Chianina Steak Festival
The queen of Tuscan cuisine takes center stage in Sestino at the end of June
About Chianina Steak Festival
The Sestino festival of premium beef
The Chianina Steak Festival is the most important gastronomic event in Sestino, a town in the Province of Arezzo tucked away in the far eastern corner of Tuscany, where the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines meet the Marche and Emilia-Romagna, in the heart of the Montefeltro and Valtiberina regions. For over thirty years, at the end of June, Piazza del Mercato has transformed into a large open-air banquet dedicated to the Chianina cattle breed, one of Italy's finest agricultural treasures, a symbol of Tuscan cuisine, and the undisputed star of the famous Florentine steak.
A tradition born in 1993
Organized by the Pro Loco di Sestino 2.0 APS with the invaluable hard work of dozens of volunteers, the festival began in 1993 and has grown with every edition while maintaining its authentic village-fair spirit. Today, it attracts visitors from all over Tuscany, the Marche, and Romagna, drawn by the quality of the meat and the convivial atmosphere found among the stalls in the square.
The heart of the festival: the steak
The undisputed star is the Chianina beef, served strictly grilled: from the most succulent steaks to flavorful fillets, and the majestic 1.5 kg Florentine steak. Alongside the queen of the grill, the food stalls offer other local traditional dishes, from appetizers to Chianina burgers, piadinas, and French fries, in a menu that blends Tuscan border cuisine with the flavors of Romagna and the Marche.
Music, rallies, and fun
The Chianina Steak Festival is about more than just food. Each evening is brought to life by a rich entertainment program: live concerts, ballroom orchestras for dancing in the square, DJ sets until late at night, and shows with magicians and face painting for the little ones. Among the most characteristic events are the Vespa, Lambretta, and vintage car rallies, as well as markets showcasing local products and handicrafts that enliven the village streets.
A village to discover
Visiting Sestino during the festival is also an opportunity to discover a village rich in history, an ancient Roman municipality, and a guardian of an important archaeological heritage. Its border location, immersed in the green landscapes of the Apennines, makes the festival an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience, far from the main tourist flows, amidst good food, tradition, and genuine hospitality.
Chianina Steak Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Chianina Steak Festival takes place in Sestino (AR) at the end of June, in Piazza del Mercato. The classic formula of the event organized by the Pro Loco di Sestino 2.0 APS is confirmed: food stalls open for lunch and dinner with grilled Chianina beef as the main star, accompanied by musical evenings and entertainment.
Local sources indicate the dates at the end of June for this new edition; for the final confirmation of the calendar and evening program, please refer to the official Pro Loco channels.
Programme Chianina Steak Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including the schedule of concerts, shows, and vintage vehicle rallies, will be announced by the Pro Loco di Sestino 2.0 APS in the weeks leading up to the event via the official Facebook page.
The usual structure of the festival includes:
- Food stalls open for lunch (from 12:00 PM) and dinner (from 7:00 PM) with Florentine steak, fillets, the 1.5 kg T-bone, Chianina burgers, piadinas, and French fries;
- Live music with concerts and ballroom orchestras for dancing in the square;
- DJ sets until late at night;
- Children's entertainment with magicians and face painting;
- Vespa, Lambretta, and vintage car rallies ("Bruno Baffioni" memorial);
- Markets featuring local products and handicrafts.
Highlights Chianina Steak Festival 2026
- The majestic 1.5 kg grilled Chianina T-bone steak
- Evenings with live concerts and ballroom orchestras
- The Vespa, Lambretta, and vintage car rally, "Bruno Baffioni" memorial
Prices Chianina Steak Festival 2026
Practical information — Chianina Steak Festival
Location
The festival is held in Piazza del Mercato, in the center of Sestino (AR), postal code 52038, in the Tuscan Valtiberina.
How to get there
By car: Sestino can be reached from the E45 (Cesena-Rome) by taking the exit toward Pieve Santo Stefano and continuing through the Valtiberina, or via the SS73 bis through Borgo Pace and Sestino from the Marche side. The nearest train station is Sansepolcro, from where you can continue by car or bus.
Hours and admission
Food stalls are generally open from 12:00 PM for lunch and from 7:00 PM for dinner. Admission to the event is free; you only pay for what you consume at the stalls.
Tips
For the updated evening program and stall opening hours, we recommend checking the official Facebook page of the festival. Given the high turnout during concert evenings, it is advisable to arrive early.
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Where does it take place — Chianina Steak Festival
Piazza del Mercato
Piazza del Mercato, 52038 Sestino