Goat and Donkey Fair of Ardesio
The great mountain livestock fair in Ardesio
About Goat Fair
The mountain farming festival
The Goat and Donkey Fair is the winter event that every February draws breeders and rural culture enthusiasts to Ardesio, in the upper Seriana Valley (province of Bergamo). Originally established to promote alpine goat farming, the fair has grown into a regional attraction, drawing thousands of visitors from across Lombardy.
The goat competition, heart of the event
The highlight is the goat competition: from early morning, breeders register their animals and participate in the pre-selection, awaiting the announcement of the best specimens. Alongside the competition, the fair features animal exhibitions, agricultural equipment, and livestock products.
Crafts, flavors, and tradition
The day is enhanced by:
- demonstrations of traditional crafts (blacksmithing, basket weaving, wood carving)
- stands and demonstrations of cheesemaking with local goat cheeses
- tasting the "farmer's breakfast" as part of the "Discover Ardesio" initiative
- Bergamasque folk music concerts
- guided tours of the artistic heritage and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie
An Orange Flag village
The fair is part of the tradition of Ardesio, recognized with the Orange Flag by the Touring Club Italiano, and offers a valuable opportunity to discover the alpine culture of the Orobie Alps in the heart of winter.
Goat Fair — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 26th Goat Fair and 24th Donkey Fair, will take place on Sunday, February 8, in Ardesio, organized by the Pro Loco.
The day begins at 7:00 AM with registrations and the goat competition, continues with the "Europa Arcaica – The Face of Its Rites" exhibition and the tasting of the farmer's breakfast, guided tours of the artistic heritage and the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, afternoon Bergamasque folk music concerts, and the prize draw, with a Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 motorcycle as the grand prize. Throughout the day, traditional craft demonstrations and cheese stands will be active.
Programme Goat Fair 2026
Sunday, February 8, 2026
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM — Registrations and goat competition with pre-selection (breeder contacts: +39 340 3001172)
- 10:00 AM — Opening of the "Europa Arcaica – The Face of Its Rites" exhibition and "Discover Ardesio" initiative with farmer's breakfast
- From 12:00 PM — Special priced lunches at local establishments
- 2:30 PM — Guided tour of the artistic heritage and the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie
- 3:30 PM — Bergamasque folk music concerts
- 5:00 PM — Prize draw (first prize: Husqvarna Svartpilen 125cc motorcycle)
All day: demonstrations of traditional crafts (blacksmithing, basket weaving, wood carving), cheese stands, and exhibitions.
Highlights Goat Fair 2026
The morning goat competition, the traditional craft demonstrations, and the Bergamasque folk music concerts are the highlights of the fair.
Prices Goat Fair 2026
Practical information — Goat Fair
How to get there
Ardesio can be reached by car from Bergamo along the SS671 of the Seriana Valley. The fair takes place in the town center.
Opening hours
Goat competition registrations and judging from 7:00 AM; exhibition and cultural events from 10:00 AM; folk music concerts from 3:30 PM.
Contacts
Pro Loco Ardesio, phone +39 0346 33289, email [email protected]. Breeder registrations at +39 340 3001172.
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Where does it take place — Goat Fair
Centro di Ardesio