Cultural and gastronomic festivals scheduled across Italy and Belgium

Various cultural and gastronomic events are scheduled across Italy and Belgium for mid-to-late October 2026.

In the culinary sector, the World Chocolate Masters 2026 will move its final to Antwerp, Belgium, featuring the theme ‘Play & Taste’. In Italy, Prato will host ‘Un Prato di Cioccolato’ with a 19th-century theme, while Caserta hosts the ‘Choco Italia’ fair. Other regional food festivals include the ‘Buonissima 2026’ festival in Turin featuring Campanian chefs, and various local celebrations in Rotonda, Squillace, Trevi, and Castellana Grotte focusing on traditional products and biodiversity.

Cultural programming includes the Reunion XXII in Riccione, featuring Star Trek actor J. G. Hertzler, and the Mauro Bolognini Film Festival in Pistoia. Additionally, themed events such as ‘Le Notti delle Streghe’ in Rifreddo and Halloween celebrations in Milan and Casoria are set to take place.