August Fair of Galliera
The historic summer fair of San Venanzio di Galliera, since 1854
About August Fair
A fair that has lasted over 170 years
The August Fair of Galliera is one of the longest-running popular events in the Bolognese plain. Founded in 1854, it has witnessed almost two centuries of local history, reaching its 172nd edition in 2026: few events in the area can boast such continuity. It takes place in the hamlet of San Venanzio, the heart of the Municipality of Galliera, in the Province of Bologna, in the heart of the Bassa emiliana along the Reno river axis.
Where and when
The focal point of the fair is Piazza Eroi della Libertà, in San Venanzio di Galliera. Traditionally, the event is held around the first Tuesday of August, often extended to the following evenings, transforming the hamlet's center into a large open-air celebration space. The evenings begin around 7:30 PM, when the stands open and the lights of the stalls and vendors turn on.
What to expect
The August Fair is a village festival in the truest sense of the word, combining various elements:
- The Pro Loco's food stand, featuring the famous mixed grill served every evening, gnocchi, skewers, and the flavors of Emilian cuisine;
- Stalls and markets with vendors, crafts, and local products along the hamlet's streets;
- Live music with bands and groups animating the evenings (in recent editions, groups like Little Bitty Rock and 60 Lire have performed);
- Bouncy castles and entertainment for the little ones, making the fair suitable for the whole family;
- often an art exhibition dedicated to local artists, accompanying the fair days.
A tradition of the Bassa bolognese
Carefully organized by the Pro Loco Galliera, the August Fair is much more than a summer market: it's the time when the community of Galliera and the surrounding municipalities of the Unione Reno Galliera comes together, between a portion of grilled meat and a concert in the square. For those visiting Emilia-Romagna away from the most touristy destinations, it's an opportunity to experience the genuine atmosphere of a village festival passed down through generations, just a few kilometers from Bologna and the lands of Cento and Ferrara.
August Fair — edition 2026
The August Fair returns to San Venanzio di Galliera, reaching its 172nd edition in 2026. The event, confirmed by the regional fair calendar and the Pro Loco Galliera's 2026 event calendar, takes place around the first Tuesday of August in Piazza Eroi della Libertà.
As per tradition, the evenings will feature the food stand with mixed grills, gnocchi, and skewers, the vendors' stalls, bouncy castles for children, and live music. The detailed program with the names of the musical groups and the schedule for each evening will be published by the Pro Loco in the weeks leading up to the fair.
Programme August Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 172nd August Fair will be announced by Pro Loco Galliera in the weeks preceding the event (usually in July). The usual structure of the evenings includes:
- From 7:30 PM — opening of the food stand with mixed grill, gnocchi, and skewers, and the vendors' stalls;
- In the evening — live music with local bands and groups in the square;
- throughout the evening — bouncy castles and entertainment for children.
The names of the musical groups and any art exhibition will be communicated with the official poster for the 2026 edition.
Highlights August Fair 2026
Food stand with mixed grill, live music evenings in Piazza Eroi della Libertà, and bouncy castles for children, as part of one of the oldest village fairs in Emilia-Romagna.
Prices August Fair 2026
Practical information — August Fair
How to get there
San Venanzio di Galliera is located in the Bassa bolognese, about 30 km north of Bologna. By car, it can be reached from SP4 Galliera or the A13 Bologna-Padova motorway (Altedo or Ferrara Sud exits). By train, Galliera station is on the Bologna-Padova line; from there, the fair is a short distance away.
Opening hours and admission
The evenings start around 7:30 PM. Admission to the fair is free.
Tips
Arrive early for dinner at the food stand, where the mixed grill is highly sought after. Bring the children for the bouncy castles and plan for parking near the square, which can fill up quickly on fair evenings.
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 — August Fair
Piazza Eroi della Libertà, loc. San Venanzio
Piazza Eroi della Libertà, 40015 Galliera