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Imperia’s event calendar is anchored by Olioliva, the region-defining olive oil fair each November, plus a scattering of summer sailing regattas, patron saint feasts, and flower-market traditions tied to the Riviera dei Fiori. Most events are free and staged across Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Check the best time to visit Imperia to line dates up with good weather. For date planning, see our Imperia travel tips and FAQ guide.
Imperia Events and Festivals: Olioliva
Olioliva is the big one. Held in early November (typically the 7th to the 9th) across the arcades, streets and squares of Oneglia, it celebrates the freshly pressed Taggiasca extra-virgin olive oil of western Liguria. Dozens of stands from producers, municipalities and inland villages offer tastings, cured anchovies, oil-cured black olives, and guided walks into the olive groves. It draws tens of thousands of visitors over three days and is completely free to enter. Book lodging early, as Oneglia hotels fill months ahead for these dates.
Imperia Events and Festivals: Patron Saints and Religion
On 26 November Imperia honors Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, patron of Porto Maurizio, with a procession and mass at the Basilica di San Maurizio. Oneglia separately marks the feast of Saint John the Baptist on 24 June, with the Church of San Giovanni Battista (built 1739-62) as the focus. Both include evening food stalls and are low-key community affairs rather than tourist spectacles. See our Imperia weather by month for more.
Imperia Events and Festivals: Summer Regattas and Sea
July and August bring sailing regattas out of the Porto Maurizio marina, with the historic Vele d’Epoca (classic yacht) meetings drawing wooden boats along the western Riviera. The long Calata quays host open-air concerts and night markets on summer weekends. The coastal cycle path and lidos stay lively through the season. Expect free access to browse the boats at the quay.
Imperia Events and Festivals: Spring Flowers
Because Imperia anchors the Riviera dei Fiori flower industry, spring sees greenhouse open days and seasonal plant markets, plus the broader Sanremo flower corso a short train ride west in late January or February. Local nurseries in the hills offer direct sales in April and May. It is a quieter, cheaper time to visit. See our neighborhoods guide for where the markets set up.
