The grand fairy tale festival of Riva del Garda
Notte di Fiaba is one of the most beloved and long-standing events in Trentino. For over sixty years, it has brought the final weekend of August to life in Riva del Garda, on the northern shore of Lake Garda in the province of Trento. Originally conceived in the 1950s as a local community celebration, it has evolved into a true festival dedicated to the world of fairy tales, attracting families and visitors from across the Trentino-Alto Adige region and beyond.
The heart of the event is the fairytale theme chosen for each edition, which inspires the sets, performances, and decorations spread throughout the historic center. The selected story becomes the common thread connecting squares, alleys, and parks, turning Riva del Garda into a vast open-air stage. The Parco della Rocca and the central squares host the main performances, while the town's streets fill with artists, musicians, and performers.
The program, designed primarily for children and families, offers numerous activities every day:
Admission to most events is free; some shows and workshops require prior booking.
Notte di Fiaba is organized by the Comitato Manifestazioni Rivane with the support of the Municipality of Riva del Garda and local partners. More than just a festival, it represents a key part of the local identity and is one of the highlights of the summer on the Trentino side of Lake Garda, blending popular tradition, puppet theater, music, and entertainment in a magical atmosphere that captivates both young and old.
Notte di Fiaba 2026 brings Riva del Garda to life from Wednesday, August 26th to Sunday, August 30th, 2026. The theme chosen for this edition is Tarzan, the famous literary character born in 1912 from the pen of Edgar Rice Burroughs: the deep jungle and the wild will provide the backdrop for adventures that will involve children and parents alike.
As per tradition, the historic center and the Parco della Rocca will host open-air theater performances, concerts, street music, creative workshops, games, and artistic parades with light installations. Most events will be free to attend. The theme was officially announced on August 31, 2025, at the end of the previous edition; the complete program with times, shows, and locations will be made available on the official event website in the months preceding the event.
Riva del Garda is located at the northern end of Lake Garda, in the province of Trento. By car, it can be reached via the A22 Brennero motorway (exit Rovereto Sud/Lago di Garda Nord), continuing along the SS240. By train, the reference station is Rovereto, which is connected to Riva by regular bus services.
Most shows and activities are free to attend. Some workshops and performances require booking: we recommend checking the official program at nottedifiaba.it.
The event takes place in the historic center, which has restricted traffic during the festival. It is advisable to leave your car in the peripheral parking lots and reach the center on foot. Given the high season, it is recommended to book hotels and B&Bs well in advance.
No photos yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.
Centro storico e Parco della Rocca
Viale della Liberazione 7, 38066 Riva del Garda