Frog Festival of Invillino
Edition 2026 Music Folk Gastronomy

Frog Festival of Invillino

Over half a century of fried frogs, frico, and dancing nights in the heart of Carnia

Villa Santina — Udine (030) Since 1970
Dates 23 May โ€” 01 Jun 2026
Location Villa Santina (030)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Frog Festival

In Invillino, a hamlet of Villa Santina in Carnia, the Frog Festival is one of the most beloved and long-standing gastronomic events in Friuli Venezia Giulia. For over fifty years, between late May and early June, fried frogs are the stars of a menu ranging from frico with polenta to homemade gnocchi, accompanied by dancing nights, live music, and charity initiatives.

A Tradition Over Half a Century Old

Few events capture the Friulian spirit of conviviality like the Frog Festival of Invillino. Now in its 56th edition, this historic village festival transforms the hamlet of Villa Santina, in the heart of Carnia, into a grand gathering place for food lovers, families, and dancers for several days, attracting visitors from all over the province of Udine and beyond.

Frogs, Queens of the Table

The signature dish is, of course, the fried frogs, crispy and fragrant, prepared according to traditional recipes. Alongside them, the food stalls offer small fried squid, frico with polenta, and homemade potato gnocchi, as well as dishes like venison with polenta: a hearty and authentic menu that combines earthy flavors and seasonal specialties, in perfect Carnic style.

Dancing, Music, and Fun

The festival isn't just about food: every evening, the dance floor comes alive with dancing nights, ballroom dancing, and live music, with different orchestras and bands at each event. Among the most cherished initiatives are the dart tournament "Rana Darts Divilin", organized by ASD Darts FVG, and the charity relay race "Running for a Smile: Together for Lorenzo", which links the festival to solidarity.

The Heart of Invillino

Organized by the community of Invillino with the support of the Municipality of Villa Santina, the festival is much more than a gastronomic event: it's a moment when the entire hamlet gets involved, from the kitchens to the setup and hospitality. An event that, edition after edition, continues to keep one of Carnia's most genuine traditions alive.

Frog Festival โ€” edition 2026

The 56th Frog Festival in Invillino takes place on May 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, and June 1, 2026. Fried frogs are the stars, with small fried squid, frico with polenta, and homemade gnocchi, accompanied by dancing nights, live music, the Rana Darts Divilin dart tournament, and the charity relay for Lorenzo.

The 56th edition is spread over several days between late May and early June: May 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, and June 1, 2026. Each evening features traditional dishes, with fried frogs in the spotlight, and musical entertainment with different orchestras and bands. There's also space for sports and solidarity with the dart tournament and the charity relay.

Programme Frog Festival 2026

Schedule and main events for the 2026 edition (May 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, and June 1):

  • Opening of the food stalls on all days, with fried frogs, small fried squid, frico with polenta, and homemade gnocchi
  • Dancing nights with ballroom dancing and live music, different bands each night
  • Saturday, May 30, 2:00 PM: "Rana Darts Divilin" dart tournament by ASD Darts FVG
  • Sunday, May 31, 10:00 AM: "Running for a Smile: Together for Lorenzo" charity relay race

The full hourly schedule for the evenings will be published by the organizers closer to the event.

Highlights Frog Festival 2026

Traditional fried frogs, dancing nights with live bands, the Rana Darts Divilin dart tournament, and the charity relay for Lorenzo.

Prices Frog Festival 2026

Free admission; food and drinks at the stalls are paid.

Practical information — Frog Festival

How to get there: Invillino is a hamlet of Villa Santina, in Carnia, reachable from Tolmezzo along the state road towards Ampezzo.

Admission: free entry; food and drinks at the stalls are paid.

Accommodation: accommodation facilities in Villa Santina, Tolmezzo, and in the municipalities of Carnia.

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Where does it take place โ€” Frog Festival

Invillino di Villa Santina

Frog Festival in brief

Music Folk Gastronomy Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Sport Outdoor Udine

History of Frog Festival