Vie in Festa
Artists and street food in the heart of Grignasco
About Vie in Festa
Vie in Festa: A Sunday of art and flavors in Grignasco
Vie in Festa is the event that brings the historic center of Grignasco to life every spring. Located in the Province of Novara, this small town overlooks the Valsesia valley in Upper Piedmont. For an entire day, the four main streets leading to the central square turn into an open-air path filled with stalls, exhibitions, music, and the aromas of street food. It is a village festival in the most authentic sense: a community-driven event where artists, hobbyists, producers, associations, and local merchants share the same space to welcome visitors from across the valley.
Artists, hobbyists, and producers
The heart of Vie in Festa is its large open-air market: along the streets of the center, you will find stalls featuring artists, hobbyists, and producers, showcasing artisanal creations, art objects, and local products. The event is framed by numerous attractions for all ages, from inflatable games for children to live musical performances and music-filled aperitifs hosted by local bars.
A rich cultural program
Alongside the market, Vie in Festa offers a diverse program of exhibitions hosted in some of Grignasco's most iconic landmarks. In the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, known as the Old Church, and other central venues, visitors can explore painting, photography, and sculpture exhibitions that celebrate the region and its artists. The day thus becomes an opportunity to rediscover the artistic heritage and traditions of this corner of Upper Piedmont.
Street food
The culinary aspect is one of the most beloved features: between refreshment points, aperitifs, lunches, and snacks, local associations and businesses offer specialties to enjoy while strolling. The serving of fried fish and the food stalls managed by local groups make Vie in Festa a celebration of flavors as much as a celebration of art.
A community festival
Organized by the Municipality of Grignasco and the Pro Loco, with the collaboration of the parish, merchants, and local associations, Vie in Festa is sponsored by the Province of Novara, the Monte Rosa Laghi Alto Piemonte Chamber of Commerce, and the UNPLI. It is a free event open to everyone, perfect for spending a spring Sunday enjoying art, music, good food, and the welcoming atmosphere of a festive Piedmontese village.
Vie in Festa — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Vie in Festa was held on Sunday, May 17, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, in the historic center of Grignasco. The four central streets were filled with stalls of artists, hobbyists, and producers, exhibitions, music, and refreshment points, under the patronage of the Province of Novara, the Monte Rosa Laghi Alto Piemonte Chamber of Commerce, and the UNPLI. The day featured numerous side events and several new additions compared to previous years.
Programme Vie in Festa 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026 — from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- 10:00 AM — Opening with a parade through the town center by the Società Operaia Musical Band
- Morning — Gathering of the legendary Ciao mopeds with the Club Colline Novaresi, parading through the streets (parked in Via C. Battisti in the afternoon)
- From 11:00 AM — Fried fish served by the Fishermen's group in Via C. Battisti
- 2:00 PM — Presentation of the "Carte False" exhibition in the Council Chamber and a talk on "Fraud Prevention"
- 3:00 PM — Street Art workshop for children (Castello Magico association)
- 4:00 PM — Concert by the youth orchestra at the Teatro SOMS
Exhibitions and art (open all day)
- "Sussurri di Colore" — painting exhibition by Patrizia Gosio in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church)
- "Carte False" — exhibition by Enrico Pettinaroli
- Photography exhibitions by Marco Martinetti ("Il Venerdì Santo") and Guido Zanaroli
- Sculptures by Dino Damiani and a space dedicated to the Grignasco Study Center and its publications
- Vintage bicycle collection by Gianluigi Donati
Music and entertainment
- Street bands in the center: Curva Street Band and Seraval Band
- DJ set by Radio Valsesia
- Inflatable games for children and the creative project "I Sassi del Sorriso" (painted stones hidden around the village)
Weekend at the Library (Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17)
- First Book Swap Party at the Grignasco Library
- Hunt for narrating stones through the streets of the center
Street food
- Refreshment points by the Alpini Group and the Simp Carnival Committee
- Music-filled aperitifs, lunches, and snacks offered by local businesses and associations
Highlights Vie in Festa 2026
Prices Vie in Festa 2026
Practical information — Vie in Festa
How to get there
Grignasco is located in the Province of Novara, at the entrance to the Valsesia valley. By car, it can be reached via the A26 motorway (exits Romagnano Sesia-Ghemme or Borgosesia) and the valley floor state road. By train, the Grignasco station is served by the Novara-Varallo Sesia railway line.
Hours and admission
The event takes place on a Sunday in May, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, in the historic center. Admission is free.
Information
For information and to participate with a stall: tel. +39 351 8710895.
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Where does it take place — Vie in Festa
Centro storico di Grignasco