Bolsena Fish Festival
Sea and lake flavors on the shores of Lake Bolsena
About Bolsena Fish Festival
The fish festival on Lake Bolsena
The Bolsena Fish Festival is a vibrant food and wine event that transforms Piazza Matteotti, in the historic center of Bolsena, into a large gourmet village dedicated to fish. Located in the municipality of Bolsena, in the province of Viterbo and the heart of the Tuscia region of Lazio, the event celebrates a dual culinary soul: the flavors of the sea and those of the lake, cooked to order and served just steps away from the waters of one of Italy's most beautiful volcanic lakes.
A dual menu of sea and freshwater
The heart of the festival lies in its food trucks and stalls, where visitors can choose between two complementary offerings. The seafood menu ranges from seafood salad to linguine with shellfish, paella, mixed fried calamari and shrimp, fried salt cod, grand mixed fry, grilled prawns, fried artichokes, and tuna steaks.
The lake menu highlights the catch of Lake Bolsena with the famous bolsenette (lake fish meatballs), fried smelt, mixed fried lake fish, whitefish, eel, lake burgers, and lake fish sausage sandwiches. Draft beer, sangria, cocktails, and desserts are also available to complete the experience.
Music, relaxation, and family
The Bolsena Fish Festival is about more than just food. Throughout the event, live music and DJ sets keep the energy high, while a dedicated area offers games and entertainment for children. Spacious seating areas allow guests to enjoy their meals at a leisurely pace, soaking in the convivial atmosphere and the lake view.
Bolsena and its lakeside tradition
Overlooking Lake Bolsena, the town has been linked for centuries to fishing and its freshwater specialties, such as whitefish and eel. The festival embraces this heritage and combines it with seafood cuisine in a format designed for both residents and tourists, during one of the most pleasant times to visit the Tuscia region. Its central location, free admission, and lakefront setting make it an ideal destination for a spring getaway focused on great food.
Useful Information
- Where: Piazza Matteotti, Bolsena (VT), Lazio
- Admission: Free
- Cuisine: Sea and lake fish, freshly prepared
- Extras: Live music, DJ sets, children's area, tables and seating
Bolsena Fish Festival — edition 2026
Bolsena Fish Festival 2026 - second edition
The second edition of the Bolsena Fish Festival was held from Thursday, April 30, to Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Piazza Matteotti, in the center of Bolsena. The dual menu format featuring sea and lake fish was confirmed, with dishes cooked to order at the stalls and food trucks, accompanied by live music, DJ sets, and a play area for children.
Offerings included paella, fried seafood, whitefish, eel, and the essential bolsenette. Free admission and large seating areas overlooking Lake Bolsena.
Programme Bolsena Fish Festival 2026
2026 Program
Four days of gastronomy, music, and fun in Piazza Matteotti:
- Thursday, April 30: evening opening, from 6:00 PM to midnight
- Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3: from 12:00 PM to midnight
Seafood menu: seafood salad, linguine with shellfish, paella, mixed fried calamari and shrimp, fried salt cod, grand mixed fry, grilled prawns, fried artichokes, tortelloni with pistachio pesto and shrimp, tuna steak.
Lake menu: bolsenette (lake fish meatballs), fried smelt, mixed fried lake fish, whitefish, eel, lake burger, lake fish sausage sandwich.
Throughout the event: live music and DJ sets, play area with children's entertainment, draft beer, sangria, and cocktails.
Highlights Bolsena Fish Festival 2026
- Dual menu dedicated to freshly prepared sea and lake fish
- Bolsenette, a specialty fish dish from Lake Bolsena
- Live music and DJ sets for all four days
- Play area and entertainment for children
- Free admission and tables with lake views
Prices Bolsena Fish Festival 2026
Practical information — Bolsena Fish Festival
How to get there
By car: Bolsena is accessible via the Via Cassia (SS2); it is approximately 35 km from Viterbo and 20 km from Orvieto. Take the Orvieto exit on the A1 motorway if arriving from the north or south.
By train: The nearest station is Orvieto, on the Rome-Florence line, which is connected to Bolsena by local bus services.
Prices
Free entry to the event area in Piazza Matteotti. Dishes and drinks can be purchased at individual stalls.
Opening hours
Evening opening on the first day, then generally from 12:00 PM to midnight on subsequent days.
Tips
During the spring holiday weekends, it is advisable to book accommodation in Bolsena or the surrounding lakeside villages well in advance. It is highly recommended to combine your visit with a trip to the Basilica of Santa Cristina and a walk along the lakefront.
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Where does it take place — Bolsena Fish Festival
Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti, 01023 Bolsena