Autumn in Jesolo smells of spices. On Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October the old town fills up for the Festa d'Autunno, the autumn festival, which this year is all about aromas from around the world: markets, tastings, workshops for children and an evening that peaks with the national final of the chilli-eating contest.
Saturday or Sunday: the two days are not the same
Saturday is the day not to miss if you're after a show. The afternoon flows between tastings and music, then at 6.30pm in piazza I Maggio comes the most awaited moment: the national final of the chilli-eating contest, where the boldest compete with ever hotter bites. The evening ends at 8.30pm with *Genesi*, a roaming show of Japanese drums, dance and fire.
Sunday has a more family pace. Autumn-themed workshops, a cooking show at 4pm, a talk on spices with a final tasting and, to close, a concert by the band Turbo Max at 8pm in piazza della Repubblica.
The programme for Saturday 17 October
The programme for Sunday 18 October
Where to find what
The markets open on Saturday and Sunday at 10am and are split by street: spices in piazza I Maggio, crafts and local specialities in via Cesare Battisti, and Coldiretti farms with produce from the area in via Nazario Sauro. Piazza I Maggio also hosts the exhibition *Spezie dal mondo* (spices of the world).
If you're coming with children there are several stops: the rides in piazza Kennedy open at 10am on both days, and the DJ set starts at 4pm. On Saturday at 10am Roberta Ruggiero reads autumn stories at the library, at 4pm the JMuseo hosts the workshop *Nessuno vede più scarpe di un cane!*, and on Sunday children paint with NonSoloTata in the library garden.
The festival is also the fifth edition of M'illumino di Spezie, the event devoted to aromas from around the world that gave this autumn its theme.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Festa d'Autunno 2026 in Jesolo?
From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026. On Friday only the food area opens, from 6.30pm. On Saturday and Sunday the full festival runs, with markets from 10am and the food area from 12.30pm.
Where is it?
In Jesolo's old town, across piazza della Repubblica, piazza I Maggio, piazza Kennedy, via Cesare Battisti, via Nazario Sauro, the town hall area and the public library.
What time is the chilli-eating contest?
Saturday 17 October at 6.30pm, in piazza I Maggio. It is the national final.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes: rides in piazza Kennedy from both mornings, readings and workshops at the library and the JMuseo, wooden games in the town hall area and spice-themed workshops on Sunday afternoon.
Is there music in the evening?
Yes. On Saturday the DJ in the food area from 7pm and the *Genesi* show at 8.30pm; on Sunday the DJ from 7pm and the Turbo Max concert at 8pm.
*Times may change: it's worth checking the official channels before heading out.*
