Street food, crafts, and performances in the village of Colonna
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
Every September, La Piazza dei Sapori e dei Mestieri transforms the historic center of Colonnaโone of the smallest and most picturesque villages in the Castelli Romaniโinto a vibrant open-air festival. For four days, the town's streets and squares are filled with aromas, music, and smiles, offering a program that blends gastronomy, craftsmanship, and live entertainment. Admission is free, and the event draws visitors from across the Metropolitan City of Rome and the wider Lazio region.
The heart of the event is its culinary offering: street food stands line the village streets, serving specialties from around the world alongside traditional products from the Castelli Romani region. It is a culinary journey that invites guests to linger from the afternoon until late at night in a convivial and informal atmosphere.
Alongside the food, the trades that give the event its name take center stage. Craft markets and live demonstrations by artisans bring ancient traditions and manual techniques back to life, offering visitors the chance to discover unique creations and observe time-honored skills up close.
Evenings are enlivened by street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and fire shows wandering through the historic center. Each night, a live concert turns the main square into a stage; past editions have featured tribute bands, orchestras, and musical ensembles that keep the crowd dancing until late.
La Piazza dei Sapori e dei Mestieri is also designed with families in mind, featuring creative workshops and playful activities for children. This format makes the festival an ideal destination for a family outing, perfectly balancing fun, culture, and great food.
Nestled in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome, Colonna is the smallest municipality in the Castelli Romani by area and is renowned for its winemaking tradition. La Piazza dei Sapori e dei Mestieri is one of the most anticipated events on the local calendar, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality and identity of this Lazio village in a festive setting.
The new edition of La Piazza dei Sapori e dei Mestieri is scheduled to take place in Colonna, in the Castelli Romani, during September 2026. At the moment, the Pro Loco Colonna has not yet published the final dates or the full program.
Based on previous editions, the event is expected to span four days with street food stands from around the world, craft markets, traditional trades, street performers, stilt walkers, fire shows, children's workshops, and live concerts every evening. Admission is traditionally free.
Information will be updated as soon as the organization releases the official 2026 calendar.
Colonna is located in the Castelli Romani, about 30 km southeast of Rome. By car, it can be reached via the A1 motorway (exit Monte Porzio Catone / San Cesareo) or via Via Casilina. By train, the nearest stations are Zagarolo or Montecompatri-Laghetto on the Rome-Cassino line, with connecting bus or taxi services available.
Admission is free. The event generally takes place in the afternoon and evening, with food stands open from the early afternoon until late at night, and live concerts held in the early evening.
We recommend arriving early to find parking in the areas surrounding the historic center, which is pedestrianized during the event.
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Centro storico di Colonna