October in Campania: What to do in the first month of autumn: events not to be missed

October in Campania brings with it the most evocative aspect of autumn: inland villages, festivals dedicated to chestnuts, mushrooms, hazelnuts, and traditional products return, while in the cities, cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, and initiatives dedicated to exploring the region abound. Here are the events in Campania in October 2026 to mark on your calendar.

The first full month of autumn is indeed one of the most interesting times to explore the region. From the streets of Naples' historic center to the small towns of Irpinia, passing through the Royal Palace of Caserta and the villages of Sannio, the calendar offers a wide variety of events.

Events in Campania not to be missed in October 2026

The month opens with one of the most important cultural events of the Neapolitan autumn. From October 1st to 4th , the Campania Libri Festival returns , hosted at the Palazzo Reale and the National Library of Naples. The fifth edition, titled "Jesce sole," features approximately 300 events and 130 exhibitors, with the participation of numerous Italian and international authors. The program also pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of La gatta Cenerentola and to the figure of Roberto De Simone.

That same weekend, Naples also becomes a major showcase for architecture. Open House Napoli 2026 takes place from October 2nd to 4th , with over 150 events including tours, special openings, urban itineraries, and locations not normally accessible to the public. This year's edition also expands the program to include the Campi Flegrei and the Metropolitan City.

Also in the first few days of the month, there's a particularly interesting event for those who want to experience a symbolic place in Campania in an unusual way. On October 3rd , at the Royal Palace of Caserta, the Upper Vestibule hosts the Grand Court Ball , with waltzes, quadrilles, marches, and galops inspired by the atmosphere of 19th-century European courts. The show is included in the standard admission ticket to the Royal Palace.

On October 4th , Sunday at the Museum returns : at the Royal Palace of Caserta, entry to the Vanvitellian complex is free, according to the Ministry of Culture's initiative which provides free entry to state museums on the first Sunday of the month.

October is also the month of festivals: chestnuts, mushrooms and typical products

If there's one element that characterizes the festivals in Campania in October 2026 more than any other , it's the return of typical autumn products. Chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, hazelnuts, truffles, and wine will be the protagonists of numerous events in the region's small towns.

Among the events continuing into October is the Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival , in the Benevento area, running until October 18th . It's one of Campania's traditional autumn events, accompanying the mushroom season with food, activities, and village life.

Another highly anticipated event is the PGI Chestnut and Porcini Mushroom Festival in Roccamonfina , in the Caserta area. The event kicks off on October 3rd and continues until November 1st , bringing the region's traditional flavors to the town in the Upper Caserta area for several weekends.

In Irpinia, the autumn calendar is even richer. Among the first events of the month are the Chestnut Festival in Salza Irpina , from October 2nd to 4th, the Chestnut Festival of the Priest in Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo , on the same weekend, and the Chestnut Festival in Serino , scheduled for later in the month.

October also offers plenty of events dedicated to wine and the grape harvest. Castelfranci hosts the Vendemmia Fest from October 9th to 11th, while Sorrento hosts the Grape Festival from October 2nd to 4th.

The second half of the month brings with it other events dedicated to autumnal flavors. Among these are the Avella Chestnut and Hazelnut Festival , from October 16th to 25th, and the Il Nero di Bagnoli event , dedicated to black truffles and Irpinia products, from October 23rd to November 1st.

The Campania Region has updated the regional calendar of festivals and popular celebrations through September 2026; dates may therefore be subject to change, and it's always advisable to check the organizers' announcements before planning a trip.

What to do in Naples and its province in October

October is also a great time to explore Naples through exhibitions, museums, itineraries, and cultural initiatives.

Among the events to keep an eye on is the exhibition "Voyageur" ​​by Ibrahim Mahama , on display in Piazza Municipio from September 21st to November 18th. The capital also hosts various exhibitions and cultural initiatives that allow you to alternate visits to the city's most famous sites with discovering lesser-known spaces.

Those who prefer to travel outside the center can instead look towards Capri and Anacapri . In Capri, the exhibition The Myth of Capri , hosted at the Certosa di San Giacomo, continues until October 18th, while in Anacapri, the Landscape Festival – The Observer continues until November 3rd.

Pompeii also offers a special event for those who love contemporary art: at the excavations, Philip Colbert in Pompeii: Pop Mythology is scheduled , open until November 27.

An event to mark in Portici: Eruptions of Taste

Among the most interesting food and wine events of October there is also Eruzioni del Gusto , scheduled at the Reggia di Portici from 23 to 26 October 2026.

The event, now in its eighth year, focuses on volcanic regions, food, wine, culture, and wine tourism. The program brings together producers, chefs, sommeliers, companies, consortia, and industry professionals, with initiatives dedicated to promoting agri-food excellence.

It's therefore an interesting event not only for those looking for a festival, but also for those who want to learn more about the food and wine heritage of Campania and its volcanic regions.

A month to discover Campania in autumn

From major cultural events in Naples to festivals in small towns, October 2026 in Campania offers plenty of opportunities to plan a day out or an entire weekend.

The underlying theme is autumn: chestnuts and mushrooms from Irpinia and Sannio, wine, and local produce, but also museums, historic buildings, festivals, and exhibitions. A calendar spread across virtually the entire region, allowing for a variety of cities and villages, culture, and gastronomy.

For those looking for things to do in Campania in October 2026 , there's no shortage of options: our advice is to choose your destination based on the type of experience you want to have and always check official dates and programs before leaving.