Freshwater Fish Festival

The Freshwater Fish Festival

The Freshwater Fish Festival is the autumn highlight that Garda Trentino dedicates to local lake fish species. It is part of the Month of Taste, a major festival held throughout October that celebrates the region's finest products and flavors. The event spans three days and involves three towns overlooking the upper Lake Garda: Torbole (part of the municipality of Nago-Torbole), Riva del Garda, and Arco, all located in the province of Trento, in Trentino-Alto Adige.

A tradition of fishermen

The festival is deeply rooted in the history of Torbole, a village that relied on fishing for centuries. The preparation and cooking of lake fish—such as pike, trout, whitefish, and char—are central to the gastronomic identity of the Trentino shore of Lake Garda. Each edition brings this heritage to the town squares, showcasing recipes that pair freshwater fish with mountain herbs, embodying the unique dialogue between lake and mountain that defines the territory.

A program across squares and harbors

The heart of the festival in Torbole is Fish in the Square, which brings life to Piazza Lietzmann with a communal lunch, and the Fishermen's Harbor, featuring lake-themed street food. Alongside the Torbole events, the festival offers activities spread across Riva del Garda and Arco:

• Creek Chic in Riva del Garda: zero-mile tapas and cocktails with chef Stefano Rossi;
• Fish in the Square in Torbole: traditional lunch in Piazza Lietzmann;
• Lake Street Food at the Torbole Fishermen's Harbor;
• Torbole Pike Trophy: a pike fishing competition with weigh-ins and boat awards;
• Fizz & Fish at the Monastero Arx Vivendi in Arco: gourmet dinner with wine pairings.

Local products and supply chain

The festival's raw materials come from the Trentino fishing industry, with partners like Troticoltura Armanini and Astro ensuring the quality of the lake fish. The event involves local chefs, fishing associations like Montagna Liquida, and the ENAIP vocational training center of Riva del Garda, which gives young students the chance to work alongside professional chefs.

An opportunity to discover Garda Trentino

Beyond the table, the Freshwater Fish Festival is an invitation to explore the upper Garda region in autumn, when summer tourism gives way to a more intimate atmosphere. Lakeside walks, historic villages, and the lake's waters provide the perfect backdrop for an event that combines taste, tradition, and sustainability in the municipality of Nago-Torbole and surrounding areas.