Cold Fair — Chestnut Festival

The chestnut festival in the heart of Val d'Arda

The Cold Fair — Chestnut Festival is one of the most deeply rooted autumn events in the Piacenza area. It is held in Lugagnano Val d'Arda, a town in the Alta Val d'Arda in the province of Piacenza (Emilia-Romagna), and every late October it transforms the historic center into a large popular festival dedicated to the symbolic fruit of the Apennines: the chestnut.

The name "Cold Fair" evokes the late autumn atmosphere, when the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts wafts through the streets of the village and visitors gather around the braziers of the chestnut vendors. It is an event that combines gastronomy, market, music, and conviviality, attracting thousands of people from all over the province and neighboring valleys.

A tradition over sixty years old

The festival has an important history: the 2025 edition was the 63rd, a sign of continuity rooted in the valley's farming culture. Organized by the Pro Loco of Lugagnano Val d'Arda, the Cold Fair has grown over the years to become a benchmark event for those who want to discover the autumn flavors of the Piacenza region.

What to find at the fair

The event takes place along the streets and squares of the center — including Via Bersani, Via Fleming, Via San Giovanni Bosco, Via Illica, and Piazza Casana — with dozens of stalls dedicated to food and non-food products. Visitors can expect:

• Roasted chestnuts prepared by vendors in the square
• Food stalls with traditional Piacenza dishes and typical products from Val d'Arda
• Markets with artisan, food, and hobby products
• Live music, dancing, and bands in the squares
• Exhibitions, costume parades, and entertainment
• Amusement park and activities for children

An opportunity to discover the Alta Val d'Arda

Visiting the Cold Fair is also a way to discover Lugagnano and the Alta Val d'Arda in one of the most evocative seasons, amidst the colors of the Apennine autumn and the hospitality of a village that comes alive with people, scents, and traditions for a day. A free, outdoor event, suitable for families and food enthusiasts.