Italian Gelato Festival
Artisan and gourmet gelato in the Park of Villa Ogliani in Rivara
About Italian Gelato Festival
The Italian Gelato Festival in Rivara
The Italian Gelato Festival is the event that, in the town of Rivara, in the province of Turin and the heart of the Canavese, celebrates artisan and gourmet gelato as a symbol of our country's confectionery excellence. The setting is the picturesque Park of Villa Ogliani, on Via Luigi Ogliani, which for several days fills with stalls, aromas, and initiatives dedicated to the most beloved of cold desserts.
Gelato as a story of the land
At the heart of the festival are the master gelato makers from numerous Italian regions, from the Aosta Valley to Basilicata, who offer flavors prepared on the spot with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The 2026 edition was developed around the theme "The territory as an ingredient": each gelato maker created a flavor inspired by a signature product from their own area, telling the story of Italy through gelato. Among the offerings were original flavors such as smoked chestnut from Liguria, cooked grape must from Umbrian wineries, or donkey milk from the Canavese.
Tastings, show cooking, and masterclasses
Alongside the gelato distribution, the program offers a rich calendar of events: guided tastings pairing gelato with wine and local cuisine, live show cooking, talk shows, and thematic masterclasses led by the gelato makers. There is no shortage of gastronomic experiences dedicated to the Canavese, such as the Canavese Merenda Sinoira (traditional afternoon snack) and the Gourmet Dinner featuring courses paired with savory gelatos.
An event for the whole family
The festival is also designed for children with Gelatolandia, a space featuring gelato-making workshops for kids aged 4 to 14, who receive an Apprentice Gelato Maker certificate upon completion. Evenings are enlivened by concerts, DJ sets, and musical performances, while free guided tours and walks allow visitors to discover Rivara and its heritage.
Promoting the Canavese
The core identity of the event is the Canavese Village, which brings together numerous local municipalities to showcase local production, culture, and traditions, alongside the Maestri del Gusto (Masters of Taste) of the Turin Chamber of Commerce and numerous food and wine exhibitors. Promoted by Associainsieme ETS and the Municipality of Rivara, the event is sponsored by the Piedmont Region and the Metropolitan City of Turin, confirming its status as one of Piedmont's most anticipated events dedicated to gelato.
Free admission
Admission to the festival and parking are free, with a dedicated shuttle service. Some experiences, such as the Gourmet Dinner, the Merenda Sinoira, and the Gelatolandia workshops, require booking.
Italian Gelato Festival — edition 2026
The fourth edition of the Italian Gelato Festival was held from June 4 to 7, 2026, in the Park of Villa Ogliani in Rivara, under the claim "The territory as an ingredient." Thirteen master gelato makers from ten regions told the story of Italy through original and identity-driven flavors.
The program opened on Thursday, June 4, with the "Gelato & Glamour" parade and the seven-course Gourmet Dinner featuring savory gelatos. Friday the 5th saw the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the new "Canavese Merenda Sinoira," followed by aperigelato, DJ sets, and the "In the Witches' Woods" walk. Saturday the 6th featured full-swing activities with Gelatolandia for children and the musical evening "Soundtruck Movie Music Movin'." Sunday the 7th hosted the Vespa Club rally for the 80th anniversary of the Vespa, with the commemorative "50 Special" flavor, historical dances, a brass band concert, and thematic masterclasses.
Programme Italian Gelato Festival 2026
Thursday, June 4 — 7 PM: "Gelato & Glamour - The Parade under the Stars." 8:30 PM: Gourmet Dinner (seven courses paired with savory gelatos, six Canavese chefs).
Friday, June 5 — Morning: school visits to workshops. 5 PM: Opening to the public and ribbon-cutting. 6 PM: Debut of the Canavese Merenda Sinoira. Evening: aperigelato, "Notte Brava" DJ set, and "In the Witches' Woods" walk.
Saturday, June 6 — From 10 AM: all activities simultaneously. 11 AM: Gelatolandia (children 4-14 years). Evening: "Soundtruck Movie Music Movin'" with eleven musicians.
Sunday, June 7 — Vespa Club rally for the 80th anniversary of the Vespa, special "50 Special" flavor, historical dances, and brass band concert "La mia banda suona il pop!". 4 PM and 5:30 PM: thematic masterclasses, including Vermouth Ducale transformed into gelato.
Highlights Italian Gelato Festival 2026
- Thirteen master gelato makers from ten Italian regions
- Theme "The territory as an ingredient": one flavor for every territory
- Seven-course Gourmet Dinner with savory gelatos
- New Canavese Merenda Sinoira
- Gelatolandia, workshops for children aged 4 to 14
- Vespa Club rally for the 80th anniversary of the Vespa and "50 Special" flavor
- Canavese Village with sixteen participating municipalities
Prices Italian Gelato Festival 2026
Practical information — Italian Gelato Festival
How to get there
The festival takes place in the Park of Villa Ogliani, Via Luigi Ogliani 4, in Rivara (TO), in the Canavese area. By car from Turin, it can be reached in about 40 minutes via the SP460 del Gran Paradiso road. During the event, free parking is available with a shuttle service every 15 minutes.
Admission and bookings
Admission is free. The Canavese Merenda Sinoira (classic 18 euros, vegetarian 23 euros), the Gourmet Dinner, and the Gelatolandia workshops require booking.
Contacts
Email: [email protected]. Official website: www.festivaldelgelatoitaliano.it. Updates on the festival's Facebook and Instagram channels.
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Where does it take place — Italian Gelato Festival
Parco di Villa Ogliani
Via Luigi Ogliani 4, 10080 Rivara