Arno Riverside Fish Festival

A village festival on the banks of the Arno

The Arno Riverside Fish Festival is the traditional early summer community event hosted by the Circolo Culturale Ricreativo Primo Maggio in Sieci, a village in the municipality of Pontassieve, in the Florence metropolitan area (Tuscany). For over ten consecutive nights, the club's grounds on Via Mascagni come alive with long tables, the aroma of home-cooked food, and lively conversation, creating an authentic village atmosphere that draws locals from the Valdisieve valley and visitors from Florence and beyond.

Fish takes center stage, every night

The heart of the event is, of course, the fish, served every evening at the food stand managed by the club's volunteers. The menu follows the best traditions of Tuscan fish festivals: fragrant fried seafood, seafood pasta dishes, grilled specialties, and seasonal plates, all paired with wine and drinks. On Saturdays, pizza is also available, while every evening the Barrettino bar offers an apericena (aperitif-dinner) starting in the late afternoon, before the main food stand opens.

Convivial atmosphere by the river

What makes this festival special is its setting: the outdoor tables, arranged near the Arno River, provide a cool and peaceful retreat on June evenings. It is a festival designed for families and social gatherings, where proceeds support the activities of the club and the Sieci community. No frills: just good food, affordable prices, and that genuine spirit that characterizes Tuscan Arci club festivals.

Sieci and the Valdisieve

Sieci is located along the course of the Arno, just a few kilometers from the center of Pontassieve, the gateway to the Valdisieve valley and the Chianti Rufina region. The village is easily accessible from Florence by train or car, making the festival a convenient evening destination even for those living in the city who are looking for a simple, tasty outing in the countryside.

Why it's worth visiting

• Over ten consecutive nights of fish cuisine at affordable prices.
• A cool, convivial outdoor setting on the banks of the Arno.
• A community festival supporting the Circolo Arci Primo Maggio in Sieci.
• Pizza on Saturdays and evening apericena at the club bar.