Saint John the Baptist Festival of Lonato

The Patron Saint's Feast

In Lonato del Garda, in the province of Brescia, the patron saint is Saint John the Baptist, and his feast day - which falls on June 24th - is the occasion for the town's big summer festival. In 2026, the Saint John the Baptist Festival reaches its 19th edition, scheduled from June 19 to 23 at Parco delle Pozze (G. Papa Park), in the Pozze area.

Five Days of Celebration

The festival offers a rich and varied program, designed for all ages: live music, dancing with orchestras, a play area for children, and a funfair for teenagers. A tried-and-tested formula that makes the park the center of Lonato's evening life for almost a week, attracting families and visitors from the nearby towns of the Brescia side of Lake Garda.

Gastronomy: Spiedo and Melonera

As with any self-respecting festival, Lonato's also has its star dishes. The food stalls offer local specialties, with a signature dish: the 'spiedo bresciano', prepared by the Alpini on Saturdays. Every evening, the unmissable 'melonera', a tasting of melon, a sweet summer tradition of the festival.

A Community Festival

The event is organized by the Parish of Lonato together with the Municipality, the NOI club, and the Alpini Association: an example of how, in the towns of Garda, the patron saint's feast is still a moment of strong cohesion, built by local volunteering and associations. For Lonato del Garda, the Saint John the Baptist Festival is one of the most cherished events of the summer.