Ionian Fair
Ten days of Sicilian craftsmanship and food in the Baroque heart of Acireale
About Ionian Fair
A historic fair in the Baroque heart of Acireale
The Ionian Fair is one of the most beloved events in the calendar of Acireale, a Baroque city in the province of Catania overlooking the Ionian Sea. For ten days in early September, the historic center turns into a large open-air exhibition route: stands wind along Corso Umberto, from Piazza Indirizzo to Piazza Duomo, and continue along the lower stretch of Corso Savoia, just a few steps from the Cathedral and the monumental churches that have made the Acireale Baroque famous.
The roots: from the Fiera Franca of Santa Venera to 1932
The modern fair was established in 1932, but its roots go much further back: it commemorates the ancient Fiera Franca of Santa Venera, granted by privilege in 1422 by Alfonso the Magnanimous, during which products from Mount Etna were traded. It is, therefore, an event that weaves together commerce, identity, and the historical memory of the local area, preserved today by the municipal administration with the support of the Sicilian Region and the local Pro Loco.
What you will find at the fair
The heart of the event is high-quality Sicilian craftsmanship and agrifood products. Among the over one hundred stands, you can discover:
- live artisanal work and demonstrations of artistic trades;
- typical products from Mount Etna and the Ionian coast, sweets, preserves, and specialties to enjoy on-site;
- street food and traditional gastronomic offerings;
- evening concerts with cover bands and musical entertainment;
- workshops, entertainment, and shows for children.
An event for families
The Ionian Fair is designed especially for families: you can stroll among the stalls, watch the roving encounters between exhibitors and visitors, stop by the children's area in Piazza Indirizzo, and stay until the evening for the concerts. Admission is free, and the evening hours make the visit pleasant even on the still-warm days of the Sicilian September. For those visiting Acireale, the fair is also the perfect opportunity to admire one of the most beautiful Baroque centers in Eastern Sicily.
Ionian Fair — edition 2026
The 2026 Ionian Fair will be held in Acireale from September 4 to 13, 2026, open to the public daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the historic center, just a few steps from the Cathedral and the city's monumental churches.
The public notice for the participation of agrifood and artisanal companies has already been published by the Municipality: applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026, while operators expressing interest by May 31, 2026, will benefit from a reduction in the participation fee. Three types of stands are provided: 3x1 meter wooden hut, 3x2 meter wooden hut, and 4x4 meter PVC pagoda.
The detailed program of shows, evening concerts, workshops, and children's entertainment will be published in the weeks preceding the event. In line with previous editions, over one hundred craft and agrifood stands are expected along Corso Umberto and Corso Savoia, along with evening musical entertainment and family activities. Admission remains free.
Programme Ionian Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (shows, evening concerts, workshops, and children's entertainment) will be published in the weeks preceding the event on the official channels of the Municipality of Acireale and the Ionian Fair.
Usual structure of the fair, based on previous editions:
- over 100 stands of Sicilian crafts and food along Corso Umberto (from Piazza Indirizzo to Piazza Duomo) and Corso Savoia;
- evening concerts and musical entertainment;
- children's area in Piazza Indirizzo with entertainment, games, and shows;
- roving encounters between exhibitors and visitors, live artisanal work, and tastings of typical products.
Highlights Ionian Fair 2026
- Confirmed dates: September 4 - 13, 2026, daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Over one hundred stands of Sicilian crafts and food in the Baroque historic center of Acireale.
- Free admission, event designed for families.
Prices Ionian Fair 2026
Practical information — Ionian Fair
When
Every year in September, for ten days, with evening opening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (extended hours on Sundays and activities for children in the late afternoon).
Where
Historic center of Acireale (CT): Corso Umberto from Piazza Indirizzo to Piazza Duomo and the lower stretch of Corso Savoia.
How to get there
By car: A18 Messina-Catania motorway, Acireale exit. By train: Acireale station on the Messina-Catania-Syracuse line. Nearest airport: Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 30 km).
Parking
Area Com (access from Via Felice Paradiso) and the first two levels of the Via Galatea parking lot.
Admission
Free.
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Where does it take place — Ionian Fair
Centro storico di Acireale
Corso Umberto, 95024 Acireale