The Night of the Sourdough Masters
Summer panettone and the great pastry chefs under the Parma stars
About Night of Sourdough Masters
Panettone is not just for Christmas
There is a summer night in Parma when the scent of sourdough invades the streets of the center. It is The Night of the Sourdough Masters, the event that has established panettone as a year-round dessert and which every July draws the greatest pastry chefs from Italy and Europe to the Emilian capital. Promoted by the Academy of Sourdough and Italian Panettone Masters with the patronage of the Municipality of Parma and Parma Food Valley, the event has become in a few years one of the most beloved food and wine evenings of the Emilia-Romagna summer.
The Setting: the Pilotta and Piazzale della Pace
The stage is among the most beautiful in the city: the monumental Pilotta complex and the nearby Piazzale della Pace, in the heart of Parma's historic center. Here, from sunset to late at night, dozens of Masters set up their tasting stands and let the public sample their creations. Not only the classic panettone with raisins and candied fruit, but also savory, summer, and experimental versions that showcase the state of the art of high-level leavened pastry.
Masters from all over Italy (and the world)
The real show is them: the academicians. Each edition gathers dozens of pastry chefs from every Italian region and from abroad — in recent years, masters from Germany, France, and Taiwan have also participated. It is a rare opportunity to meet in person the names usually found only in industry magazines, listen to their stories, and understand what it means to work with live sourdough, preserved and refreshed for years.
A 100% Charitable Event
The Night is first and foremost a gesture of generosity. Access to tastings is via a charitable bracelet purchasable with a minimum contribution of 5 euros: the entire proceeds are donated to the Parma Solidale Emporium, the association that supports families in difficulty and school projects in the area. Eating well here also means doing good.
Parma, Capital of Taste
It is no coincidence that all this happens in Parma. A UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, capital of the Emilian Food Valley, and home of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto, Parma is the natural place for a celebration that honors artisanal craftsmanship. The Night of the Sourdough Masters fits perfectly into this identity, bringing culinary excellence to the square in a popular festive atmosphere, accessible to all.
Night of Sourdough Masters — edition 2026
The Night of the Sourdough Masters 2026, the eleventh edition, is set for Monday, July 20, 2026, in Parma. The setting of the Pilotta complex and Piazzale della Pace is confirmed, with tastings taking place in the evening, typically from 8:00 PM to midnight.
The 2026 edition also marks an important year for the Academy: president Claudio Gatti has been re-elected at the helm, with Stefano Laghi as vice-president. Among the season's new features are the first Under 30 Italian Championship dedicated to summer panettone and selections for the Panettone World Championship 2027. The Parma Night remains the Academy's signature summer event.
The detailed program with the complete list of participating masters will be published by the organization in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Night of Sourdough Masters 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (list of participating pastry chefs and times for the procession) will be published by the Academy in the weeks leading up to July 20th.
Based on the established structure of recent editions, the evening typically unfolds as follows:
- Afternoon-Evening — Procession of the Masters through the streets of the historic center to the Trottatoi of the Pilotta, accompanied by the Giuseppe Verdi Band of Parma.
- From 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM — Tastings in Piazza della Pilotta: free samples (while supplies last) of panettone and leavened products, from classic to summer and savory versions, prepared by the Academy's Masters from all over Italy and abroad.
- Awards and recognitions for academicians and young leavening bakers.
Highlights Night of Sourdough Masters 2026
- Eleventh edition of the event in the heart of Parma.
- Dozens of Italian and international pastry chefs featuring summer panettone and leavened products.
- Procession of the Masters with the Giuseppe Verdi Band and tastings at the Pilotta.
- 100% charitable formula supporting the Parma Solidale Emporium.
Prices Night of Sourdough Masters 2026
Practical information — Night of Sourdough Masters
When and Where
The event takes place on one summer evening in July at the Pilotta complex and in Piazzale della Pace, in the historic center of Parma. Tastings are generally held from 8:00 PM to midnight.
How to Get There
By train: Parma station is on the Milan-Bologna high-speed line, about a 15-minute walk from the Pilotta. By car: Parma exit from the A1 motorway; the historic center has limited traffic (ZTL), so it's best to use the park-and-ride facilities. By plane: Parma Giuseppe Verdi Airport, or Bologna about an hour away.
Costs and Access
Access to tastings is via a charitable bracelet, with a minimum contribution of 5 euros at the Solidale Emporium Info Point. Tastings are free until supplies last.
Tip
Arrive early: the products from the most sought-after masters run out quickly. It is also worth watching the Masters' procession that crosses the center in the early afternoon/evening.
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Where does it take place — Night of Sourdough Masters
Complesso della Pilotta e Piazzale della Pace
Piazza della Pilotta, 43121 Parma