Cardoncello Mushroom Festival
The Alta Murgia Cardoncello mushroom festival in Poggiorsini
About Cardoncello Festival
The Cardoncello Mushroom Festival in Poggiorsini
In the heart of the Alta Murgia National Park, the small town of Poggiorsini โ the least populous in the province of Bari, Puglia โ dedicates every autumn a festival to its most iconic product: the Cardoncello mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), which grows wild among the pastures and steppes of the Murgia and represents a pillar of local gastronomy.
The Cardoncello Mushroom Festival is the opening stage of the traveling tour "Cardoncello on the road", conceived and promoted by Unpli Puglia in collaboration with the local Pro Loco associations and the towns of the Park. The tour crosses six villages of the Alta Murgia โ in addition to Poggiorsini, Minervino Murge, Spinazzola, Ruvo di Puglia, Gravina in Puglia, and Cassano delle Murge โ accompanying the entire harvest season between October and November.
A weekend of flavors, nature, and tradition
The event enlivens Piazza Aldo Moro, the heart of the town, with two days that combine gastronomy, outdoor sports, and popular culture. The absolute stars are the food stalls, where the Cardoncello is served in all its forms: roasted, fried, preserved in oil, in orecchiette pasta, and in traditional Murgia recipes.
- Tastings of the Cardoncello mushroom and typical products of the Alta Murgia
- Trekking and guided excursions through the pastures and steppes of the Murgia
- Live music, roaming bands, and performances in the square
- Exhibitions, folklore, guided tours, and entertainment for families and children
Poggiorsini, a village of the Alta Murgia
Founded in the 18th century and linked to the pastoral civilization of the Murgia, Poggiorsini preserves a landscape of great naturalistic value, with its traditional jazzi (stone sheepfolds), farmhouses, and wide horizons. The festival is an opportunity to discover this authentic corner of inland Puglia, far from the most beaten tourist paths, and to experience the hospitality of a small community that makes the Cardoncello a symbol of its territory.
The event offers free admission and is organized by the Pro Loco Poggiorsini as part of the regional circuit of the Apulian Pro Loco associations.
Cardoncello Festival โ edition 2026
The 2026 Cardoncello Mushroom Festival opens the autumn circuit "Cardoncello on the road" promoted by Unpli Puglia, which visits six villages of the Alta Murgia between October and November (Poggiorsini, Minervino Murge, Spinazzola, Ruvo di Puglia, Gravina in Puglia, and Cassano delle Murge).
In Poggiorsini, the appointment is for Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026 in Piazza Aldo Moro, with tastings of the prized Cardoncello mushroom, stalls of typical Murgia products, nature excursions in the Park, live music, and entertainment. Admission is free. The detailed hourly program, including artists and activities, will be announced by the Pro Loco Poggiorsini closer to the event.
Prices Cardoncello Festival 2026
Practical information — Cardoncello Festival
How to get there
Poggiorsini is located in the Bari area of the Alta Murgia, on the border with Basilicata. By car, it can be reached from the SS96 and SP230 roads towards Gravina in Puglia; the nearest train station is in Gravina in Puglia (Ferrovie Appulo Lucane line Bari-Altamura-Gravina). Nearest airport: Bari Karol Wojtyลa, about an hour and a half away.
Admission and services
Free admission. Food stalls and tastings are subject to payment. Activities take place mainly in Piazza Aldo Moro and the streets of the center. For trekking, comfortable clothing and hiking shoes are recommended.
Contacts
Organized by the Pro Loco Poggiorsini โ information and updated program at prolocopoggiorsini.com.
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Where does it take place โ Cardoncello Festival
Piazza Aldo Moro
Piazza Aldo Moro, 70020 Poggiorsini