The Most Anticipated Events of 2024 on Lake Como

Discover the Splendor: Lake Como’s New Season Delights

As March graces the shores of Lake Como, the hospitality industry is reopening marking the beginning of the tourist season. The grand unveiling starts with the hotels and opulent villas reopening their doors and welcoming guests with refreshed premises and new offerings.

Also, many Lake Como restaurants reemerge from their winter slumber, presenting new culinary options. From lakeside trattorias to charming bars, the gastronomic scene of Lake Como comes alive with compelling offerings, enticing both seasoned travellers and first-time visitors.

Historic Lake Como villas and museums, steeped in centuries of elegance, gracefully reopen their doors in spring. Embellished with new vegetation and vibrant blossoms, these architectural gems unfold a visual feast for the senses.

Embarking on a journey to Lake Como in the spring is a choice that promises a serene escape. The season’s dawn ensures a tranquil atmosphere, free from the bustling crowds that will later flock to this enchanting destination.

Hotels & Restaurants Reopen on Lake Como

Starting from March, 2024

Lake Como

Spring: the Blooming Gardens of Lake Como Villas

The new season for villas on Lake Como begins in mid-March. At the same time, their luxurious gardens start to bloom. Most plants bloom in March and April. Magnolias and camellias are first, followed by wisteria, azaleas, and citrus. The vibrant wisteria blossoms adorning the surroundings of Lake Como impart a spectacular appearance. The infusion of color onto the ancient villas and quaint houses elevates their visual allure, creating a truly awe-inspiring scene.

Every year, the gorgeous villas of Lake Como invite visitors to admire the spring flowering of camellias. Bright flowers frame villas and green parks on Lake Como.

Masterpieces of nature are harmoniously intertwined with the creation of man – villas, terraces, sculptures, ancient gardens, and all this on the background of a blue lake. Spring is the ideal time to visit Lake Como.

Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, Villa Monastero

Starting from March, 2024

Tremezzo, Lenno, Bellagio, Varenna

FAI Days: Unlocking Italy’s Hidden Wonders

Approximately 750 distinguished Italian sites and historical landmarks graciously unveil their splendours to the public each year during the “FAI days” in Spring and Autumn. This remarkable undertaking is directed by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI).

Encompassing seldom-accessed palaces, fortresses, abbeys, villas, libraries, parks, nature trails, and gardens, these treasures are scattered across 400 towns and cities throughout Italy. Lombardy and Lake Como actively participate in this initiative, providing a chance to explore some of the covert gems strewn across their territories. Many featured sites are typically off-limits to the public or pose challenges for visitation. Therefore, seize the opportunity to behold these concealed marvels.

FAI Days

March & October, 2024

Lombardy & Lake Como

The Classic Car Competition: Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024

From 24 to 26 May 2024, BMW Group Classic and the Villa d’Este Hotel will present the most spectacular cars of all eras. The classic car competition is the most anticipated event on Lake Como. The most exclusive part of the event is held at Villa d’Este. The traditional public event will be on the grounds of Villa Erba.

We are now looking forward, full of joyful anticipation, to the rendezvous of Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024.

After the special new edition in 2022, Wheels & Weisswürscht annually returning to Lake Como. Staged as a car gathering event, it will offer various participants an ideal and multifaceted area hosting an exceptional mix of classic vehicles and displays for many different and exciting meetings.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024

May 24-26, 2024

Cernobbio and Como

FuoriConcorso: Annual Global Car Enthusiast Meeting

FuoriConcorso is the annual rendezvous of the global car-lovers community, which descends upon the stunning landscape of Lake Como.

FuoriConcorso is not just a car event; it’s a celebration of automotive passion, luxury, and fellowship. Join car enthusiasts from around the world in this exclusive gathering that has captured the hearts of tastemakers and media since its debut in 2019.

Recognized as one of the freshest, most exciting, and most talked-about automotive events globally, FuoriConcorso is set to redefine your perception of automotive culture.

FuoriConcorso

May 25-26, 2024

Como

The Festival of Lights: “Sagra di San Giovanni” on Comacina Island

Every year, on the last weekend of June, the traditional festival of San Giovanni is held on the island of Comacina (the only island on Lake Como). This event pays tribute to the history of the island, which was burned to the ground following a long war.

During the festival, the island hosts incredible music and a fireworks show that literally plunges the island into fire. The event attracts so many spectators that the number of moored boats allows visitors to go to the island, stepping from boat to boat.

Tourists from all over the world come to the festival to admire the lights over the island of Comacina and spend an unforgettable weekend on Lake Como.

Festival Sagra of San Giovanni Sala Comacina 2024

June (date to be announced), 2024

Isola Comacina

Lake Como Design Festival

The Lake Como Design Festival is a yearly themed celebration that offers exhibition, reflection, and research through a number of events in and around the city’s historic district in Como. These exhibits, seminars and events occur at historical, obscure, and nearly forgotten locations. The festival aims to initiate a new dialogue between history, design, architecture, and art.

Lake Como Design Festival 2024

September, 2024

Como

The Flower and Design Exhibition: Orticolario 2024

Every year during the last weekend of September, the garden of Villa Erba in Cernobbio turns into a magical floral oasis, which is when the Orticolario exhibition is held. At the event, you can admire the beautiful creations from the best landscape designers in Italy and Europe, and buy plants, flowers, and interior decor objects.

During the event, there is an packed program that offers free gardening and floristry seminars, as well as various masterclasses. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy the old Villa Erba park and spend a weekend surrounded by incredible beauty.

Orticolario 2024

October 3 – October 6, 2024

Villa Erba, Cernobbio

Autumn in Lake Como: Castagne Streghe e Dintorni

Autumn in Lake Como unfolds with a rich tapestry of events, many embracing the themes of gastronomy and the arrival of seasonal delicacies. Across the towns of Lake Como, festivities abound, from Chestnut events offering the delectable pairing of chestnuts and wine to vibrant Halloween celebrations, musical concerts, art exhibitions, and more.

Amidst this array of autumnal allure, one event stands out as a must-attend: the “Castagne Streghe e Dintorni” Event in Rovenna, nestled in the upper reaches of Cernobbio. This event was conceived to rediscover the local territory and its traditions. It is intimately tied to the knowledge of healing herbs possessed by the region’s women (Streghe). The violet and black-clad witches lead you through the hidden, significant corners of the town.

Craftsmen tempt you with their artistry, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and honeyed chestnuts with cream is the reward for a journey filled with ancient charm. Storytellers, face painters, craft and gastronomy stalls, folk musicians, and a diverse dining experience—from sought-after local dishes to grilled specialities and traditional sweets—all contribute to the enchanting atmosphere against the breathtaking backdrop of stunning lake views from the elevated vantage point of Rovenna!

Castagne Streghe e Dintorni 2024

September 2024 

Rovenna (Cernobbio)

Centomiglia del Lario: Italian Championship of Motonautical Endurance

Centomiglia del Lario stands as Italy’s paramount powerboat competition, a revered stage that molds champions and occupies a prestigious slot in the international racing calendar. Renowned for its thrilling displays of skill and speed, this unmissable race on Lake Como captivates enthusiasts, drawing the best powerboat racers from around the world. As a crucible of talent and a showcase of cutting-edge maritime prowess, Centomiglia del Lario has earned its status as an iconic event, leaving an indelible mark on the legacy of powerboat racing in Italy and beyond.

Centomiglia del Lario, Lake Como 2024

October 2024 

Como and Cernobbio

Christmas in Lake Como: Città dei Balocchi 2024

The “Città dei Balocchi” has become the most important event showcasing the Christmas festivities in Como, attracting thousands of visitors every year. For over a month, Lake Como lives in an intense Christmas atmosphere, with dozens of events, markets, shows, attractions and surprises for young and old.

In 2022 “Città dei Balocchi”, for the first time in its 29 years, was held on the grounds of the Villa Erba in Cernobbio. The event was an overwhelming success and was attended by over 200,000 people.

In 2023, the event took place in the picturesque town of Cernobbio, located on the main square right in front of the lake. The festivities featured a skating rink, a Christmas market, enchanting Christmas illuminations, and a diverse program of events catering to all age groups.

The detailed schedule for the Christmas celebrations around Lake Como will be unveiled in November 2024.

Città dei Balocchi, Christmas on Lake Como 2024

December 2024 – January 2025

Cernobbio and Como

Elena Markova | Editor-in-chief

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