What to do in Naples in October: events, exhibitions, and festivals

October in Naples is changing pace: the days are getting shorter, weekends are filled with festivals, and chestnut festivals replace the end-of-summer celebrations. The 2026 calendar is off to a strong start: from October 1st to 4th , the Campania Libri Festival , Open House Napoli , and the Villaggio Certoconsumo in Vomero overlap .

Then comes the Spinacorona Festival with Beethoven , 24 Grana with their new album, Danza in Prima at the Maschio Angioino , and the first chestnut festivals in Irpinia . Here's what to do in October in Naples and the surrounding area, divided by type of event, with dates, locations, and links to related articles.

Before we get into the details, here are some key dates to mark in your diary:

• 1 4-October — Campania Books Festival at the Royal Palace and the Certoconsumo Village in Vomero
• 2 4-October — Open House Naples and the Spinacorona Festival in the historic center
• 3 4-October — Roccamonfina Maxi Festival, sausage and broccoli rabe in Trentola Ducenta
• 10 October — First Dance at Maschio Angioino
• 15 October — the 24 Grana at the Fonoteca with Bidonville
• 17 October — Naples DevFest at the City of Science
• 29 October – 1 November — Chestnut and Pecorino Vitulanese Festival

Exhibitions, architecture and books

Open House Naples 2026, free guided tours (October 2-4)

The eighth edition of Open House Napoli opens over 150 locations throughout the city and the Metropolitan City , with the Sconfinamenti section dedicated to the Phlegraean Fields and a day of visits to Bacoli starting October 2nd . Admission is free , but approximately 20 events require reservations : it's a good idea to check the program at openhousenapoli.org and reserve your spots as soon as they open. Full details are in the article on Open House Napoli 2026.

Practical tip: the most popular venues (historic palaces and cloisters) sell out within hours; choose 2-3 locations per day and explore the historic center on foot to save time between visits.

Campania Libri Festival 2026 at Palazzo Reale (October 1-4)

The fifth edition of the Campania Books Festival occupa Royal Palace , National Library of Naples with over 80 appointments on the opening day alone. The claim is Jesce sun, a tribute to the 50 years de The cat Cinderella and Roberto De Simone; the publishers' stands are in the Courtyard of Honor, in Belvedere Courtyard and in Carriage Courtyard, With the 'Arena Roberto De Simone taken care of by Rai Production Center in Naples. Entrance Free. Full program in the article on Campania Books Festival 2026.

Practical tip: Presentations featuring the most anticipated authors fill the halls in the afternoon; arrive in the morning to explore the stands at your leisure and use the Plebiscito area for a break between two meetings.

Capri Photography Festival, Travels and Mirages (until October 11)

At the Certosa di San Giacomo in Capri , the 18th edition of the Photography Festival hosts the exhibition Viaggi e Miraggi curated by Denis Curti . Access is based on the Certosa ticket , so the visit includes a visit to the museum and cloisters. Dates, times, and practical information are in the article on the Capri Photography Festival 2026.

Practical tip: In October, connections to Capri are quieter, but the afternoon return journey remains crowded: book the early morning ferry and leave in the afternoon for the exhibition.

The Observer, Anacapri Landscape Festival (until November 8)

The 10th edition of the Anacapri Landscape Festival , titled The Observer and curated by Arianna Rosica and Gianluca Riccio , will take place between Villa San Michele and the historic center. It can be visited with a ticket to Villa San Michele . Details can be found in the article in The Observer, Anacapri Landscape Festival 2026.

Concerts and live music

Vomero Music Festival at the Cloister of San Francesco (October 1st – December 3rd)

The Rendez-vous entre nous festival will be held at the Chiostro di San Francesco , at Via Luca Giordano 2, until December . Tickets cost 12 euros and include a drink ; the closing act on December 3rd will be the Trio Habanera . The full schedule can be found in the article on Vomero Music Festival 2026.

The 24 Grana present Bidonville at the Fonoteca (15 October)

On October 15th , at 18:00 pm , the Fonoteca di Napoli will host the presentation of Bidonville , the new album by 24 Grana with 11 previously unreleased songs for La Canzonetta Record . The band is celebrating 30 years of activity, following the single Stadera released on September 25th . Information in the article on 24 Grana, Bidonville a Napoli.

Spinacorona Festival: Beethoven in the Historic Center (October 2-4)

The 10th edition of Spinacorona , Neapolitan musical walks, brings Beethoven and 59 musicians to ten locations in the historic center, including the University Library , the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata Maggiore , and Santa Maria di Costantinopoli . The events take place between 12:00 and 21:00 , with free admission subject to availability and no reservations required . The artistic direction is by Michele Campanella . The program is in the article on the Spinacorona Festival 2026.

Practical advice: Since you don't have a reservation, arrive at least 20 minutes early at your chosen venue; the churches in the city center have limited seating, and standing room fills up quickly.

Fenice Festival BlueSoul Edition (October 2-31)

The third edition of the Fenice Festival , this year in the BlueSoul version , enlivens the IV Municipality of Naples with music, literature, and performing arts. The inauguration is on October 2nd at 19:00 pm with Gennaro Porcelli and the RR Band , including blues, a book by Carmine Aymone , and body painting by Vivian Belmonte . Free admission . Details in the article on the Fenice Festival BlueSoul Edition 2026.

Ethnos 2026 between Naples and Vesuvius (until October 10)

The 31st edition of Ethnos , conceived and directed by Gigi Di Luca , features 20 concerts with artists from 14 countries in six municipalities , including Naples , San Giorgio a Cremano , Portici , Torre del Greco , Boscotrecase and Castellammare di Stabia . Many stages are free to enter . Information in the article on Ethnos 2026.

A Corde spiegate at the Church of Santa Caterina da Siena (until October 18)

The seventh edition of A Corde spiegate offers four early music concerts with a single ticket price of 5 euros . The festival is organized by the Pietà de' Turchini Foundation . The schedule is in the article on A Corde spiegate 2026.

Oktoberfest Cilento in Agropoli (October 2-11)

In Agropoli , in the province of Salerno , the Oktoberfest Cilento brings beer, Bavarian cuisine, and themed evenings over two weekends, from October 2nd to 11th . Admission is free , but drinks are subject to a fee. Details are available in the article on Oktoberfest Cilento 2026.

Theater, dance and cinema

Nino Frassica at the Cilea Theatre (October 1-4)

Nino Frassica brings Due maledetti amici to the stage at the Teatro Cilea , at Via San Domenico 11, with evening performances and a Sunday afternoon. The theater is directed by Lello Arena . Tickets are available at the box office and on official channels; dates and times are in the article about Nino Frassica at the Teatro Cilea.

Filippo Timi's Hamlet 2 at the Bellini Theater (until October 4)

At the Teatro Bellini , Filippo Timi concludes his provocative, comic reinterpretation of Hamlet with Marina Rocco , Elena Lietti , and Gabriele Brunelli . Performances are open until October 4th ; this performance is not part of the season ticket. Tickets are available at the theater box office; more information is available in the article on Hamlet2 by Filippo Timi.

First Dance at Maschio Angioino (October 10)

The courtyard of Castel Nuovo , in Piazza Municipio, becomes an open-air stage for the third edition of Danza in Prima . On October 10th , at 17:00 pm , 15 dance schools will perform pieces lasting up to 6 minutes ; admission is free and without reservation . The artistic direction is by Stefano Angelini , with the Municipality 1 and the Department of Tourism. Details in the article on Danza in Prima 2026.

Incontri 2026, contemporary dance in Salerno (October 3-4)

At the Sala Pasolini in Salerno, the Incontri 2026 series by the Campania Danza Association brings the two-part performance Exit by Cornelia Dance Company and Yellowbiz Art Collective on Saturday, October 3rd at 21:00 pm , and Il fuoco del Vesuvio by Compagnia Movimento Danza on Sunday, October 4th at 18:30 pm . Tickets are available at the box office on the evening of the performance; information is available in the article on Incontri 2026 in Salerno.

NaNo Film Festival at TAN (until October 3)

The seventh edition of the NaNo Film Festival , an international exhibition and competition of short films and documentaries, will take place at the TAN Teatro Area Nord , in via Nuova Dietro la Vigna 20. Screenings will start in the afternoon, book presentations at 18:00 pm and slam poetry at 21:00 pm , until October 3. The programme is in the article on NaNo Film Festival 2026.

Autumn festivals and flavors

Certoconsumo Village in Artists' Square (October 1-4)

For the association's 30th anniversary , the Certoconsumo Village returns to Piazza degli Artisti , in Vomero, with stands and tastings of local products : buffalo mozzarella, Irpino caciocavallo, cured meats, taralli, and wines. Admission is free , but products are available for purchase. The grand finale on October 4th features Arturo Fusco, featuring Gragnano PGI pasta and Cannellino Flegreo cherry tomatoes . For more information, see the article on the Certoconsumo Village in Vomero.

Sausage and broccoli rabe festival in Trentola Ducenta (October 3-4)

On Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, Trentola Ducenta , in the province of Caserta , is dedicating two evenings to sausage and broccoli rabe , accompanied by Asprinio wine . The town center also features a craft market and live music. Free admission , but food is available for purchase. Details are in the article on the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Festival.

Maxi IGP Chestnut Festival in Roccamonfina (October 3 – November 1)

Every weekend from October 3rd to November 1st , Roccamonfina opens its historic center at the foot of the extinct volcano with PGI chestnuts and porcini mushrooms . In addition to food and wine stands, the program includes shows, excursions, and a Ferris wheel; opening hours are 18:00 PM . Free admission . For more information, see the article on the Maxi PGI Chestnut Festival.

Practical tip: On peak weekends, parking in town fills up quickly; arrive by 18:30 PM or use the parking areas on the outskirts and walk to the stands.

41st Chestnut Festival of Salza Irpina (2-4 October)

In Piazza Michele Capozzi , the 41st Chestnut Festival of Salza Irpina , in the province of Avellino , opens on Friday for dinner and continues on Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner with traditional Irpinia dishes. Admission is free , but meals are subject to a fee. For more information, see the article on the 41st Chestnut Festival of Salza Irpina.

Chestnut Festival of Sant'Eustachio di Montoro (October 2-4)

At Parco del Sole in Sant'Eustachio di Montoro, three days of food stalls, live music, a children's play area, and free parking. Dinner is available on Friday and Saturday, and lunch is also available on Sunday. Free admission , drinks are available for purchase. Details are in the article on the Sant'Eustachio di Montoro Chestnut Festival.

Chestnut and Pecorino Vitulanese Festival (October 29 – November 1)

The 33rd edition of the Vitulanese Chestnut and Pecorino Cheese Festival closes out the month in the historic center of Vitulano , in the province of Benevento : four days of stalls, crafts, agricultural producers, and local agri-food companies. Admission is free , but meals are available for purchase. For more information, see the article on the Vitulanese Chestnut and Pecorino Cheese Festival.

Balconica a Futani, 11th edition (3-4 October)

In the Cilento National Park , in Futani , the balconies of the houses become suspended stages for Balconica . On Saturday, October 3rd , the musical marathon runs from 19:00 pm to 2:00 am ; on Sunday, October 4th , at 8:45 am , the guided trek of approximately 6,5 km between Futani and Cuccaro Vetere begins . The program is in the article on Balconica 2026 in Futani.

Children and families

Pumpkin Games at the Mostra d'Oltremare (October 2 – November 2)

At the Mostra d'Oltremare , at Viale Kennedy 54, Giochi di Zucca will be open for a whole month with pumpkin carving trails, workshops, and themed areas. Weekdays are 10:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00 , while on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays it is open from 10:00-21:00 . Admission is paid through Vivaticket . For more information, see the article on Giochi di Zucca 2026.

Practical tip: With children, the morning shift on weekdays is best, as it's less crowded and last admission is at 12:00 ; on weekends, aim for the evening slot for the trail lights.

Naples DevFest 2026 at the City of Science (October 16-17)

On October 17th , the Napoli DevFest returns to the Città della Scienza in Bagnoli , with the theme of Liquid Future . Tickets cost €20 (Standard) and €50 (Level-Up), while the hackathon on October 16th at the ITI Galileo Ferraris in Scampia has 400 seats . More information is available in the article on Napoli DevFest 2026.

FAQs on what to do in Naples in October

What can you do in Naples in October 2026?
The month is full of free festivals: Open House Naples (2-4 October), Campania Books Festival (1-4 October) and Spinacorona Festival (2-4 October) are the main occasions, together with the chestnut festivals in the province.

What are the free events?
Among the most comfortable are Open House Naples, Campania Books Festival, Certoconsumo Village in Vomero, the Spinacorona Festival, Phoenix Festival, First Dance to the Maschio Angioino and Balcony in Futani. Others, like theOktoberfest Cilento, have free entry but drinks are paid for.

Where can you eat chestnuts in Campania in October?
The closest festivals are Salza Irpina e Sant'Eustachio di Montoro (2-4 October), roccamonfina (from October 3rd) and Vitulano (from October 29th), all with free entry and paid dishes.

What's the weather like in Naples in October?
Temperatures remain mild during the day but drop in the evening, and in Irpinia and Cilento it can get chilly after sunset: for evening festivals, it's a good idea to dress in layers and bring a jacket.

Do I need to book for the October events?
For Open House Naples about 20 events require reservation required, while Spinacorona Admission is free, subject to availability, and requires no reservation. For concerts and theater tickets, advance purchase is recommended through official channels.