Montecrestese Potato Festival

A quality festival in the heart of the Ossola Valley

The Montecrestese Potato Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Piedmont. Organized by the Pro Loco of Montecrestese, the event takes place in late August at the Municipal Sports Center, celebrating the town's iconic product: the mountain potato, cultivated for generations on the terraced slopes of the Ossola valleys.

Since its inception in 1994, the festival has grown into a regional landmark. In 2024, it became the first event in the VCO area to receive the prestigious Quality Festival (Sagra di Qualità) mark, a recognition honoring product authenticity, culinary excellence, and organizational standards.

Handmade gnocchi: the undisputed stars

The festival's signature dish is handmade gnocchi, prepared by local women of all ages following a traditional recipe and using authentic Montecrestese potatoes. Alongside the gnocchi, the covered restaurant with table service offers a rich menu of Ossola cuisine, featuring local, zero-kilometer products.

Music, dance nights, and a youth area

Beyond the food, the Potato Festival offers an entertainment program that brings every evening to life: live concerts, dance orchestras, DJ sets, and the popular youth area, which kicks off with an opening event featuring music and beer. Visitors can also explore the area through guided walking tours of the hamlets and the most scenic spots in Montecrestese.

An environmentally conscious celebration

The event is officially recognized as an EcoFesta: the use of washable tableware, eco-labeled materials, waste sorting, zero-kilometer sourcing, and a focus on sustainability are core to the festival's identity. The Pro Loco provides free parking, a night shuttle service, and a baby pit stop area for families.

Tradition and conviviality in Piedmont

Attending the Potato Festival means experiencing the authentic warmth of a mountain village in northern Piedmont, discovering the simple, genuine flavors of Ossola cuisine, and supporting a community that proudly preserves its heritage. It is an unmissable event for anyone visiting the Ossola Valley at the end of summer.