September 11, 2026 – September 13, 2026 · Sale Marasino (BS)
Sale Marasino hosts the 43rd National Pumpkin Challenge and Local Tradition Festival. Enjoy three days of festivities with market exhibitions, displays of vintage motorcycles and Vespas, creative workshops, live cooking shows, bartender challenges, and dance performances. Don't miss out on delicious pumpkin risotto tastings and live music!
Indulge in a variety of pumpkin-themed delights, from unique pumpkin cocktails and artisanal craft beers to sweet pumpkin pastries. Savor traditional pumpkin risotto and explore gourmet sandwiches, offering a taste of authentic local flavors.
📅 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 7:00 PM: Market exhibition opens 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM: 🎵 "BELL'ATMOSFERA" - Dinner with live show, a musical journey through the 80s, 90s, and 00s 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 📅 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM: "Baroque Splendors" - extraordinary exhibition of sacred vestments 📍 Parrocchiale (Parish Church) 10:00 AM: Market exhibition opens All day: Exhibition of vintage motorcycles and Vespas 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Guided tours by donation on the Motonave Capitanio (Motorboat) 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM: "Sale in bricks" - Exhibition of original LEGO® brick creations (night edition) 📍 Palestra comunale (Municipal Gym) 3:00 PM: Paint a Pumpkin, creative workshop by Club Maspiano 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 3:30 PM: Parade of traditional Lake Iseo boats (naecc) 📍 Lungolago (Lakeside) 4:00 PM: Guided visits to the Parish Church 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Open chess play for all, giant chessboard, and chess board exhibition 📍 Piazzale del Comune (Town Hall Square) 5:30 PM: 🍽️ Pastry show cooking "The Sweet Side of Pumpkin" by Maddalena Giudici 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 6:30 PM: 🍹 Pumpkin Cocktails - bartender challenge 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 8:00 PM: Guided visits to the Parish Church with musical interludes by the "Coro Sebino" 9:00 PM: 💃 "Viva Dance Franciacorta Summer Village" - Sports dance show, followed by dance lessons and a dance party 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 📅 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Registration for the 43rd National Pumpkin Challenge and 3rd Sunflower Challenge (other vegetables also welcome) 10:00 AM: Market exhibition opens All day: Tractor exhibition 10:00 AM: Chess tournament 📍 Piazzale del Comune (Town Hall Square) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: "Sale in bricks" - Exhibition of original LEGO® brick creations 📍 Palestra comunale (Municipal Gym) 11:00 AM: Ribbon cutting ceremony 11:00 AM: Guided visits to the Parish Church 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM: "Baroque Splendors" - extraordinary exhibition of sacred vestments 📍 Chiesa Parrocchiale (Parish Church) 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Pumpkin weighing and crowning of the "King of Zuccolandia" - giant pumpkin exhibition until 6:00 PM 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 4:00 PM: Guided visits to the Parish Church 4:00 PM: Auxiliary Coast Guard exercise with rescue dog units 📍 Lungolago (Lakeside) 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Chess tournament for under 16s and beginners, open play, and chess board exhibition 📍 Piazzale Comune (Town Hall Square) 6:00 PM: 🍽️ Free pumpkin risotto tasting offered by Club Maspiano 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 6:00 PM: 🎤 Eliza - Voice, music, soul 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai 8:30 PM: 🎸 Rocklepsia - Italian rock tribute 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai ✨ THROUGHOUT THE EVENT: Presence of carver Marco Berardinelli and numerous artists Tourist train service (for a fee) "Zuccolandia" play area at the Town Hall Square with tournaments, workshops, old-fashioned games, and a dedicated sports area