October Fair
The historic Autumn Fair of Sant'Ilario d'Enza, S.Ilario dresses in ancient times
About October Fair
The October Fair of Sant'Ilario d'Enza
The October Fair — also commonly called the Autumn Fair — is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Sant'Ilario d'Enza, a municipality in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. It takes place every year on the second Sunday of October and enlivens the streets and squares of the historic center for an entire day, from Piazza IV Novembre to Piazza 18 Marzo, and along Via Roma. It is a traditional public market, regularly registered in the regional register of fairs in Emilia-Romagna, offering food and non-food merchandise.
A tradition along the Via Emilia
Sant'Ilario d'Enza is located along the ancient Via Emilia, on the natural border marked by the Enza river between the Reggio and Parma areas. Formerly a post station and resting place for travelers, the town retains the mark of an ancient commercial vocation in its autumn fair. The event's slogan, "S.Ilario dresses in ancient times", perfectly captures this spirit: a town that for one day rediscovers the atmosphere of the fairs of yesteryear, with stalls filling the center and people arriving from the nearby towns of the Val d'Enza.
What to find at the fair
The October Fair is a large, widespread celebration that combines commerce, gastronomy, culture, and solidarity. Among the usual offerings:
- Extraordinary market along the streets of the center, with hundreds of food and non-food stalls;
- Antique dealers and a market for used goods and collectibles;
- Market of Artisans of Ingenuity and exhibitions of crafts and creativity;
- Luna park for families and children;
- Agricultural and Taste Space with typical products, especially autumn specialties related to chestnuts, and tastings;
- Food stands organized by the Pro Loco and local volunteer associations;
- Historical and photographic exhibitions dedicated to the town's memory.
Culture, shows, and solidarity
Alongside commerce, the day is marked by moments of entertainment and culture: the official opening ceremony in the morning with the cutting of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, performances by dance groups and majorettes in the squares, concerts, and exhibitions in the town's cultural centers. Many volunteer associations are present with their own stalls, making the fair also an opportunity for meeting and supporting local initiatives. It is the festival that closes the beautiful season and accompanies Sant'Ilario d'Enza into the Reggio autumn.
October Fair — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the October Fair in Sant'Ilario d'Enza is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, the second Sunday of the month according to established tradition. The date is registered in the regional portal for public space fairs in Emilia-Romagna, featuring food and non-food merchandise.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition — including times, inauguration, shows, concerts, and stall layout — will be published by the Municipality of Sant'Ilario d'Enza and the Pro Loco associations in the weeks preceding the event, typically starting in September 2026. Based on recent editions, attendees can expect: the inaugural cutting of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, the large extraordinary market in the town's streets, antique dealers, the Artisans of Ingenuity Market, the luna park, the Agricultural and Taste Space with typical autumn products, food stands from the Pro Loco associations, and exhibitions and performances in the town's squares and cultural centers.
It is advisable to consult the official channels of the Municipality for the complete program and definitive times.
Programme October Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Municipality of Sant'Ilario d'Enza and the Pro Loco associations in the weeks leading up to the event, typically starting in September 2026.
Based on recent editions, the day usually unfolds as follows:
- Morning — Opening of the extraordinary market and stands; official inauguration with the cutting of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano in Piazza 18 Marzo.
- All day — Fair market in the streets of the center, antique dealers, Artisans of Ingenuity Market, luna park, Agricultural and Taste Space with typical products and chestnuts.
- Afternoon — Performances by dance groups, majorettes, and local groups in the squares, concerts, and exhibitions in the cultural centers.
Precise times, locations, and guests for the 2026 edition will be confirmed with the official poster.
Highlights October Fair 2026
The large extraordinary market in the historic center, the inaugural cutting of a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, the Agricultural and Taste Space with autumn products and chestnuts, the luna park, and the Pro Loco stands.
Prices October Fair 2026
Practical information — October Fair
When
The second Sunday in October, with events and attractions spread over the weekend (luna park open for several days). The 2026 edition is scheduled for Sunday, October 11.
Where
Historic center of Sant'Ilario d'Enza (RE): Piazza IV Novembre, Piazza 18 Marzo, Via Roma, and surrounding streets.
How to get there
By car: Sant'Ilario d'Enza is located on the Via Emilia (SS9), about 17 km from Reggio Emilia, near the Terre di Canossa-Campegine A1 motorway exit. By train: Sant'Ilario d'Enza station is on the Milan-Bologna line. During the fair, the center is closed to traffic.
Admission
Free admission to the entire event.
Information
Municipality of Sant'Ilario d'Enza — tel. +39 0522 902811, email [email protected].
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Where does it take place — October Fair
Centro storico di Sant'Ilario d'Enza
Centro storico, Piazza IV Novembre, 42049 Sant'Ilario d'Enza