September 11, 2026 – September 13, 2026 · Sale Marasino (BS)
Sale Marasino hosts the 43rd National Pumpkin Challenge and Local Tradition Festival! Get ready for three days of fun with market exhibitions, displays of vintage motorcycles and Vespas, creative workshops, live cooking shows, bartender challenges, and dance performances. You won't want to miss the delicious pumpkin risotto tastings and live music!
Indulge in a variety of pumpkin-themed delights, from unique pumpkin cocktails and artisanal craft beers to delicious pumpkin pastries. Savor traditional risotto alla zucca and gourmet sandwiches, perfect for a taste of local Italian 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: "Splendori barocchi" - Extraordinary exhibition of sacred vestments 📍 Parrocchiale 10:00 AM: Market exhibition opens All day: Exhibition of vintage motorcycles and Vespas 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Guided tours (donation-based) on the Motonave Capitanio 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM: "Sale in bricks" - Exhibition of original LEGO® brick creations (night edition) 📍 Palestra comunale 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 4:00 PM: Guided tours of the Parish Church 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Free chess play for all, giant chessboard, and chess board exhibition 📍 Piazzale del Comune 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 tours of 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 From 10:00 AM: Chess Tournament 📍 Piazzale del Comune 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: "Sale in bricks" - Exhibition of original LEGO® brick creations 📍 Palestra comunale 11:00 AM: Ribbon cutting ceremony 11:00 AM: Guided tours of the Parish Church 10:15 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM: "Splendori barocchi" - Extraordinary exhibition of sacred vestments 📍 Chiesa Parrocchiale 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 tours of the Parish Church From 4:00 PM: Auxiliary Coast Guard exercise with rescue dog units 📍 Lungolago 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Chess tournament for under 16s and beginners, free play, and chess board exhibition 📍 Piazzale Comune 6:00 PM: 🍽️ Free pumpkin risotto tasting offered by Club Maspiano 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai From 6:00 PM: 🎤 Eliza - Voice, music, soul 📍 Piazza Largo Marinai From 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 Piazzale del Comune with tournaments, workshops, old-fashioned games, and a dedicated sports area