Varenna Lake Festival
Re-enactment of the landing of refugees from Comacina Island on Lake Como
About Lake Festival
A Festival on Lario Between History and Tradition
The Varenna Lake Festival is one of the most beloved events in the village of Varenna, a jewel overlooking the eastern branch of Lake Como, in the province of Lecco. Organized by the Pro Loco of Varenna with the patronage of the Municipality, the festival re-enacts the landing of refugees from Comacina Island, who were welcomed in Varenna after the island's destruction in 1169 during the conflicts between Como and Milan.
The Program for Full Editions
In its complete editions, the Lake Festival enlivens the entire day: an aperitif in the afternoon, local cuisine from the evening onwards, live music, and in the evening, the blessing of the boats followed by the fireworks display on the lake, the most anticipated moment. A special ferry connects Varenna to the other shores of Lario, from Menaggio to Bellagio, to witness the festival.
A Heritage of the Larian Territory
Nestled among the mountains that frame the lake, the Varenna Lake Festival represents an identity heritage for the community and one of the most characteristic events of Larian Lombardy, capable of attracting thousands of visitors to the lakefront each year.
Lake Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Lake Festival, the 42nd, will be a reduced edition. As explained by the president of Pro Varenna, Pietro Campanari, "there are no safety conditions": the closure of the railway line and the replacement buses crossing the historic center would make it impossible to safely manage the thousands of visitors that the festival attracts each year. For this reason, the fireworks and the historical re-enactment have been suspended, maintaining only a limited program with some stands.
Programme Lake Festival 2026
The 2026 edition is heavily scaled back: the fireworks display and the historical re-enactment of the landing of refugees from Comacina Island in 1169 have been suspended for safety reasons, related to the closure of the railway line and the replacement buses in the historic center.
A more contained program with some stands remains. In full editions, the program includes an aperitif in the afternoon, local cuisine from the evening, live music, the blessing of boats, and fireworks on the lake, with a special ferry to Menaggio and Bellagio. The detailed 2026 program will be announced by Pro Varenna.
Highlights Lake Festival 2026
Prices Lake Festival 2026
Practical information — Lake Festival
When
In summer (traditionally between late August and the beginning of summer).
Where
Historic center and lakefront of Varenna (LC), eastern branch of Lake Como.
How to get there
Varenna is reachable by train (Lecco-Sondrio-Milan line, except for interruptions due to works), by car from the SS36, and by lake via the Navigazione Lago di Como ferries.
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Where does it take place — Lake Festival
Centro storico e lungolago di Varenna