Fried Ascolana Olive Festival and Local Products
Five evenings dedicated to Ascolana olives and the flavors of Piceno, in Monteprandone
About Fried Ascolana Olive Festival
A festival that tells the story of Piceno
The Fried Ascolana Olive Festival and Local Products is one of the longest-running and most beloved food and wine events in Monteprandone, a municipality in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region. Founded in the 1970s and reaching its fiftieth anniversary in 2025, the festival is organized by the Pro Loco Monteprandone and takes place in the charming setting of the Parco Comunale Il Boschetto, along Via Leopardi, on the outskirts of the historic center.
The queen of the table: the Ascolana olive
The absolute star is the Ascolana olive, one of the gems of Piceno cuisine: a pitted green tender olive, stuffed with a rich meat filling, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy. Over the years, the Pro Loco has added various creative variations to the classic recipe that intrigue visitors, such as olives with fish, truffle, and cheese. Alongside the olives, the stalls offer traditional first courses and other local products, paired with wines from local wineries.
Atmosphere and entertainment
The festival is not just about good food: every evening, Parco Il Boschetto comes alive with live music, shows, and entertainment designed for children too, in a festive popular atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the Piceno Riviera and the surrounding inland areas. It's one of the best opportunities to discover the hospitality of Monteprandone and the authentic flavors of this corner of southern Marche, just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea and the border with Abruzzo.
Half a century of tradition
With over fifty years of history, the Fried Ascolana Olive Festival is a cornerstone of the Monteprandone summer and an example of how a small community can showcase its products and businesses. The event involves local producers and organizations, helping to keep alive a recipe that has become a gastronomic symbol of the entire province of Ascoli Piceno.
Fried Ascolana Olive Festival — edition 2026
Fried Ascolana Olive Festival 2026 — 51st Edition
The 51st edition of the Fried Ascolana Olive Festival and Local Products will be held in Monteprandone (Ascoli Piceno) from Friday, August 7 to Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with stalls opening in the evening. The setting of the Parco Comunale Il Boschetto, along Via Leopardi, and the organization by Pro Loco Monteprandone are confirmed.
As tradition dictates, the five evenings will revolve around the Ascolana olive in its classic recipe and variations, traditional regional dishes, local products, and wines from Piceno wineries, with live music and entertainment for families.
The detailed program with times and musical events for each evening will be announced by Pro Loco Monteprandone in the weeks preceding the event, on the association's official channels and Facebook page.
Programme Fried Ascolana Olive Festival 2026
The complete schedule for the five evenings, including stall opening times and musical events, will be published by Pro Loco Monteprandone in the weeks leading up to the festival. The usual format includes, for each evening, the opening of food stalls in the evening offering Ascolana olives and their variations, local products, and regional wines, accompanied by live music, shows, and children's entertainment.
Highlights Fried Ascolana Olive Festival 2026
- Ascolana olives in the classic recipe and variations with fish, truffle, and cheese
- Five gastronomic evenings at Parco Comunale Il Boschetto
- Local Piceno products and wines from regional wineries
- Live music and family entertainment
Prices Fried Ascolana Olive Festival 2026
Practical information — Fried Ascolana Olive Festival
Where
Parco Comunale Il Boschetto, Via Giacomo Leopardi, Monteprandone (AP), province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche.
When
In the first half of August, over five evenings. Food stalls generally open from 6:00 PM onwards.
How to get there
By car from the A14 motorway, exit at San Benedetto del Tronto, then head towards Monteprandone. The nearest train station is San Benedetto del Tronto, on the Adriatic line, from which you can continue by bus or car to the village.
Admission
Free entry to the festival area; costs apply to food and drink consumed at the stalls.
Information
Organized by Pro Loco Monteprandone A.P.S. Updates on the program and times on the Pro Loco's Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Fried Ascolana Olive Festival
Parco Comunale Il Boschetto
Parco Comunale Il Boschetto, Via Giacomo Leopardi, 63076 Monteprandone