San Donato Patronal Fair
Pinerolo's grand August fair dedicated to the city's patron saint
About San Donato Fair
The most anticipated patronal fair in the Pinerolo area
The San Donato Patronal Fair, known to locals simply as the San Donato Fair or the August Fair, is the most cherished summer event in Pinerolo. Held in Pinerolo, in the province of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont, it is dedicated to San Donato, the city's patron saint. The event traditionally takes place over the weekend of the last Sunday in August, enlivening the historic center, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza d'Armi, and Piazza Terzo Alpini.
A tradition dating back to the Middle Ages
The origins of Pinerolo's fairs are lost in time: the city was founded around the year 1000 thanks to donations from Countess Adelaide, and even then, the first market events began to take shape around the abbey and later the cathedral. Like many Italian fairs, the Pinerolo event has medieval roots linked to the Christian feast of the patron saint. Over the centuries, the San Donato Fair has maintained this religious connection while transforming into a major showcase for the region and its economy.
What makes the Fair special
- Over 2 km of market stalls along Corso Torino and Stradale Fenestrelle, featuring everything from clothing to handicrafts.
- The Agricultural Machinery and Products Exhibition, a historic part of the fair, set up in Piazza d'Armi.
- Equestrian and canine shows, a legacy of Pinerolo's strong cavalry tradition as the historic home of the Cavalry Corps.
- Sports tournaments open to everyone, from green volley to pétanque, tennis, and chess.
- The funfair in Piazza Terzo Alpini and the food area with local specialties like sandwiches, crêpes, and gofri.
A celebration for the whole city
The San Donato Fair is much more than a market: it is a time when Pinerolo comes together, with families strolling, horse and dog enthusiasts gathering, and athletes and curious visitors mingling. The event combines devotion to the patron saint, the promotion of the Pinerolo agricultural sector, and popular entertainment, in a day that brings the Piedmontese summer to a beautiful close. Admission to all events is free.
San Donato Fair — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The 2026 edition of the San Donato Patronal Fair is scheduled in Pinerolo for Sunday, August 30, 2026, the official date announced by the Municipality of Pinerolo. As per tradition, the fair will be held alongside the Agricultural Machinery and Products Exhibition, set up in Piazza d'Armi: exhibitors interested in participating can submit their applications by mid-August via the municipal platform.
The detailed program for the day — including stalls along Corso Torino, shows in Piazza d'Armi, sports tournaments, and the funfair in Piazza Terzo Alpini — will be announced by the Municipality in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme San Donato Fair 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Pinerolo in the weeks preceding the event. Based on recent editions, the fair day typically includes:
- Over 2 km of market stalls along Corso Torino and Stradale Fenestrelle (usually from 8 am to 7 pm);
- Agricultural Machinery and Products Exhibition in Piazza d'Armi;
- Equestrian shows and canine day with demonstrations and parades in Piazza d'Armi;
- Sports tournaments open to all (green volley, pétanque, tennis, chess);
- Funfair in Piazza Terzo Alpini and food area with local specialties.
The names of the associations and final times will be confirmed with the official program.
Highlights San Donato Fair 2026
- The historic Agricultural Machinery Exhibition in Piazza d'Armi.
- Over 2 km of market stalls in the city center.
- Equestrian shows and canine day, a legacy of Pinerolo's cavalry tradition.
Prices San Donato Fair 2026
Practical information — San Donato Fair
When
The Fair takes place around the last Sunday of August, with events spread across Saturday and Sunday.
Where
Pinerolo historic center, Corso Torino, Stradale Fenestrelle, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza d'Armi (Agricultural Machinery Exhibition and shows), and Piazza Terzo Alpini (funfair).
How to get there
By car from Turin (approx. 40 km) via the SR23 del Sestriere. By train, Pinerolo station is connected to the Turin metropolitan railway service (line SFM2). During the fair, a dedicated parking area is available in Piazza Vittorio Veneto.
Costs
Admission to all events is free.
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Where does it take place — San Donato Fair
Centro storico, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza d'Armi e Piazza Terzo Alpini
Corso Torino, 10064 Pinerolo