Every year, All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) marks the arrival of deep autumn in Bologna.
The city softens into ochre and brick tones, the arcades echo under light rain, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and truffles fills the streets. In 2025, the holiday falls between Friday, October 31 and Sunday, November 2 – a short break, but long enough to rediscover the city’s rhythm.
Here’s a guide to the most interesting ways to spend the weekend: from truffle fairs and walking tours to music, art, and the quiet nostalgia of Lucio Dalla’s house.
1. Walk Bologna with the Urban Trekking Festival
From October 31 to November 1, Bologna takes part in Italy’s National Urban Trekking Festival, a nationwide event celebrating cities that can be explored on foot.
This year’s theme, “The Jubilee Ways – Between History, Culture and Spirituality,” invites walkers to rediscover the city through its less-known routes, ancient porticoes, and quiet gardens.
There are 17 itineraries – 11 in Bologna and six in the surrounding hills – including accessible and family-friendly options. Some end with small concerts or readings, turning a walk into a cultural ritual.
Participation is free, though booking is required. Details are available on Bologna Welcome.
Insider tip: registration opens on 14 October and places tend to sell out quickly.
2. Halloween Among Castles and Porticoes
Bologna takes Halloween seriously, but always with a touch of irony. Between late October and early November, the city and nearby villages turn theatrical – equal parts folklore and fun.
Highlights include an illusion show at Rocchetta Mattei, limited to just 52 guests; children’s performances at Teatro Celebrazioni and Teatro Dehon; and large-scale parties such as the “Random” night at Unipol Arena and the Día de Muertos celebration at Dumbo Space.
Families can opt for the Magic of Halloween event at Grand Tour Italia, complete with pumpkin patches and themed games, or attend a Halloween lunch at Tenuta Bettozza.
Beyond the city, the hills offer quieter escapes: a guided foliage walk at Lago Brasimone, or a visit to the “Vampires” exhibition at Palazzo Pallavicini, exploring the myth of creatures of the night through art and literature.
Full listings are available in Bologna Welcome’s Halloween guide.
3. Tartufesta: The Scent of the Hills
Autumn in Bologna is the season of the white truffle, and Tartufesta is its celebration.
From 18 October to 9 November, the hills around Bologna – from Sasso Marconi to Valsamoggia, Monghidoro and Grizzana Morandi – host markets, tastings, and outdoor events dedicated to the prized tuber.
Each village gives the festival its own rhythm: some focus on food markets and truffle-dog demonstrations, others on guided walks and special restaurant menus.
The atmosphere is simple and convivial – locals standing under striped tents, children with paper cones of roasted chestnuts, the occasional glass of Pignoletto sparkling wine.
Entry is free; tastings and menus vary in price. More details are listed on the Tartufesta official page.
Travel note: Sasso Marconi is the easiest to reach by train or car from Bologna, and its truffle fair runs directly over the All Saints’ weekend.
Looking for an authentic food experience?
Join our Foodie’s Delight Tour – Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar & cured meats in one unforgettable day.
4. Inside Lucio Dalla’s Home
For something quieter and more intimate, step into the world of Bologna’s most beloved musician.
The guided visit “Ci vediamo da Lucio!” opens the doors of Lucio Dalla’s home in Piazza dei Celestini, where he lived and composed some of his most iconic songs.
The hour-long tour moves through rooms filled with instruments, paintings, and curiosities that tell stories of his travels and friendships. Guides share anecdotes that capture both his humour and his restless creativity.
Tours are held in Italian every Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Tickets cost €18 (reduced €15). Visitors should arrive 15 minutes early; the house is on the first floor of a historic building with no lift.
Bookings are essential via Bologna Welcome.
Best time to go: a late-morning slot on Saturday, followed by lunch nearby – it pairs perfectly with a quiet afternoon walk under the porticoes.
5. Art for the Long Weekend
Several exhibitions remain open through early November, offering a cultural counterpoint to the festive atmosphere.
Among them:
- “Visions and Faces: From the Renaissance to Neoclassicism” – classical portraiture and sacred art (until February 2026)
- “The First Perfume: Tappūtī and the History of Fragrance” – a sensory journey through ancient perfumery (until November 2025)
- “Vampires” – the evolution of a myth in art and film (until January 2026)
- “The Times Are A Changin’: Vatican II in Art and Video” – reflections on faith and reform (until January 2026)
Each can be reached easily from Bologna’s historic centre and pairs well with a morning coffee under the porticoes or an afternoon visit to the Clock Tower of Palazzo d’Accursio.
6. Food and Markets
The All Saints’ weekend is one of the best times of the year to eat in Bologna.
Menus shift to reflect the season: pumpkin-filled tortelloni, porcini mushrooms, truffle shavings, slow-cooked meats.
Markets such as Mercato delle Erbe and the Quadrilatero bustle with locals shopping for chestnuts, cheeses, and Lambrusco. For a guided introduction, Bologna Welcome offers tasting walks and cooking classes that combine history and cuisine.
Suggested Three-Day Itinerary
Friday, 31 October
Arrive and join an Urban Trekking walk. In the evening, choose between a Halloween performance or one of the city’s larger parties.
Saturday, 1 November
Begin with a visit to Lucio Dalla’s house, then head to Sasso Marconi or Valsamoggia for Tartufesta. Return to Bologna for dinner in the historic centre.
Sunday, 2 November
Spend the morning visiting a museum or exhibition, then take a slow lunch before departure.
The Mood of Bologna in November
Visiting Bologna at the start of November means stepping into a slower rhythm.
The students have returned, cafés are filled with low conversation, and the city feels both introspective and welcoming.
The air smells faintly of rain, balsamic vinegar, and truffle – an unmistakable signature of the season.
Whether you spend the weekend walking its medieval streets, tasting the hills’ autumn harvest, or listening to the echoes of Lucio Dalla’s songs, Bologna rewards curiosity with quiet depth.
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