National Pumpkin Fair: market

Every year Piozzo is tinged with a thousand colors with an unparalleledpumpkin display on antique wagons and a unique technical and scientific exhibition.

There is no shortage of tastings of typical pumpkin products, mouth-watering sweet and savory treats.

What’s New in 2026

There’s a big change on the horizon: from 2026 the Pumpkin Fair will officially become a National Fair, a prestigious recognition that rewards the passion, work, and quality of an event that for over thirty years has told the story of autumn in a unique way.

With hundreds of themed stands, you can explore a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring over 600 varieties of pumpkins in every shape, color, and size.

From small souvenirs to giant specimens, there’s something for everyone!

You’ll find street food, sweets, risottos, and delicacies made with pumpkin to delight every palate, along with shows, music, exhibitions, and plenty of surprises designed for all ages.

Market

• From 9:00 AM opening of the traditional Pumpkin Market in the historic center.
• Following the start of the photo contest Put Your Photo in the Pumpkin.

Lunch

From 11:00 AM the pumpkin-based lunch will be served in the refreshment areas and local venues: risottos, typical sweets, street food, and many specialties.

Workshop

The Tasting Workshop: a free experience to discover and taste the flavors and nuances of different pumpkin varieties.

Start of the workshop from 3:00 PM.

Awards ceremony

Award ceremony at 6:00 PM for the photo contest “Put Your Photo in the Pumpkin“.

Street food

The street food area with gourmet dishes and pumpkin-themed specialties will remain open until 10:00 PM.

Throughout the Fair

At the Albarosa belvedere

• Technical-scientific exhibition with over 650 varieties of pumpkins grown in Piozzo from around the world.
• Pro Loco refreshment point with risottos, sweets, and pumpkin chocolates by «Guido Gobino».
• The giant pumpkin goose game.
• Art exhibition curated by the group «Il Mago di Pioz».

In Piazza 5 Luglio 1944

• Pumpkins from the Pro Loco di Piozzo and official Fair merchandise.
• Pumpkin muffins and Guido Gobino chocolates with candied pumpkin.
• Exhibition with over 250 varieties of dried pumpkins and pumpkins on antique carts.
• The Sound Artisan Danilo Raimondo and his sculptures/instruments made from dried pumpkin.
• Photography exhibition «naturaSEMIseria» by Carlo Bava (Chiesa dei Battuti Neri).
• Exhibition «Thirty Pumpkins for the Future» by the Gabaré Cultural Association (Chiesa dei Battuti Neri).
• Space for Slow Food protected pumpkins and screening of the documentary «Once Upon a Time in the Land of Lapacuse».
• Presentation of Ark of Taste and Slow Food Presidia projects.
• Photography exhibition «Put the Photo in the Pumpkin» in Piazzetta Lartigue.

At Varco 1 – Perlage

The children’s field «Ra curt dër cusse»: the field dedicated to the little ones to pick, color, and take home their own Halloween pumpkin.

On October 4th the field will close at 7:00 PM.

Info and presales here

Around the village

• Churches of the Holy Sepulchre and San Bernardo open with guided tours.
• Ceramics exhibition by the «Ass. Ceramica Vecchia Mondovì» (Church of the Madonnina).
• Open garden of the 14th-century Castle.
• Info points with students from the I.I.S. Giolitti-Bellisario.

History and curiosity

The Piozzo Pumpkin Fair was established in 1994 by virtue of the tradition of the people of Piozzo nicknamed “Lapa Cuse.”

In fact, the piozzesi would let the prized vegetable dry and use it as a container for wine to take to the vineyards to quench their thirst during the long days of work.

Year after year the study of pumpkin in Piozzo has been intensifying, bringing to the small town more than 600 varieties from all over the world, but grown exclusively in the area.

The culmination of the research to date has been the patenting of the “Piozzo Pumpkin“®, a delicious culinary product, to be used mainly in the preparation of risotto.