From 4 to 6 September 2026, Pavia gets ready for the most eagerly awaited weekend of summer: the Festa del Ticino returns to bring the historic centre and the riverbanks to life with three days of music, markets and events, culminating in the traditional fireworks display that closes the city's summer season. Held every year, the festival draws thousands of visitors and once again tells the story of the deep bond between Pavia and its river.

When Does the Festa del Ticino 2026 Take Place

The Festa del Ticino 2026 runs from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September, three days during which the centre of Pavia becomes one big, open-air stage. The programme takes over the main squares of the historic centre, the Ponte Coperto (the city's iconic covered bridge), the Lungoticino riverside promenade and the Vul area, filling the city with live music, themed markets and gatherings designed for families, young people and visitors alike.

The Grand Finale: Fireworks Over the Vul Area

The most anticipated moment of the festival remains, as always, the fireworks display that closes the Festa del Ticino on the evening of Sunday 6 September. Synchronised with music, the fireworks light up the sky above the Vul area in a striking setting overlooking the river. In recent editions the show has adopted a low-impact, low-noise format, designed to balance spectacle with a growing focus on sustainability. The event regularly draws crowds to the riverbanks, with the busiest evenings drawing more than 40,000 people.

White Night: The City That Stays Awake

On the evening of Saturday 5 September, Pavia lights up for its Notte Bianca, or White Night: shops stay open later than usual, live music fills the squares of the centre, and a festive atmosphere takes over the whole city well into the night. It's the perfect time to wander between the Ponte Coperto, Corso Cavour and the streets of the old town, letting the sounds and lights guide you through every corner of the historic centre.

Markets and Stalls Along the Ticino

Throughout the festival, the centre of Pavia hosts a rich calendar of themed markets. Along Viale XI Febbraio, the historic European Market returns, running from Thursday 3 through Sunday 6 September, almost a day ahead of the festival itself. The weekend then brings the White Night Market and the craft and creativity market, both held on Saturday 5 September alongside the evening's events. On Sunday 6 September, the spotlight shifts to the Festa del Ticino covered market, between the Ponte Coperto and the Lungoticino, and to the Pavia crafts market between Piazza Petrarca and Via XX Settembre, while a market dedicated to Italian colours and flavours rounds off the weekend's food offerings.

Events and Activities Across the City's Squares

Alongside the main events, the Festa del Ticino 2026 offers a packed calendar of activities spread across the city's landmark locations. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, from 6pm to 10pm, Piazza San Michele, the Castello Visconteo, Palazzo Broletto and the Cupola Arnaboldi host cultural, sporting and recreational activities organised by local community groups. On Sunday 6 September, the riverside stretch of Lungoticino Sforza comes alive with stalls and hands-on demonstrations open to everyone, a chance to discover up close the many local groups that shape everyday life in Pavia throughout the year.

Visiting the Festa del Ticino: Tips for Travellers

Pavia is easily reached by train from Milan in about half an hour, a convenient option for anyone who would rather not worry about parking on the busiest days. The historic centre can be explored entirely on foot, and the Lungoticino and Ponte Coperto make an ideal starting point for a visit, perhaps combined with a walk along the river or a stop at the Castello Visconteo. For the Sunday evening fireworks, it's worth heading to the Vul area a little ahead of time to enjoy the show from the best spots along the river.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Festa del Ticino 2026

When does the Festa del Ticino 2026 take place?

The Festa del Ticino 2026 takes place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026, in the historic centre of Pavia and along the banks of the Ticino.

Where can you watch the fireworks in Pavia?

The closing fireworks display takes place on the evening of Sunday 6 September in the Vul area, along the river: the riverbanks offer the best vantage points.

Is the Festa del Ticino free to attend?

Yes, the festival is free and open to everyone across all its events in the squares, markets and along the river.

When is Pavia's White Night?

The Notte Bianca takes place on Saturday 5 September 2026, with shops open later than usual, live music and entertainment filling the squares of the centre well into the night.

Three days in which Pavia tells its own story through its river, its squares and its love of togetherness: the Festa del Ticino 2026 is the perfect way to close out summer, immersed in the atmosphere of a city in full celebration.

Photo: Gianni Santolin

Other links