Deciding What to Do on Lake Garda This Weekend from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, 2026, means exploring historical military fortresses, open-air food trails, mountain climbing challenges, and cultural festivals across the entire basin.
As late September brings clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures between 18°C and 22°C (64°F to 72°F), communities along the Lombard, Veneto, and Trentino shores are hosting a dense roster of events connecting heritage preservation, regional cuisine, and outdoor exploration.
Southern Shores: UNESCO Fortress in Peschiera and Sustainable Tourism in Lazise
At the southern tip of the lake, Peschiera del Garda is offering guided public tours of the historic Caserma La Rocca on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. The guided walks allow visitors to explore the monumental architecture and military evolution of the pentagonal fortress, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its Venetian defensive engineering.
Further north on the Veronese coast, the historic Dogana Veneta on Lazise’s lakeside harbor hosts the 6th edition of the Sustainable Tourism Forum on Friday, September 25. Organized by the Municipality of Lazise with the Destination Verona & Garda Foundation and the GSTC Italy Working Group, the conference examines regenerative tourism models for lake communities.
On the southwestern coast in Desenzano del Garda, Saturday, September 26, features the Italy-Greece historical commemoration, while international cinema enthusiasts can attend screenings during the 8th Desenzano Film Festival, hosted between Teatro Alberti and Palazzo Todeschini.
Eastern Riviera: Ciottolando con Gusto in Malcesine
Along the foot of Mount Baldo, Malcesine hosts the 22nd edition of its renowned food festival, Ciottolando con Gusto, on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. The walking gourmet circuit guides guests through nineteen tasting stations in the pedestrian village, serving Garda DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil, local freshwater fish, and mountain cheeses, alongside admission to the Scaliger Castle and Goethe exhibition.
Western Coast: Mountain Festival in Toscolano and Slow Gargnano
On the Brescia shore, Toscolano Maderno is holding the peak weekend of the Mountain Festival. Outdoor highlights on September 26 and 27 include guided geological walks through the Valle delle Cartiere river gorge and supervised rock climbing on the Oratorio stone bell tower (“Vertical Experience”).
In adjacent Gargnano, the weekend is dedicated to sustainable food traditions with Slow Gargnano, the “Glou & Vibes” tasting evening inside the Cloister of San Francesco, and a special conference commemorating St. Francis and the natural world on Saturday, September 26.
In Gardone Riviera, the monumental estate of Vittoriale degli Italiani marks the formal opening of its autumn cultural season on Sunday, September 27, at 17:00, unveiling newly acquired artworks and restored gardens.
Northern Trentino: Roman Heritage at MAG and Firefighters Challenge in Riva
In Riva del Garda, the MAG (Museo Alto Garda) is celebrating European Heritage Days on September 26 and 27 with specialized tours of “La Ripa Romana”, presenting ancient Roman remains excavated within the historic harbor fortress.
On Saturday, September 26, athletic drama takes over Riva’s western slopes with the 4th edition of Garda Lift on Fire: an international competition where firefighters in complete protective intervention gear and breathing apparatus race up 600 steep stone steps toward the Venetian Bastion.
Getting Around Lake Garda by Ferry
Visitors traveling between shores during the weekend can rely on public passenger ferries operated by Navigarda. Regular connections link Desenzano and Peschiera with Sirmione, Salò, Gargnano, Malcesine, and Riva del Garda, providing an efficient alternative to driving along the coastal roads.
