This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Gubbio’s calendar is built around two anchors: the Festa dei Ceri on May 15 and the world’s largest Christmas tree each December. In between sit the Palio della Balestra crossbow contest, a summer classical music festival, and autumn truffle fairs. Most events are free to watch, though hotels book out well ahead of the Ceri, so reserve early. Everything here fits into the wider Gubbio guide.
Events in Gubbio: The Festa dei Ceri (May 15)
The Festa dei Ceri is one of Italy’s oldest folk festivals, held every May 15 since at least the 12th century. Three teams carry 4-metre wooden candles weighing 300 to 400kg, topped with statues of Sant’Ubaldo, San Giorgio and Sant’Antonio, racing from Piazza Grande up to the Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo on Monte Ingino. The atmosphere builds from the first Sunday of May; on the day itself the town closes to traffic and tens of thousands of spectators line the route. Arrive by mid-morning and take a spot on Via dei Consoli or in Piazza Grande. For visiting the basilica itself, see the things to do in Gubbio guide.
Events in Gubbio: The Palio della Balestra
On the last Sunday of May, Gubbio’s crossbowmen compete against the team from Sansepolcro in Tuscany, a contest dating to the 15th century. Archers in period dress shoot at a target called the tasso in Piazza Grande, and the event alternates between the two towns each year. It is free to watch and far less crowded than the Ceri. The four quartieri field their own teams, so check the Gubbio neighborhoods guide to see which is which.
Events in Gubbio: Summer
The Gubbio Summer Festival runs through July and early August, staging classical and chamber music in the Roman theatre and church interiors. Ticket prices vary by concert, typically 10 to 25 euros. In late June the Corsa dei Ceri Mezzani lets children carry smaller candles in a scaled-down version of the May race. July averages 21.6°C with only 41mm of rain, ideal for open-air concerts; see the Gubbio weather by month guide for conditions.
Events in Gubbio: Christmas and the World’s Largest Christmas Tree
From December 7 to around January 10, about 350 lights outline a 750-metre-tall Christmas tree on the slopes of Monte Ingino, listed by Guinness as the world’s largest. It is lit at dusk each evening and is free to view from anywhere in town. The switching-on ceremony draws crowds on December 7, and the market stalls in Piazza Quaranta Martiri run through the month. For the best evening to view it, see the best time to visit Gubbio guide.
Events in Gubbio: Autumn Truffle and Food Fairs
In late October and November, Gubbio and the surrounding Umbrian towns host white and black truffle fairs where local producers sell truffles, cured meats and the local crescia bread. Dates shift each year, so check the Umbria tourism calendar before travelling. November is also the wettest month at 112mm, so pack a raincoat. Find a base in where to stay in Gubbio and arrival details in the Gubbio travel tips page.
