Chiusure Artichoke Festival
The artichoke celebration in the heart of the Crete Senesi
About Artichoke Festival
The Artichoke Festival in the village of Chiusure
The Chiusure Artichoke Festival is one of the most beloved spring events in the Crete Senesi. It takes place annually during the April 25th long weekend in the charming village of Chiusure, a small hamlet of Asciano in the province of Siena, overlooking the rolling clay hills that have made this corner of Tuscany famous. The undisputed star is the local artichoke, grown in the clay soil and celebrated in every form, from fried artichokes and soups to pasta with artichoke sauce.
Four days of flavor, nature, and tradition
The event, organized by Pro Loco Asciano, spans four days. It opens on Thursday and Friday with the Artichoke Dinner, a journey through traditional peasant flavors accompanied by live music, while the weekend brings the village to life from morning until night with market stalls, excursions, and shows.
The heart of the event is April 25th: from the morning, the streets of Chiusure come alive with artisanal and gourmet markets, stalls selling local products, and a rich array of outdoor activities. Guided trekking, herbalist walks, e-bike outings, and workshops for adults and children allow visitors to discover the Crete Senesi landscape up close, with its gullies, white hills, and views toward the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
Music, excursions, and entertainment
The program alternates between gastronomic and cultural moments: musical aperitifs, live concerts, evening DJ sets, and performances by local folk groups and marching bands. On Sunday, the festival continues in the spirit of nature and popular traditions, with new excursions, workshops, markets, and folk shows closing the edition.
An experience in the heart of the Crete Senesi
More than just a festival, the Artichoke Festival is an opportunity to authentically experience a village in rural Tuscany, far from mass tourism circuits. Between tastings and walks, visitors discover the food and wine culture and the deep bond between Chiusure, its community, and the land of the Crete. The Municipality of Asciano provides a free shuttle service to reach the village during the peak days of the event.
Artichoke Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 Chiusure Artichoke Festival brought the village of Asciano to life from April 23 to 26, confirming the formula that combines gastronomy, nature, and tradition in the Crete Senesi. The opening evenings on Thursday and Friday were dedicated to the Artichoke Dinner, while the weekend brought markets, outdoor activities, workshops, concerts, and popular shows to Chiusure.
Programme Artichoke Festival 2026
Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24
- 8:30 PM — Artichoke Dinner (by reservation only): mixed Tuscan appetizer, artichoke soup, pasta with artichoke sauce, mixed fried meat, fried artichokes, dessert, wine, and water. Price €35 (children 6-12 years €15), accompanied by live music.
Saturday, April 25 — The main day
- From morning: opening of the artisanal and gourmet market and stalls selling local products.
- Morning/Afternoon: guided trekking, e-bike excursions (Crete Ebike Experience), herbalist walks, and workshops for all ages, with a children's area.
- Afternoon: musical performances, musical aperitif.
- Evening: live music, performances throughout the village, and DJ sets.
Sunday, April 26
- Excursions in the Crete Senesi, including toward the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
- Market open, food stands, and workshops.
- Folk performances and live concerts to close the festival.
Free shuttle service provided by the Municipality of Asciano from the Palasport and Piazza della Pace parking lots to Chiusure.
Highlights Artichoke Festival 2026
Prices Artichoke Festival 2026
Practical information — Artichoke Festival
Where it takes place
The festival is held in the village of Chiusure, a hamlet of Asciano (SI), postal code 53041, in the heart of the Crete Senesi.
How to get there
By car from Siena, reach Asciano and then Chiusure (about 30 km from the provincial capital). During the main days, the Municipality of Asciano organizes free shuttles from the Palasport and Piazza della Pace (Giardini) parking lots to Chiusure.
Dinners and reservations
The Artichoke Dinner (Thursday and Friday at 8:30 PM) is by reservation only, with a menu priced at €35 (children aged 6 to 12: €15). Reservations at +39 320 0787722 (WhatsApp available). Trekking, e-bike excursions, and herbalist walks require separate participation fees and bookings.
Tips
We recommend comfortable shoes for excursions in the Crete and booking dinners and outdoor activities in advance, as they are very popular.
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Where does it take place — Artichoke Festival
Borgo di Chiusure
Chiusure, 53041 Asciano