Things to Do on Lake Garda in August

Things to Do and Traditional Events at Lake Garda in August:

The Ideal August Getaway: Top Activities and Festivals at Lake Garda

As summer hits its peak across Italy, August brings hot sunny days perfect for fun in and around Lake Garda. The region comes alive with special events, festivals and endless opportunities for recreation. From classical music concerts to fireworks displays, regattas to medieval fairs, August offers no shortage of entertainment. Visitors can also partake in the lake’s many watersports, sightseeing tours and outdoor adventures.

Experience the quintessential Italian summer ambiance, flavored by Lake Garda’s natural Alpine beauty and old-world villages. Here are some highlights of the top things to do:

Il Mercato del Gusto in Sirmione

On Tuesdays throughout August the stunning peninsula town of Sirmione hosts an open-air food market showcasing high-quality local ingredients and cuisine. Vendors offer olive oils, cheeses, cured meats, freshly caught lake fish, traditional pastas and more. Visitors can sample and purchase items, often from small family producers, as they admire Sirmione’s harbor views and 13th century castle walls.

Opera Festival at the Arena di Verona

Since 1913 the ancient Roman Arena di Verona has hosted Italy’s premier summertime opera festival. Throughout August and into September, this massive open-air amphitheater presents performances of classic operas by Verdi, Puccini and others. Attendees come from around the world to experience the dramatic backdrop of the arena on warm summer nights lit by candles.

Gardaland Amusement Park

Located just south of Lake Garda, Gardaland touts itself as Italy’s number one amusement park. Rides, shows, games and attractions thrill visitors of all ages throughout summer. Adrenaline junkies can experience Europe’s fastest rollercoaster while younger kids enjoy gentler rides. Special events in August include nights of Latin dancing and fireworks displays synchronized to music.

Windsurf World Festival

If fast action on the water appeals, check out this high-octane windsurfing event held annually in Torbole. Hundreds of pro windsurfers hit the lake in August to compete in slalom and freestyle categories, showing off daring jumps, loops and tricks. Nightly parties, gear vendors, competitions for amateurs, and other fringe events round out the festival.

Palio dell’Oca in Malcesine

Visitors flock to the charming town of Malcesine for its traditional Palio dell’Oca festival each August. Teams race on foot and donkey-back trying to win a prize goose in homage to medieval games. Locals parade in classic costumes amid music, flag throwing displays, and authentic cuisine. Nightly fireworks over the lake cap off the revelry.

Classical Concerts in Arco and Riva del Garda

Several classical music performance series provide a dose of culture amid Lake Garda’s natural splendor. Riva del Garda hosts Concerti di Mezzanotte, where candle-lit midnight concerts at lakeside venues alternate baroque sonatas with jazz standards. The nearby town of Arco features classical concerts in its beautiful hillside park under the stars on warm summer evenings.

Medieval Festival in Lazise

Step back into the Middle Ages with Lazise’s annual Medieval Festival. For several days in late August, citizens decked out as knights, ladies and jesters celebrate with costumes, cuisine, music and games on the streets and canals. Flags, colorful banners and flowers decorate Lazise’s scenic lakeside historic center. Visitors feel part of an enchanting era from centuries past.

Palio delle Quattro Antiche Repubbliche Marinare

Taking place every four years, this exciting event hosted by Lake Garda centers on a historically-themed boat race. Teams representing four ancient Italian maritime republics – Venice, Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi – row specially designed 16th century “gozzi” boats while costumed figures cheer from shore. Expect colorful pageantry and fierce competition.

Lake Garda Fireworks Shows

Thundering fireworks displays light up the evening skies at towns across Lake Garda throughout August. Weekly shows launch from historic castles, beaches and harbors in scenic locales like Riva del Garda, Lazise, Bardolino, Garda and Campione del Garda. Find a spot to view the sparkling rockets and booms reflecting across the lake waters.

Limone Sul Garda Citrus Festival

Limone Sul Garda holds an annual festival celebrating the prized citrus fruits grown in town, especially their signature lemons. For two weeks in August, attendees can tour lush gardens, taste dishes using lemons and oranges, and watch culinary demonstrations. Music, children’s activities and a parade complete the cheerful event.

Lake Garda Sailing Regattas

Sailing regattas large and small happen weekly across Lake Garda as sailing clubs compete for titles and honors. Towns like Gargnano, Riva del Garda, Torbole-Nago, and Malcesine host segments of the Lake Garda Optimist Meeting, a major youth sailing event in August. Adults compete in challenging long distance races.

Bardolino Film Festival

Cinema under the stars comes to Bardolino with this international film festival spanning 10 nights in late August. Screenings take place outdoors in lakeside venues, showing comedies, dramas, and genre films from Italy and abroad. Cinema buffs can meet actors and directors during the events and parties surrounding the films.

Verona by Night Food Tour

For amazing food in a stunning Italian city, join Verona’s evening food tours in August. Groups walk through the city sampling signature dishes and wines at gourmet stops. Friendly local guides reveal Verona’s culture, history, and architecture illuminated at night. Strolling Verona after the day crowds depart is magical.

Lake Garda Water Parks

When August’s heat spikes, cool off at Gardaland water park near Lake Garda’s southern edge. Speed down waterslides like the massive Blue Tornado, lounge in wave pools, or float down a scenic river. CanevaWorld water park in Lazise offers similar rides and family fun. Both parks present shows, activities, and splash pads for kids.

Mountain Hiking and Biking

Lake Garda provides a gateway to outdoor adventure in the nearby Dolomites. Take the cable car up to Monte Baldo to hike and mountain bike on panoramic trails. Ride lifts in towns like Riva del Garda and Torbole to downhill bike through Alpine meadows and forests. Guided tours ascend into mountains dotted with castles and cliffs.

Lake Garda’s charming villages truly come alive in August, allowing visitors to experience regional food, history and culture in the peak of summer. Whether partaking in annual festivals or the diverse recreational activities, Lake Garda offers an idyllic Italian getaway. The months fly by, but the magical memories made in August last forever.