There’s a particular kind of magic to August around here. The days are long, the evenings are made for staying outside a little longer than planned, and somewhere between the sunflower fields and the foothills of Monte Grappa, the whole area seems to slow down just enough to enjoy itself.
This month, we’ve rounded up the events, festivals and local traditions that make August one of our favourite times to be in this corner of Veneto.
Shooting Stars on Monte Grappa
Start by looking up.
From 1st to 16th August, during the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, you can join a gentle evening walk onto the Monte Grappa massif. It’s a 6-7 km hike to a panoramic viewpoint where, on a clear night, you can watch shooting stars cross the sky above the mountains.
Notte Bianca in Valstagna & Ferragosto
On 14th August, the riverside village of Valstagna comes alive for its annual Notte Bianca. Expect food stalls, live music, late-night shopping and games for children as the whole village spills out into the streets. It’s one of those evenings where nobody seems in a hurry to head home.
The following day is Ferragosto, one of Italy’s biggest public holidays. While Bassano itself becomes noticeably quieter, the surrounding villages come alive with fireworks, sagre, live music and local celebrations. It’s one of the best times to experience small-town Italy at its most festive.
Festa del Prunno in Asiago
On 16th August, celebrations continue in the woods near Asiago for the Festa del Prunno, held at Piana del Prunno on the road towards Bassano.
Celebrated on San Rocco’s Day, the festival brings together music, traditional games and local gatherings, before the evening procession through the village. One of the most unusual traditions is the crowning of the Reginetta del Bosco, the local “Queen of the Woods.”
Antique Market in Marostica
The first Sunday of every month sees Marostica’s medieval centre fill with one of the area’s best antique markets.
Browse vintage furniture, jewellery, books, lace, ceramics, glassware and the occasional wartime curiosity, all set around the beautiful Piazza degli Scacchi.
Open Hives Day in Bassano
To round off the month, on 30th August, Opus Apis opens its hives here in Bassano for a hands-on experience with the world of bees.
Meet the beekeepers, get close to the hives, and taste organic honey produced from the flowers of our own hills and valleys.
It’s a peaceful way to finish a month that’s been full of local celebrations.
Whether you head up the mountain, down to the river or into one of the villages, August is full of reasons to spend a little more time exploring this part of Italy.
And if you’re planning your own trip to Bassano and want to know how to fit it all together, send us a message.
If that interests you, you know where we are. See our best-selling cycling tours from Bassano del Grappa.
Ben & Susi
Team Epic Italy