Festa del Risotto di Villimpenta
Three weekends dedicated to risotto alla villimpentese in the Capital of Rice
About Festa del Risotto
The great risotto festival of the Bassa Mantovana
The Festa del Risotto di Villimpenta is one of the most important and oldest gastronomic events in the Province of Mantua. Organized by the Comitato Manifestazioni Villimpentesi, it takes place at the Campo Fiera (fairgrounds) in the Municipality of Villimpenta, on the border with the Verona area, and for a few weeks makes this village in the Bassa the "Capital of Rice".
Risotto alla villimpentese
The signature dish is risotto alla villimpentese, a local traditional recipe served in the large food stands at the festival. Alongside the classic, each evening offers different variations: risotto with pork ribs, risotto with 'pisto' (a type of sausage) and mushrooms, mushroom risotto, risotto with 'pesin' (small lake fish), and, on the last weekend, the characteristic catfish risotto. A section of the menu is also dedicated to Salento flavors, thanks to a twinning with Martano, in the province of Lecce.
An imposing structure
What makes the event unique is its scale: a covered structure of 2,700 square meters with 2,200 seats and a show area for about 1,600 people. Every evening, the kitchen works at full speed while the stage hosts orchestras, DJ sets, and tribute bands with free admission. The funfair, stalls, and entertainment complete the festival, in a popular festive atmosphere that has been attracting visitors from all over the Po Valley for decades, from Mantua to Verona.
Festa del Risotto — edition 2026
The 78th edition of the Festa del Risotto di Villimpenta takes place from May 29 to June 14, 2026, at the Campo Fiera, over three long weekends. In the 2,700 sq m covered structure, with 2,200 seats, risotto alla villimpentese and its variations are served (with pork ribs, 'pisto' and mushrooms, mushroom risotto, 'pesin' risotto, and, on the last weekend, catfish risotto). During the second weekend, there will also be Salento specialties thanks to the twinning with Martano (LE): orecchiette, pittule, and pasticciotto.
Every evening, the show area features free admission live music, including dance orchestras, DJ sets, and tribute bands. A funfair, stalls, and traditional Mantuan desserts complete the festival.
Programme Festa del Risotto 2026
First weekend
- Friday, May 29 — Emilia Rock (Vasco Rossi, Zucchero, Ligabue covers)
- Saturday, May 30 — Celebration 54 (80s music)
- Sunday, May 31 — Latin American evening
- Monday, June 1 — Dj Verbeni (80s/90s music)
- Tuesday, June 2 — Orchestra Mirko Bellutti and Rodella
Second weekend (with Salento specialties)
- Thursday, June 4 — Orchestra Rossella Ferrari
- Friday, June 5 — Dj Yano music machine
- Saturday, June 6 — Ali Nere (Nomadi tribute band)
- Sunday, June 7 — Orchestra Marco e i Niagara
Third weekend (catfish risotto)
- Thursday, June 11 — Orchestra I Rodigini
- Friday, June 12 — Festivallbeer
- Saturday, June 13 — Dj Ramon (90s/2000s music)
- Sunday, June 14 — D'Animos Band
Menu: risotto alla villimpentese, with pork ribs, 'pisto' and mushrooms, mushroom risotto, 'pesin' risotto, and (third weekend) boneless catfish risotto; during the second weekend, Salento orecchiette, pittule, and pasticciotto. Main courses, grilled dishes, side dishes, regional wines (Lugana, Custoza), and traditional Mantuan desserts.
Highlights Festa del Risotto 2026
Prices Festa del Risotto 2026
Practical information — Festa del Risotto
Where
Campo Fiera, Villimpenta (MN), in the Bassa Mantovana region on the border with the province of Verona.
How to get there
Villimpenta is reachable by car from the SS10 Padana Inferiore; it is about 30 km from both Mantua and Verona. Ample parking is available near the Campo Fiera.
Opening hours and admission
Food stands are open every evening; all music shows have free admission. The venue is covered and operates even in case of bad weather.
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Where does it take place — Festa del Risotto
Campo Fiera
Campo Fiera, 46039 Villimpenta