Annual Events in Cernobbio, Lake Como: A Year-Round Guide for 2027

Cernobbio is a small village on the western shore of Lake Como, but its calendar is not small: classic cars, electric boats, a world-famous economic forum, a garden festival and a full Christmas season, nearly all repeating on the same weekend every year. This guide follows that calendar from spring to winter.

Dates for 2027 are confirmed only where organizers have published them. Otherwise, the pattern of recent years is shown as a guide.

Three historic venues host nearly everything: Villa d’Este, the five-star hotel that has staged international events since 1873; Villa Erba, an exhibition centre in a lakeside park; and Villa Bernasconi, an Art Nouveau museum.

Spring: Concorso d’Eleganza and Villa d’Este Style

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: 21–23 May 2027

This is the event that puts Cernobbio on the international calendar every May. It has run since 1929 and is organized today by Villa d’Este together with BMW Group. Collectors present historic and concept cars, and prizes such as the Coppa d’Oro are decided by public vote.

The general public attends the Public Days at Villa Erba, which in 2025 meant a Saturday community meet-up and a Sunday car parade. Ticket sales for 2027 are expected to open at the end of 2026.

Villa d’Este Style: cars and boats

Under this label the hotel runs three recurring events, usually between May and September:

• One Lake, One Car celebrates the 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS “Villa d’Este” by Carrozzeria Touring (early May or June).
• Electric Yachting is dedicated to electric boating (May).
• Vintage Yachting gathers classic wooden boats (September). The hotel has said it admits a limited number of non-resident guests.

Summer at Villa d’Este: Galas and Concerts

The hotel’s summer revolves around three dates, each with haute cuisine, themed decor and fireworks:

• Independence Day Gala, 4 July 2027
• Bastille Day Gala, 14 July 2027
• Ferragosto, 15 August, a yearly tradition (2027 programme not yet published)

In recent summers the hotel has also added one headline concert in the Mosaic Garden: Mario Biondi (2024), Andrea Bocelli (2025) and Sting (2026). The 2026 name was revealed in March, so spring is the time to check for 2027.

For access by non-guests to galas and concerts, contact the hotel directly.

Summer Concerts at Villa Bernasconi

Villa Bernasconi is the quiet counterpart to Villa d’Este’s glamour. Built in 1905–1906 to a design by Alfredo Campanini, it is one of the rare Art Nouveau villas on Lake Como and the only villa in Cernobbio open to the public.

Its rooms host classical concerts every summer, many within the Lake Como International Music Festival (late July to late August). In autumn it turns to exhibitions and the Liberty Music Tour, a guided visit combined with a concert.

September: The Cernobbio Forum

On the first weekend of September, Villa d’Este hosts the Cernobbio Forum, one of Europe’s most closely watched economic and political gatherings. Alfredo Ambrosetti founded it in 1975, and The European House – Ambrosetti still organizes it. The 2026 edition, the 52nd, brought together heads of government, ministers and business leaders.

Attendance is by invitation only, so this is not an event you can buy a ticket for. It is, however, one of the weekends when Cernobbio is at its busiest.

September: Lake Como Design Festival

The festival is held mainly in Como, but it sits right on the border. Villa del Grumello is on Via per Cernobbio, and past editions have included installations in Cernobbio itself. It runs for about a week in mid-September, with exhibitions, talks and pop-up shops in historic villas and hotels.

October: Orticolario at Villa Erba

Orticolario is the garden and landscape festival held in the park of Villa Erba, usually on the first weekend of October. The 2025 edition welcomed more than 250 Italian and international exhibitors. On weekends, a shuttle boat from Como to the Villa Erba pier is included in the ticket. 2027 dates have not been announced.

Villa Erba Through the Year

Beyond Orticolario, Villa Erba runs The 4 Seasons of Villa Erba, a free cultural programme created with the Teatro Sociale di Como (reservations required; the next date is 15 November 2026). The centre also hosts concerts and the Public Days of the Concorso d’Eleganza.

Christmas in Cernobbio

Cernobbio’s Christmas has two sides. In the village and at Villa Bernasconi, the municipality organizes markets, concerts and workshops, in recent years running until 6 January. Villa Erba opened its park for a free “Christmas at Villa Erba” day in December 2025.

At Villa d’Este, the festive season runs from 1 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. It opens with a Christmas lights ceremony and includes a Christmas lunch on 25 December and a New Year’s brunch on 1 January.

Living in Cernobbio All Year Round

Visiting for an event weekend and living here are different things. For residents, this calendar is simply the backdrop of the year: the Concorso parade, the Orticolario boat shuttle and the Christmas lights at Villa d’Este are all close at hand. Cernobbio is also practical, about 55 minutes from Milan Malpensa and 30 minutes from Lugano, with ferry connections across the lake.

That is why many of our clients choose Cernobbio for a luxury villa on Lake Como: a quiet village for most of the year, with some of Europe’s best-known events on the doorstep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest annual event in Cernobbio?
For the public, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in May. The Cernobbio Forum in September carries more political weight, but it is invitation-only.

Can the public attend the Concorso d’Eleganza?
Yes, through the Public Days at Villa Erba. Tickets are sold by the organizers.

When is Orticolario?
Usually the first weekend of October, at Villa Erba.

Are Villa d’Este events open to non-guests?
Some are. Vintage Yachting has limited places for non-residents. For galas, concerts and dinners, check the hotel’s event pages or contact it directly.

Which weekends are busiest?
The Concorso weekend in May and the Forum weekend in early September. Book accommodation early.

Is Cernobbio a good place to buy a villa?
It combines lakefront living, a year-round cultural calendar and easy access to Milan, Como and Lugano. Our team can walk you through current properties and the purchase process in Italy.

About the Author

Hanna Fitsner is the co-owner of Best Como Immobiliare, a boutique agency specializing in luxury properties on Lake Como. She has lived in Italy for over 20 years and works between Como and Tremezzina. Contact: hanna@bestcomo.com·