Modena Gluten-Free
The travelling street food festival 100% gluten-free in Piazza Matteotti
About Modena Gluten-Free
An all-gluten-free festival in the heart of Modena
For four days, Piazza Matteotti, one of the most central and lively squares in the capital of the province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, hosts Modena Senza Glutine, the Modena stop of the first travelling Italian festival entirely dedicated to 100% gluten-free food. The initiative, promoted by the AFC (Alimentazione Fuori Casa) food truck circuit with the patronage of the Municipality of Modena, brings a gastronomic and cultural experience to the historic centre, designed for coeliac people but capable of engaging anyone who loves to eat well.
Certified street food for everyone
The heart of the event is a lineup of strictly certified gluten-free trucks and exhibitors, offering a rich and varied menu: Abruzzese arrosticini, Ascolana olives, fried mozzarella balls, Black Angus burgers, smash burgers, Sicilian cannoli filled on the spot, arancini, Tyrolean potato rösti, and French fries prepared in various ways. There is also craft draft beer, also strictly gluten-free. The added value is the possibility, often denied elsewhere, to choose freely at the counter without worrying about contamination.
Market, entertainment, and education
Alongside the gastronomic area, there is a market dedicated to gluten-free products and an entertainment schedule designed for all ages: street artist performances, background music, and animation moments that make the square a lively and engaging place. A talk area also hosts meetings and workshops in collaboration with AIC, the Italian Celiac Association, with healthcare professionals specialising in coeliac disease, to inform and raise awareness during an occasion that also ties into Coeliac Disease Week.
An accessible and quality experience
Modena Senza Glutine combines taste, food safety, and socialising in a single setting, offering an accessible and quality experience in the heart of the city. The travelling formula brings the same format to various Italian cities, but in Modena, it takes on a special flavour thanks to the setting of Piazza Matteotti and the backdrop of Emilia's food and wine tradition. Admission is free on all days of the event.
Modena Gluten-Free — edition 2026
The first stop of the travelling gluten-free festival enlivened the historic centre of Modena for four days, transforming Piazza Matteotti into a large gluten-free food village. Alongside the food trucks and the market of certified products, the programme included music, street artist performances, and a rich educational area created with AIC, the Italian Celiac Association, on the occasion of Coeliac Disease Week.
Programme Modena Gluten-Free 2026
Opening hours
- Thursday, May 7th — 6:00 PM–11:30 PM
- Friday, May 8th — 11:00 AM–11:30 PM
- Saturday, May 9th — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM and 6:00 PM–11:30 PM
- Sunday, May 10th — 11:00 AM–4:00 PM and 6:00 PM–10:30 PM
100% gluten-free street food
Certified AFC circuit food trucks with completely gluten-free menus: Abruzzese arrosticini, Ascolana olives, fried mozzarella balls, Black Angus burgers, smash burgers, Sicilian cannoli filled on the spot, arancini, Tyrolean potato rösti, and gluten-free draft beer.
Market and entertainment
- Market dedicated to gluten-free products
- Street artist performances, music, and animation moments
- Children's readings: Saturday at 6:00 PM and Sunday at 5:00 PM
Talk area with AIC — Italian Celiac Association
- Saturday, May 9th, 12:00 PM — "Coeliac disease today: diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment paths". Moderated by Luciano Galassi (AIC vice-president); speakers include Dr. Valentina Boarino (gastroenterologist, Policlinico di Modena) and Dr. Laura Viola (paediatrician specialising in immunoallergology, Rimini).
- Sunday, May 10th, 11:45 AM — "Cooking after diagnosis: turning a limitation into an opportunity", with Ilaria Bertinelli (Health and Performance Chef ALMA, food blogger and author).
An information desk managed by AIC volunteers was active throughout the festival.
Highlights Modena Gluten-Free 2026
- Four days of entirely certified gluten-free street food in Piazza Matteotti
- Talks with AIC and healthcare professionals during Coeliac Disease Week
- Show cooking and meeting with chef Ilaria Bertinelli
- Gluten-free product market and entertainment for children
Prices Modena Gluten-Free 2026
Practical information — Modena Gluten-Free
Where
Piazza Matteotti, historic centre of Modena (MO), Emilia-Romagna. The square is a short walk from Piazza Grande and the Duomo, in the pedestrianised city centre.
How to get there
By train: Modena station is about a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. By car: it is advisable to use the car parks around the historic centre, as the area has limited traffic. Walking or cycling from the centre is the most convenient option.
Admission and opening hours
Free admission. Opening hours: Thursday 6:00 PM–11:30 PM, Friday 11:00 AM–11:30 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM and 6:00 PM–11:30 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM–4:00 PM and 6:00 PM–10:30 PM. You only pay for what you consume at the stalls.
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Where does it take place — Modena Gluten-Free
Piazza Matteotti
Piazza Matteotti, 41121 Modena