Monte Food Festival
The festival of gastronomic excellences of Monticelli Terme
About Monte Food
A festival of taste in the heart of the Bassa Parmense
The Monte Food Festival was born in 2023 in Monticelli Terme, the spa hamlet of the Municipality of Montechiarugolo, in the province of Parma, taking over from the historic "Parmigiano Reggiano in Festa" event. In just a few editions, it has become one of the most popular food and wine events in Emilia-Romagna, capable of attracting over ten thousand visitors and focusing on the food excellences of a territory that is the cradle of the king of cheeses.
Parmigiano Reggiano takes center stage
The heart of the event is the promotion of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and the typical products of the Parmesan tradition. Among the most anticipated moments are the spectacular opening of a wheel of Parmigiano and the "Palio di Bontà " (Taste Palio), the award ceremony for the best dairies in the area, often attended by top officials from the Consortium. Alongside the iconic cheese, there are cured meats, fresh pasta, wines, and other specialties, in a journey that tells the story of the agro-food culture of the Emilian Food Valley.
Between taste, music, and culture
The program combines guided tastings, show cooking with chefs and producers, workshops for adults and children, markets of local crafts and typical products, talks on agro-food topics, and lots of music. The evenings conclude with free entry concerts by national artists: in recent editions, groups like Lo Stato Sociale and La Rappresentante di Lista have performed on the stage set up at Area Zinelli. For families, there is a children's area with a funfair, entertainment, and play activities distributed throughout the village.
A widespread event in the village
The event enlivens the historic center of Monticelli Terme, from Area Zinelli to Piazza Fornia, with catering areas managed by local volunteer associations, street markets, and entertainment. In recent years, the festival has also extended to the medieval village of Montechiarugolo, intertwining with other cultural events in the area. The Monte Food Festival is now a key event in September in Parma, perfect for those who want to discover the authentic flavors of Emilia-Romagna in a popular festive atmosphere.
Monte Food — edition 2026
Monte Food Festival 2026
The 2026 edition of the Monte Food Festival is scheduled to take place in Monticelli Terme (Montechiarugolo, Parma) from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026. The formula that has made the event successful is confirmed: tastings, workshops, a street market, a food court, a children's area with a funfair and entertainment, as well as free evening musical performances.
Currently, the detailed program, schedules, and full lineup have not yet been published: the organizers have announced the event, promising updates in the weeks leading up to it. Official information will be released on the channels of the Municipality of Montechiarugolo and on visitmontechiarugolo.it.
Programme Monte Food 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (times, concert lineup, schedule of tastings and workshops) has not yet been published by the organizers. Based on previous editions, the event spans three days with the opening of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano and the "Palio di Bontà ", markets of typical products and crafts, show cooking, guided tastings, activities for children with a funfair, and free evening concerts at Area Zinelli. Updates will be published on visitmontechiarugolo.it and on the social media channels of the Municipality of Montechiarugolo.
Highlights Monte Food 2026
- Opening of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano and "Palio di Bontà "
- Guided tastings and show cooking with chefs and producers
- Free evening concerts at Area Zinelli
- Children's area with funfair and workshops
Prices Monte Food 2026
Practical information — Monte Food
How to get here
Monticelli Terme is located about 15 km from Parma. By car: take the A1 motorway exit for Parma, then head towards Montechiarugolo. By train: arrive at Parma station and then take a local bus to Monticelli Terme.
Admission
Entry to the festival and evening concerts is free. Some guided tastings may require booking.
Information
Municipality of Montechiarugolo, tel. +39 0521 687711 — Tourist Office tel. +39 0521 687736 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Monte Food
Area Zinelli e centro storico di Monticelli Terme
Area Zinelli, Piazza Fornia, 43022 Montechiarugolo