Events in the Riviera
Events in Rapallo, Riviera & Genova.
A visual guide for choosing when to visit: historic festivals, cultural events, sailing, comics and the great events of Liguria — all reachable from one smart base in Rapallo.
Riviera Calendar
Selected events to organise your visit quickly and visually.
Quick, visual cards linked to LigurIA — choose the right time without wading through heavy pages.
1–3 JulyJuly Festivals in Rapallo
Rapallo's most beloved civic festival, honouring Our Lady of Montallegro with tradition and fireworks.
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MayFocaccia col Formaggio Festival
A gastronomic event celebrating the world's only PGI-protected cheese focaccia — perfect for a weekend of flavour.
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6–8 SeptemberSagra del Fuoco – Recco's Fire Festival
One of the Gulf of Paradise's most spectacular events, with tradition and fireworks on the September night.
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Second weekend in MayFish Festival in Camogli
The historic maritime festival with the legendary giant frying pan — freshly fried fish served free in the square.
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AugustStella Maris in Camogli
A summer sea festival rooted in Camogli's maritime tradition and the atmosphere of the Gulf of Paradise.
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SeptemberFestival of Communication
A cultural event bringing together ideas, media and current affairs in one of the Riviera's most iconic villages.
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Late Sept / OctoberRapalloonia Comics Festival
Comics exhibitions and events make Rapallo an interesting destination for fans of illustration and sequential art.
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SpringSailing & Boating in Rapallo
Porto Carlo Riva brings sailing, yachting and maritime culture right into your stay — zero travel needed.
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AprilTigullio Design District
Design, sea and lifestyle spread across the towns of the Tigullio Gulf — an elegant Riviera circuit.
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JuneAndersen Festival
A cultural festival blending storytelling, theatre and creativity in Sestri Levante's iconic settings.
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Feb / MarchMegacon Genova
Comics, gaming, cosplay and pop culture in Genova — easily paired with a Ligurian Riviera stay.
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OctoberGenoa Boat Show
The major international boating fair — worth the trip whether you travel for business or passion.
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Spring / AutumnRolli Days & Science Festival
UNESCO palaces, science outreach and major cultural events — a great urban day trip from Rapallo.
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14 AugustTorta dei Fieschi in Lavagna
Medieval historical re-enactment with 150 costumed participants: the Levante coast's most spectacular procession.
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SummerPalio Marinaro del Tigullio
Traditional gozzo regatta with costumed crews: the Tigullio Gulf towns have been competing since 1936.
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MayRiviera International Film Festival
Film festival for under-35 directors and environmental documentaries in the Baia delle Favole.
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JulyBlues & Soul Festival
Italy's longest-running blues and soul festival, since 1992, in the piazzas of Sestri Levante.
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July–AugustThe Busking Contest del Tigullio
Italy's only buskers contest — qualifying rounds in Rapallo and Chiavari, grand final in Lavagna.
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JuneGiornate di Chiavari
Cultural festival spread across Chiavari's historic squares and palaces: talks, music and theatre.
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March (biennial)World Pesto Championship
100 competitors from around the world grind basil at the Palazzo Ducale for the world pesto title.
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SeptemberMillevele IREN – Genoa Regatta
200+ sailing boats race in Genova's waters — Yacht Club Italiano's flagship regatta, alongside the Boat Show.
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October–NovemberGenoa Science Festival
One of Europe's largest science communication events: 300+ speakers and 300 events for all ages.
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AutumnTEDx Genova
Annual TEDx licence in Genova — innovation, sustainability and culture at the Ivo Chiesa Theatre.
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Spring (every 5 years)Euroflora Genova
Europe's premier flower and landscape show at Renzo Piano's Waterfront — every five years.
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SeptemberSHARPER Night – Researchers' Night
Science open to all at Giardini Luzzati in Genova: the last Friday of September — free entry.
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JuneSUQ Festival Genova
International festival of theatre and Mediterranean cultures at Porto Antico — free and open to all.
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JulyNervi Music Ballet Festival
International dance and classical music outdoors in the Nervi parks — one of Italy's oldest festivals since 1955.
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June/JulyGoa-Boa Festival
Summer festival of independent and alternative music — one of Liguria's longest-running music events.
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SummerElectropark Festival
Electronic music and digital culture in unconventional Genova venues.
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AutumnCircumnavigando Festival
International contemporary circus and object theatre festival in Genova.
Open the cardWhy these events matter.
Festivals, food events, sailing and cultural programmes help you choose when to visit the Riviera — making Rapallo an interesting base even outside peak season.
How to use this guide
- Choose the period that interests you.
- Open the event card to understand why Rapallo makes a convenient base.
- Combine the event with a nearby destination, without changing base every day.
FAQ
Quick answers.
Short answers to help you decide if this destination is right for your trip.
Why are events useful for choosing when to visit?
Festivals, food events and cultural programmes give you a concrete reason to visit the Riviera even outside peak season.
Does Rapallo Smart Home organise these events?
No. The event pages are editorial content to help you plan your stay — they are not official pages of the event organisers.
Can I get updates on dates?
Yes: by leaving your email you can receive useful content, a free guide and updates on the best periods to stay in Rapallo.
Build your personal guide to Riviera events.
Start from dates, interests and travel pace: LigurIA helps you decide what is really worth combining.