Artisanal Gelato Festival of Casalecchio di Reno
Three days dedicated to artisanal gelato in the center of Casalecchio di Reno
About Gelato Festival
The Gelato Festival of Casalecchio di Reno
The Artisanal Gelato Festival of Casalecchio di Reno is one of the most beloved gastronomic events of the Bolognese summer. Every year, in mid-July, the center of the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno, in the province of Bologna (Emilia-Romagna), fills with stalls, scents, and colors to celebrate Italian artisanal gelato. The event, which began in 2006, attracts thousands of visitors from all over Emilia-Romagna and beyond.
Where it takes place
The heart of the festival is the central Via Marconi, which extends to the main squares of the town: Piazza dei Caduti, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza della Repubblica, and the adjacent spaces. For three days, the streets come alive with gelato stands, refreshment areas, an artisan market, street food, entertainment, and music stages distributed across the various squares.
Gelato is the star
The absolute star is, of course, artisanal gelato: visitors can stroll among the numerous "on the road" gelato stands and taste classic flavors and new creations prepared by local ice cream parlors. Alongside gelato, there are also food and wine offerings, stands with local products, and street vendors.
Music, shows, and entertainment
The Gelato Festival is not just about taste: each edition offers a packed schedule of concerts, DJ sets, dancing, and shows spread across the various performance areas set up for the occasion. Evenings come alive with live music, tribute bands, Latin dancing, and entertainment, while in the afternoons, families can find games and activities for children.
An event that renews itself
The festival has changed its face: after twenty historic editions, the organization is now handled by the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno together with the Pro Loco Casalecchio Insieme, with a new logo and a renewed format. The festival remains a free event, designed to enhance the city center and the excellence of artisanal gelato, a symbol of Emilia-Romagna's delicious tradition.
Gelato Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition: A Renewed Festival
The 2026 edition of the Gelato Festival of Casalecchio di Reno, scheduled from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, 2026, marks a turning point. After twenty editions managed by the Eventi company, the organization passes to the Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno in collaboration with Pro Loco Casalecchio Insieme, chaired by Sandro Menzani.
New Features: The Gelato Experience Area
The heart of the event will be the new Gelato Experience area, set up in the square next to the Church of San Giovanni Battista, along the central Via Marconi. Inside, there will be three themed spaces: Gelato Kids, Gelato Academy, and Gelato Carpigiani. About ten local ice cream parlors are expected, coordinated by master gelato maker Michele De Somma.
Vote for your flavor and enjoy the festival
Instead of the historic "Biciclettata del Gusto" (Taste Bike Ride), this year visitors can vote for their favorite gelato at a dedicated station, where tastings will be presented anonymously and numbered. There will be food areas, vendor stalls, a market, and evening entertainment. The detailed program with concerts and shows will be published on the official website festadelgelato.net.
Programme Gelato Festival 2026
Highlights Gelato Festival 2026
Prices Gelato Festival 2026
Practical information — Gelato Festival
How to get there
Casalecchio di Reno is located on the outskirts of Bologna, less than 10 km from the center. By train, it can be reached via the Casalecchio di Reno and Casalecchio Garibaldi stations on the Bologna-Vignola line; by car, it is accessible from the SS64 Porrettana or the Bologna ring road. It is advisable to use peripheral parking lots due to the closure of the center to traffic during the festival.
Admission and hours
Admission to the event is free. The festival takes place in the afternoon and evening along Via Marconi and the squares in the center. For the detailed program and updated hours, it is recommended to consult the official website festadelgelato.net and the festival's Facebook page.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Gelato Festival
Centro città - Via Marconi e piazze
Via Guglielmo Marconi, 40033 Casalecchio di Reno