From 3 to 6 September 2026, Pavia celebrates its relationship with the Ticino River with four days of music, culture, markets, sports, entertainment and activities in the historic centre and along the riverbanks. The grand finale will take place on Sunday 6 September with “Sipario di luce”, a spectacular pyromusical show in the VUL area.

The Festa del Ticino 2026 returns to Pavia from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September, with a programme spread across the historic centre, the Lungoticino area, the Ponte Coperto and several of the city's most iconic locations.

One of Pavia's traditional end-of-summer events, the festival offers four days dedicated to music, culture, sport, local traditions, markets and activities organised by associations and community groups.

The theme of the 2026 edition is “Ticino, una città per il fiume” (“Ticino, a city for the river”), a new identity project that presents the river as a central element of Pavia's history and everyday life: a natural heritage site, a place for socialising, a setting for sport and culture, and an essential part of the city's identity.

The Festa del Ticino 2026 takes place in Pavia from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026.

Events will take place in several areas of the city, from the historic centre to the Lungoticino riverfront, from the Ponte Coperto to the VUL area, offering activities for residents, families, young people and visitors.

All events are free of charge.

Thursday 3 September: the festival begins

The Festa del Ticino gets underway on Thursday 3 September with the first cultural and entertainment events.

On the same day, the European Market of Pavia opens along viale XI Febbraio. The market will remain open until Sunday 6 September, offering food specialities, products and traditions from different European countries and beyond.

Friday 4 September: culture, associations and entertainment

On Friday 4 September, the festival continues with cultural events and activities organised by local associations and organisations.

From 6 pm to 10 pm, the Cupola Arnaboldi will host the “Panchine Rosse” initiative and charity stalls.

The programme continues with cultural and musical events in several locations throughout the city centre.

Saturday 5 September: Pavia White Night

The main event on Saturday will be the Pavia White Night (Notte Bianca), taking place from 5 pm to 2 am.

The historic centre will come alive with music, performances, activities, shops staying open late and markets, including the White Night Market and the Craft and Handmade Market.

Among the day's events, at 6 pm the book La valle del Ticino will be presented at the Vogatori boat. At the Cupola Arnaboldi, from 5 pm to 10 pm, visitors can enjoy Historical Dance and Legal Rosso Tango.

One of the highlights of the 2026 edition is the “Staffetta sonora verso il Fiume Ticino” (“Sound Relay towards the Ticino River”), a musical route designed to accompany visitors from the historic centre towards the river.

The programme features four musical stages:

• 8–9 pm: Piazza Italia
• 9–10 pm: Cathedral Square
• 10–11 pm: Piazzale Ponte Ticino, right-hand side of the bridge
• 11 pm–midnight: Piazzale Ghinaglia, right-hand side of the bridge

A particularly significant event will take place in the Cathedral Square, thanks to the collaboration with the Curia and the Cathedral Works Committee.

During the White Night, the Cathedral will also remain open to visitors.

Among Saturday's highlights, the Broletto Courtyard will host a rich cultural programme.

At 6 pm, the book Ulisse non deve morire will be presented by Oscar Farinetti and Piermario Grimaldi, moderated by Ilaria Fiorentini, linguist at the University of Pavia, with the participation of Stefano Maggi.

At 7.15 pm, the programme will present “L'archeologia in vigna” (“Archaeology in the Vineyard”), including the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to reopen archaeological excavations in the Oltrepò area, with archaeologists Manuela Battaglia and Yuri Godino.

At 8 pm, “Ticinum Gourmet” will offer traditional local food and a tasting of wines from the area.

At 9 pm, the programme features “Mistero Buffo” by Dario Fo, performed by Matthias Martelli and directed by Eugenio Allegri.

Also on Saturday evening, at 9 pm, the APS Borgo Ticino venue at Via dei Mille 130 will host the concert “Dialoghi Barocchi”, featuring music by Arcangelo Corelli, Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Friedrich Handel and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

At 5 pm, Santa Maria Gualtieri will host the opening of Azeglio Corni's exhibition Al riparo dal Cielo.

Sunday 6 September will be particularly dedicated to the river and its surroundings.

From the morning onwards, the Festa del Ticino Market will take place along Lungoticino Sforza and Lungoticino Visconti, around the Ponte Coperto and in Piazzale Ponte Coperto.

The day will also feature the Italian Market and the Pavia Antiques Market.

Along the Lungoticino, sports associations, public assistance organisations, APS groups and recreational organisations from the area will set up information stands, demonstrations and activities for visitors.

In Piazzale Ghinaglia, visitors can also see an exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Italian airmail route, featuring photographs and static aerodynamic aircraft models.

In the afternoon, Piazza Italia will host “Ticino con ritmo!”, featuring live vocals and percussion, baby dance and face painting for children.

The grand finale of Festa del Ticino 2026 will take place on Sunday 6 September.

At approximately 10 pm, in the VUL area, the festival will conclude with “Sipario di luce”, a spectacular pyromusical show combining music, lights and fireworks against the backdrop of the Ticino River.

The finale will transform the river into the centrepiece of the evening, bringing four days of celebrations dedicated to the relationship between Pavia, the Ticino and its community to a spectacular close.

The Festa del Ticino involves several areas of Pavia, including:

• the historic centre;
• Piazza Italia;
• Cathedral Square;
• Cupola Arnaboldi;
• Broletto Courtyard;
• Ponte Coperto;
• Piazzale Ponte Coperto;
• Lungoticino Sforza and Lungoticino Visconti;
• Piazzale Ghinaglia;
• the VUL area;
• viale XI Febbraio.

The Ponte Coperto and the Lungoticino are among the key places to experience the festival while enjoying one of the most characteristic views of Pavia and the Ticino River.

Festa del Ticino is also an opportunity to discover the historic centre of Pavia and its monuments.

Visitors coming to the city for the festival can combine the events with a walk across the Ponte Coperto, a visit to the Basilica of San Michele Maggiore, Pavia Cathedral, the Visconti Castle, the Broletto Palace and the Cupola Arnaboldi, or continue along the river.

Pavia's compact historic centre makes it easy to explore many of the festival venues on foot, creating an itinerary that combines monuments, squares, markets and the riverfront.

Festa del Ticino 2026
Dates: 3–6 September 2026
Location: Pavia, historic centre, Ponte Coperto, Lungoticino, VUL area and other locations throughout the city
Admission: Free
Event type: Festival
Organised by: Municipality of Pavia – Tourism, Territorial Promotion and Major Events Service
Contact: turismo@comune.pv.it

When is Festa del Ticino 2026 in Pavia?

Festa del Ticino 2026 takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026 in Pavia.

Where does Festa del Ticino take place?

The festival involves Pavia's historic centre, Ponte Coperto, Lungoticino, the VUL area and several squares and cultural venues throughout the city.

When is the Pavia White Night 2026?

The Pavia White Night (Notte Bianca) takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026 from 5 pm to 2 am, with music, markets, performances and activities throughout the historic centre.

When are the fireworks at Festa del Ticino?

The “Sipario di luce” pyromusical show is scheduled for Sunday 6 September 2026 at approximately 10 pm in the VUL area, along the Ticino River.

Where can I watch the Festa del Ticino fireworks?

The most interesting viewing areas are along the Ticino riverbanks and the Lungoticino, with the fireworks and musical show taking place against the backdrop of the river and the VUL area.

Is Festa del Ticino 2026 free?

Yes. All events of Festa del Ticino 2026 are free of charge, according to the information published by the Municipality of Pavia.

What can I do in Pavia during Festa del Ticino?

During the festival, visitors can experience the White Night, explore the European Market, attend concerts and performances, visit exhibitions and cultural events, discover the markets along the Lungoticino and enjoy the spectacular “Sipario di luce” pyromusical show on Sunday evening.

Photo: Gianni Santolin

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