Oct. 1-7, Clown&Clown Festival, Monte San Giusto, near Macerata and Rome in the Marche region. Shows, plays, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences are the center of these events of clownerie and clown-therapy. Clowns fill the village for over a week deeming it the “City of Smiles.”

Oct. 5-14, Barcolana Regatta and Festival, Trieste. The 50th edition of the largest and most famous regatta in Italy boasts 2,000 sailboats, more than 20,000 skippers and over 300,000 spectators. This regatta is the largest gathering of boats in the Mediterranean Sea. Illuminated night races, music, food, and wine offer a special experience for all involved.

Oct. 6 - Nov. 25, Weekends – Alba White Truffle Festival, Alba, Piedmont. One of the largest truffle festivals in Italy, Alba’s weekends are complete with homemade and traditional dishes at gastronomic stands, a wide variety of entertainment including concerts, auctions, guided walks and even a donkey race.

Oct. 18-28, Rome Film Fest. The 13th edition of the Rome Film Fest will be held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and other venues
throughout the city.

Oct. 19-28, Eurochocolate Festival, Perugia. This huge chocolate festival takes place in the Umbrian city of Perugia famous for its Perugina Baci chocolates. Besides all things chocolate, visitors will enjoy music, wine tastings and workshops. This year, the festival celebrates its 25th year.

Oct. 20-22, Beer Festival, Genova. The third edition of the Genova Beer Festival is back with over 100 different craft beers on tap. The event features 16 of the best breweries in Italy.

Oct. 29-Nov. 5, Trieste Coffee Festival, Trieste. An event dedicated to the art of coffee, this festival’s theme this year is “The Journey del Café,” with a goal to deepen the history of the long link between the beverage and Trieste. 

Oct. 31 – Halloween, Corinaldo (near Rome). This is the most famous Halloween celebration in Italy. Alleys of this tiny village are filled with witches, masquerades, fire shows, and more.