Lake Garda events this weekend centre on Desenzano, where the castle and Piazza Malvezzi host Mattoncini in Castello, a brick-building show with free entry on Saturday and Sunday. Around the lake, Sirmione stages a photo marathon, Gargnano pours wine in a cloister, and Castiglione delle Stiviere opens its doors for the FAI autumn days.
Weather Outlook for October 9–11
The forecast is mixed. Friday is overcast at 15–23°C with a chance of rain, Saturday stays overcast at 14–22°C, and Sunday brings showers at 12–21°C. Wind is light on all three days.
Friday, October 9
In Castelnuovo del Garda, a grandparents-and-grandchildren party runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Centro on Via Montini 11, with games, a snack and a creative workshop run by the La Girandola association. At 8:45 PM, the Sirmione public library hosts author Sofia Cecinini, who presents her book on Ukraine, Gaza and twenty-nine other conflicts as part of the Equilibri series.
Saturday, October 10
Mattoncini in Castello, organised with Cremona Bricks, opens at Desenzano Castle from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday until 6:00 PM). In Piazza Malvezzi it runs from 10:00 AM to noon and from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, with an exhibition, a market area and a play space.
In Gargnano, the Chiostro di San Francesco hosts Glou & Vibes from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM: four wine tastings of your choice for €15, local products and live music by the duo Corimè. At 3:00 PM, the Abbazia di Maguzzano in Lonato del Garda welcomes the Desenzano ACLI circle for a day on peace, with a talk by national ACLI vice president Pierangelo Milesi, a shared moment at 5:00 PM and Mass at 6:00 PM. Attendance is free, but you should confirm in advance.
On both Saturday and Sunday, Castiglione delle Stiviere holds the FAI autumn days, with visits to historic and cultural sites that are usually closed to the public.
Sunday, October 11
The Sirmione Photo Marathon runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Piazza Carducci. Participants develop four themes in eight hours, the top prize is €1,500, and the field is capped at 250. Online registration closed on October 4, so this one is for spectators only.
In Brenzone sul Garda, the Festival of Children and of Our Lady Aparecida, the Brazilian community’s celebration, starts at 10:30 AM with Mass at Santa Maria Assunta church in Castello. A procession follows, then food stalls serving churrasco and Brazilian sweets until 6:00 PM.
In Salò, the Antica Cascina San Zago hosts the sixth Pranzo per il Mondo, promoted by the Maddalina Association. The contribution is €50 for adults and €15 for children up to 10, and proceeds go to PalMed Italia and the association’s projects.
Last-Minute Additions
Forte Garda holds the closing party of its “Storie al profumo di guerra” programme on Sunday, October 11. In Gargnano, the Norwegian choirs Samklang and Færder Vocalis perform in concert on Saturday, October 10.
