries. At 12:30 pm, the focus returns to food with another Great Polenta Dinner, followed by a further evening polenta dinner at 7:30 pm.

For the 2026 edition, the food service is managed by the Italian Red Cross – Mede and Valle Lomellina Committee, offering a selection of dishes closely connected to local popular cuisine.

The menu includes polenta with donkey-meat stew, fried food with sausage, pork loin and onion, salted cod, gorgonzola cream, salamella sausage, chips, salamella sandwiches, cured salami cooked in lard, ciccioli and a large fried schnitzel-style cutlet known locally as orecchia di elefante, served with chips.

The menu is available while supplies last and is another good reason to visit Albonese during the festival weekend, especially for those wishing to discover the traditional flavours of the Lomellina area.

Located in the Lomellina area, Albonese is one of the towns in the province of Pavia where the relationship with agricultural culture and local food traditions continues to be celebrated through community events.

The Corn Festival is therefore also an opportunity to experience the area in an authentic way, meet the local community and rediscover a celebration centred on conviviality, food and tradition.

For visitors exploring the province of Pavia in September, the Albonese festival can be included in an itinerary through Lomellina, a land of rice fields, small villages, farmsteads and local food products that characterise the Pavia countryside.

Event: 44th Corn Festival
Where: Albonese (Pavia), at the festival marquee
When: 11–13 September 2026
Admission: Free
Information and reservations: +39 339 6930993
Organised by: Gruppo Feste Albonese
Under the patronage of: Municipality of Albonese

The event will take place even in case of bad weather. Reservations for dinner are recommended.

FAQ – Albonese Corn Festival 2026

When is the Albonese Corn Festival taking place?
The 44th Corn Festival will be held in Albonese, in the province of Pavia, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026.

Where is the Corn Festival held?
The festival’s food events take place at the festival marquee in Albonese.

Is there an admission fee?
No. Admission to the festival is free.

What food is served at the Albonese Corn Festival?
The menu includes polenta with donkey-meat stew, fried dishes, salted cod, gorgonzola cream, salamella sausage, cured salami, ciccioli and other traditional dishes.

Are there activities for children?
Yes. On Saturday 12 September, children and teenagers can take part in the “Games of the Past”.

Does the festival take place in bad weather?
Yes. The organisers have confirmed that the event will take place even in case of bad weather.

Do I need to make a reservation?
Reservations for dinner are recommended. For information and reservations, call +39 339 6930993.

Opening hours

Attachments

Other links