Rooster Festival
Edition 2026 Contemporary circus Gastronomy Wine

Rooster Festival

The grilled rooster festival in the heart of the Sienese Chianti

Castelnuovo Berardenga — Siena (052) Since 2013
Dates 11 Jun — 14 Jun 2026
Location Castelnuovo Berardenga (052)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Rooster Festival

In the heart of the Sienese Chianti, in Castelnuovo Berardenga, the Rooster Festival is one of the most anticipated events of early summer. For four days, the Giardini della Rimembranza and Piazza Marconi fill with the aromas of the grill, live music, craft markets, and performances. Grilled rooster, the signature dish paired with Chianti wine, is the true star of this popular festival that blends Tuscan gastronomic tradition with a love for community.

A popular festival in the heart of Chianti

The Rooster Festival is one of the most beloved local fairs in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the province of Siena, in the heart of the Sienese Chianti. Organized by the Il Pratone association with the support of the local municipality, it brings the Giardini della Rimembranza and Piazza G. Marconi to life for four days, transforming the town center into a vibrant hub of good food, music, and conviviality.

Grilled rooster, the absolute star

The heart of the event is, of course, the food. The grilled rooster, the festival's signature dish, is cooked over the grill and served alongside the best specialties of Tuscan cuisine and, naturally, a glass of Chianti. The food stand opens every evening and also offers the famous aperifritto (fried appetizers) and charcuterie boards, while the Gallo Brillo Bar serves cocktails until late.

Music, artists, and markets

Beyond the table, the Rooster Festival offers a rich entertainment program: DJ sets, tribute band concerts, contemporary circus performances, aerial dance and fire shows, street performers, and workshops for children. On the weekend, the Artisti e Mestieri craft market fills the streets with hobbyists and master artisans, accompanied by exhibitions and live portrait sessions.

A tradition rooted in the territory

Founded in 2013, the festival has grown edition after edition thanks to the work of the volunteers from the Il Pratone association, who have made it a landmark for the start of summer in the Sienese Chianti. It is an event deeply tied to the community of Castelnuovo Berardenga, capable of uniting tradition, quality, and that spirit of togetherness that has always characterized Tuscan village festivals.

When it takes place

The Rooster Festival is traditionally held in June, spanning a weekend for four days of festivities from Thursday to Sunday. Admission to the area is free: you only pay for what you consume at the food stands and the bar.

Rooster Festival — edition 2026

The 14th edition of the Rooster Festival took place from June 11 to 14, 2026, at the Giardini della Rimembranza in Castelnuovo Berardenga. Four days of grilled rooster, fried appetizers, and Chianti, accompanied by DJ sets, contemporary circus, aerial dance, a craft market, and the final concert by a Zucchero tribute band.

The 2026 edition of the Rooster Festival celebrated the event's fourteenth anniversary, confirming the four-day festival format in the heart of the Sienese Chianti. Between food stands, shows, and the artisan market, the public was able to enjoy grilled rooster and toast with local wine.

Programme Rooster Festival 2026

Thursday, June 11

  • 18:30 — "Waiting for the Rooster" Aperitivo: fried food, charcuterie boards, champagne, and 50s-80s vintage music

Friday, June 12

  • 18:30 — Aperifritto
  • 19:30 — Food stand opening
  • 22:00 — Show with DJ set, aerial dance, and fire performance

Saturday, June 13

  • 16:30 — Opening of the "Where it all began" exhibition
  • 18:30 — Craft market and aperifritto
  • 19:30 — Food stand
  • 21:00 — Contemporary circus show
  • 22:00 — DJ set

Sunday, June 14

  • 10:00 — Exhibition opening
  • 17:30 — Craft market, circus workshop, and artistic portraits
  • 18:30 — Circus show and aperifritto
  • 22:00 — Concert: Chocaband — Zucchero Tribute Band

Highlights Rooster Festival 2026

The final concert by Chocaband, a Zucchero tribute band; contemporary circus shows with aerial dance and fire; grilled rooster and the Artisti e Mestieri craft market.

Prices Rooster Festival 2026

Free entry to the festival area. Food and drinks at the stands and bar at affordable festival prices.

Practical information — Rooster Festival

Location

Giardini della Rimembranza and Piazza G. Marconi, in the center of Castelnuovo Berardenga (SI), in the Sienese Chianti.

How to get there

By car: Castelnuovo Berardenga is easily reached from the Siena-Bettolle highway (Sinalunga or Siena Sud exits). By train: the most convenient station is Siena, from where you can continue by bus or car (about 20 km).

Admission and costs

Access to the festival area is free. The food stands, bar, and paid shows offer affordable, traditional festival prices. It is recommended to arrive early on weekend evenings to avoid queues at the rooster stand.

Contacts

Information and program updates are available on the official Rooster Festival social media pages.

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Where does it take place — Rooster Festival

Giardini della Rimembranza e Piazza G. Marconi

Giardini della Rimembranza, 53019 Castelnuovo Berardenga

Rooster Festival in brief

Contemporary circus Gastronomy Wine Local produce Folk traditions Folklore Crafts Outdoor Free Siena

History of Rooster Festival