Potato Festival and Gnocchi Feast
The IGP potato from Montescudo is the star of the second August weekend on the Rimini hills
About Potato Festival
A Gastronomic Tradition of the Rimini Hills
The Potato Festival and Gnocchi Feast is one of the most cherished events of the summer in the hinterland of Rimini. It takes place in the historic center of Montescudo, a district of the Municipality of Montescudo-Monte Colombo, in the province of Rimini (Emilia-Romagna), and returns punctually every year on the second weekend of August. It is organized by the Pro Loco Montescudo Association, which for over fifty years has preserved this popular festival born to promote the flagship product of the Rimini hills: the potato.
The Montescudo IGP Potato
The absolute star is the Montescudo Potato, cultivated on the clayey soils of the hills overlooking the sea and now protected by the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) recognition. During the festival, it is featured in all its variations: from the famous gnocchi dressed according to home recipes to baked cod with potatoes, from the inevitable piadina to the most delicious specialties like fried doughnuts, desserts, and even potato ice cream. The food stalls, set up in the streets and squares of the village, are the beating heart of the event.
The Pardon Fair
The gastronomic aspect is complemented by the traditional Pardon Fair, a market that brings the agricultural and artisanal products of the Montescudo and Monte Colombo territory to the historic center. Here, the Montescudo IGP Potato is sold directly from producers to consumers, along with local wine, oil, honey, terracotta items, and Romagna prints. The fair remains open for the entire duration of the festival, animating the town from the afternoon until late at night.
Music, Entertainment, and Village Atmosphere
Both days are accompanied by orchestras, musical performances, and entertainment that transform the village into a large open-air celebration. The formula is that of a classic Romagna festival: communal tables, good food, live music, and the typical hospitality of the hill people. To facilitate visitors, the organization provides free parking and a free shuttle service, while admission is free.
Between Sea and Hills
Visiting the festival is also an opportunity to discover Montescudo, a small village a few kilometers from Rimini and the Adriatic coast, nestled in a landscape of cultivated hills. An ideal destination for those seeking authentic Romagna, made of tradition, genuine flavors, and hospitality.
Potato Festival — edition 2026
The 52nd edition of the Potato Festival and Gnocchi Feast is scheduled for Montescudo (RN) on Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th, 2026. As per tradition, the Pro Loco's food stalls will offer gnocchi, baked cod with potatoes, piadina, and desserts made with Montescudo IGP Potato, while the historic Pardon Fair, featuring local agricultural and artisanal products, will be held in the village streets. Free admission, free parking, and shuttle service are confirmed.
The detailed schedule of orchestras, shows, and entertainment for the two evenings will be published by Pro Loco Montescudo in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Programme Potato Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including orchestras and evening shows, will be announced by Pro Loco Montescudo in the weeks preceding the event. Based on the usual festival schedule, the following structure is expected:
Saturday, August 8th
- From the afternoon: opening of the Pardon Fair with agricultural and artisanal products from the area
- From 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM — opening of food stalls (gnocchi, cod with potatoes, piadina, potato desserts)
- In the evening — musical entertainment with orchestra and shows
Sunday, August 9th
- From the morning: Pardon Fair and direct sale of Montescudo IGP Potato
- From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM — opening of food stalls for lunch
- From 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM — reopening of food stalls
- In the evening — live music and entertainment
Highlights Potato Festival 2026
- Gnocchi and specialties made with Montescudo IGP Potato
- The historic Pardon Fair with agricultural and artisanal products
- Evenings enlivened by orchestras and musical performances
- Free admission, free parking, and shuttle service
Prices Potato Festival 2026
Practical information — Potato Festival
When
Second weekend of August. 2026 edition: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August.
Where
Historic center of Montescudo, district of the Municipality of Montescudo-Monte Colombo (RN). Stalls and fair between Piazza del Municipio and the village streets.
How to get there
By car: from the SS16 Adriatica or from the Rimini Sud exit of the A14 motorway, continue towards the hinterland (about 20 minutes from Rimini). Free parking and free shuttle service available for visitors.
Admission and hours
Free admission. Food stalls open on Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Pardon Fair on Saturday from the afternoon until midnight and on Sunday from morning until midnight.
Contacts
Pro Loco Montescudo Association — tel. +39 392 3781629 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Potato Festival
Centro storico di Montescudo
Piazza del Municipio 1, 47854 Montescudo-Monte Colombo