Balzo Fair of Montegallo
The traditional August Fair at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains
About Balzo Fair
A fair that smells of the mountains
The Balzo Fair of Montegallo is one of the most deeply rooted events in the upper Tronto valley, in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Every August 12th, the hamlet of Balzo, the seat of the municipality and capital of Montegallo, transforms into a large open-air market: stalls, stands, and producers fill the streets and squares of the village, offering the best of local craftsmanship and gastronomy from these mountains.
Where and when
The fair is held in the hamlet of Balzo (CAP 63094), in the Municipality of Montegallo, in the Province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region. The event is traditionally scheduled for August 12th, with stalls set up from the early morning hours and activities continuing until early afternoon. For safety and traffic reasons, the Municipality issues a specific ordinance each year regulating traffic closures and parking in the fair area.
Products of the Sibillini
The heart of the event is the typical local products. Among the stalls, you'll find the flavours that have made this area of the Marche Apennines famous:
- ciauscolo, the soft, spreadable salami that is a symbol of the Piceno area;
- mountain cheeses and cured meats from local butchers;
- high-altitude legumes, first and foremost the famous lentils grown on the Sibillini plateaus;
- honey, jams, forest products, and traditional sweets;
- local crafts, wood carvings, and handmade creations.
A village born from the castle
Montegallo is a scattered municipality, formed by numerous small hamlets at the foot of the Vettore massif. Balzo, now the capital, was founded around 1500 when the inhabitants moved down from the ancient Castle of Santa Maria in Gallo, reusing much of its sandstone. This mountain history, shaped by pastoralism, agriculture, and community, is still told today by the fair, which keeps alive the connection between the valley's producers and visitors.
Why go
The Balzo Fair is the perfect opportunity for those spending their summer in the Sibillini Mountains: a break from hiking plans to discover the authentic flavours of the Marche mountains, shop among local artisans, and soak up the genuine atmosphere of a village festival that is renewed every year in mid-August.
Balzo Fair — edition 2026
The Balzo Fair of Montegallo takes place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the hamlet of Balzo, within the Municipality of Montegallo (Province of Ascoli Piceno). The date is confirmed by the municipal events calendar, in line with the tradition of holding the August Fair on this day.
The setup of stalls begins in the early morning hours, and the fair continues until early afternoon. Along the streets and squares of the village, you'll find stalls selling typical products from the Sibillini (ciauscolo, cheeses, legumes, honey, and traditional sweets) and stands showcasing local crafts.
The list of exhibitors and any related initiatives will be finalized by the municipal organization in the weeks leading up to the event: the full program will be published closer to the date. Free admission.
Programme Balzo Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (list of exhibitors and any related initiatives) has not yet been published and will be released by the Municipality of Montegallo in the weeks preceding the fair.
Usual structure of the day, as per tradition:
- From early morning — setup and opening of stalls and stands in the hamlet of Balzo.
- In the morning — stalls with typical products from the Sibillini Mountains (ciauscolo, cured meats, cheeses, legumes, honey, sweets) and local crafts.
- Until early afternoon — continuation of the fair and gradual closing of stalls.
Highlights Balzo Fair 2026
- Stalls with typical products from the Sibillini Mountains, from ciauscolo to high-altitude legumes.
- Local craft stands in the capital village of Montegallo.
- The atmosphere of the historic August Fair, in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park.
Prices Balzo Fair 2026
Practical information — Balzo Fair
How to get there
Balzo di Montegallo can be reached by car from the SS4 Salaria, exiting towards the upper Tronto valley and following signs for Montegallo. The hamlet is about 40 km from Ascoli Piceno. The nearest train station is Ascoli Piceno, from where you can continue by car or local transport.
Traffic
On August 12th, the Municipality closes the roads and prohibits parking in the fair area: it is advisable to park near the village and walk to the stalls.
When to go
Stalls are set up from the early morning hours; to experience the full fair, it's best to arrive in the morning. Free admission.
Contacts
Municipality of Montegallo, tel. +39 0736 806122.
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Where does it take place — Balzo Fair
Frazione Balzo
Frazione Balzo, 63094 Montegallo