Sheep Festival

A festival dedicated to the pastoral tradition of Tuscia

The Sheep Festival is one of the most anticipated food and wine events of the summer in the Viterbo area, reaching its 15th edition in 2026. The event takes place in Civita Castellana, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, and is spread over two weekends: from July 17-19 and 24-26, 2026. For this edition, the festival moves to a new location, the Bosco Primo Maggio, a spacious green area capable of hosting large gazebos and the massive grills where arrosticini and grilled meats are prepared.

The cuisine: sheep in all its forms

The heart of the festival is pastoral cuisine, with traditional dishes prepared according to ancient recipes. The menu offers specialties based on mutton and castrato for every taste:

• the grand shepherd's appetizer
• mutton gnocchi and sheep ravioli
• grilled mutton and mutton alla callara
• mutton meatballs, pork sausages, and arrosticini
• fried lamb chops

Among this year's novelties are the Abruzzese timballo and the golden farmhouse gnocchi, prepared according to traditional recipes, ending on a sweet note with tozzetti and vin santo. A gluten-free menu is also available. The kitchens open every evening from 7:30 PM, with special lunch openings on Sundays.

Live music every night

Every evening is accompanied by live music and DJ sets that bring the Bosco Primo Maggio to life until late at night. The concert calendar alternates between cover bands, tributes, and themed parties for audiences of all ages: from vintage repertoires to 90s sounds and tributes to the great names of Italian music.

Beyond the table: free guided tours

The festival is also an opportunity to discover the historical and artistic heritage of Civita Castellana. On Sunday, July 19, two free guided tours are scheduled at 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM, starting from the Marcantoni Ceramics Museum. The itinerary winds through the streets and squares of the historic center and includes the Church of San Gregorio, the Cathedral, Mastro Cencio's ceramic workshop, and concludes with a visit to Forte Sangallo, one of the most beautiful Renaissance fortresses in Lazio.

A free-entry event

The Sheep Festival offers free admission, and dishes are offered at popular prices. It is an event designed for families, groups of friends, and local food enthusiasts, attracting numerous visitors from Tuscia and across Lazio every year, united by the appeal of good food, music, and conviviality.