Before exploring Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events, let’s take a look on this enchanting village on Lake Como.
It’s easy to understand why Bellagio has earned the nickname “The Pearl of Lake Como”. This tiny town sits on a promontory at the point where the Y‑shaped lake splits into three branches, giving it panoramic views in every direction. Its strategic location and postcard‑worthy streets have made Bellagio “the most famous town of Como Lake” and one of its most sought‑after destinations.
Cobblestone stairways climb steeply from the waterfront, lined with boutique shops and cafés, while elegant villas and gardens such as Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni hide behind stone walls. Visitors love to stroll up Salita Serbelloni for that classic postcard view, wander the lakeside promenade or take a boat to explore neighbouring villages. Although small, Bellagio draws travellers from around the world thanks to its blend of natural beauty, old‑world charm and modern amenities.
Because it is such a popular base for exploring the lake, Bellagio also hosts a calendar of cultural events that enliven its streets throughout the year. Ferragosto — Italy’s mid‑August holiday celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin — is a particularly festive time. In 2025 the town is set to host exhibitions and concerts leading up to Ferragosto, with the surrounding lake offering spectacular celebrations. Below you’ll find the highlights of Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events, plus tips on making the most of your visit.
Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events
Festival di Bellagio e del Lago di Como (20 June – 8 August 2025)
The summer begins with the Festival di Bellagio e del Lago di Como, now in its fourteenth edition. Running from June 20th to August 8th 2025, this itinerant festival brings orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists to historic churches, villas and hotels around the lake. Many concerts take place in Bellagio itself, often at the Basilica di San Giacomo, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni or the Auditorium Cappuccini. Highlights for 2025 include performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, a “Concorso Cosima Wagner” competition for young musicians and concerts dedicated to composers such as Shostakovich and Ennio Morricone.
As the festival approaches Ferragosto, it culminates in two special evenings in Bellagio. On 6 August 2025 the Basilica di San Giacomo hosts “L’inverno di Antonio Vivaldi”— a free concert that pairs Baroque music with the church’s Romanesque atmosphere. Then on 8 August 2025, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni presents “Bicentenario di Johann Strauss Junior”. This open‑air performance honours the waltz king and is an elegant prelude to the Ferragosto holiday.
Exhibition: Reflections of Como – Art Inspired by the Lake (1 – 11 August 2025)
From 1 to 11 August 2025 the Casa d’Arte gallery in Bellagio hosts Reflections of Como: Art Inspired by the Lake. This exhibition is part of a new non‑profit initiative founded by artist Sandra Lattuca in the lakeside village of Ossuccio. Casa d’Arte gives international artists the opportunity to live, create and be inspired by Lake Como’s landscape. In its inaugural year the programme will host 10‑30 artists from around the world, promoting intercultural dialogue and contemporary artistic exploration. The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and invites visitors to meet the artists, view works created during the residency and join workshops.
Bellagio in Musica: Lounge Music (14 August 2025)
One of the best way to celebrate Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events is on the eve of Ferragosto, 14 August 2025, Bellagio presents an atmospheric evening of live lounge music. Organised by the Pro Loco, Bellagio in Musica: Lounge Music transforms Piazza Mazzini into an open‑air concert hall. According to the official events calendar, the programme begins at 7 pm and features Prima o Poi – Unexpected Music, a group known for blending contemporary and traditional styles. Locals and visitors gather under the plane trees, enjoy an aperitivo from nearby bars and let the music carry them into the holiday mood. The event is free and child‑friendly, making it a perfect pre‑Ferragosto activity for families.
Ferragosto fireworks and illuminated boats
While Bellagio itself stays relatively quiet on Ferragosto night, the lake comes alive to celebrate. On the evening of 14 August, the town of Gravedona, north of Bellagio, hosts a spectacular festival with folklore, live music and a parade of illuminated barges. At 10 pm a spectacular fireworks display lights up Lake Como. Crowds line the waterfront as colourful bursts reflect on the water and the illuminated boats glide past. Hotels and boat operators in Bellagio organise special cruises so visitors can watch the fireworks from the lake. If you prefer to stay on land, you can still admire the display from Punta Spartivento — the point where the lake’s two arms meet — or from elevated viewpoints like Pescallo and Aureggio.
Other summer events in Bellagio
Besides the main Ferragosto week, Bellagio and the surrounding towns offer several other events during August 2025:
- Country Festival (23 July 2025) – An evening of karaoke, food and dancing held in Parco Bellavista in Civenna di Bellagio. This family‑friendly event adds a touch of Americana to the Italian lake summer.
- Bellagio in Musica: Lounge Music series – Concerts on 4 July and 4 August 2025 bring live music to Piazza della Chiesa, featuring local bands and DJ sets.
- Markets and craft fairs – Throughout summer the Lungolago Europa hosts Hobby Market, a showcase of local artisans (7 September, 5 October and 2 November), while Piazza della Chiesa becomes an outdoor playroom with traditional wooden toys during “Creativamente… i giochi di una volta”.
Though these events fall outside the Ferragosto window, they illustrate how Bellagio remains lively through the entire summer season. Travellers who arrive a week or two before Ferragosto will enjoy a rich mix of music, culture and local traditions.
Practical tips for your Ferragosto visit
Here some practical tips to enjoy these Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events.
- Plan ahead – Ferragosto is one of Italy’s busiest holidays. Book accommodation and festival tickets early, and check event websites for updates. For concerts at the Festival di Bellagio, arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a seat.
- Use public transport – Parking in Bellagio is limited. Consider arriving by ferry from Como or Varenna, or by bus from nearby towns. Boats run late on Ferragosto to accommodate firework spectators.
- Dress comfortably – Bellagio’s steep, cobbled streets demand practical footwear. Evenings can be cool near the lake; pack a light jacket for outdoor concerts and fireworks.
- Support local – When you visit, buy crafts at the Hobby Market, sample gelato from family‑run shops and dine at restaurants using local ingredients. Your spending helps sustain Bellagio’s charm.
Why Bellagio makes the perfect Ferragosto base
Combining world‑class scenery with a curated events programme, Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events offer culture without the crowds of Italy’s bigger cities. You can spend the morning exploring the gardens of Villa Melzi or hiking to Pescallo, enjoy an afternoon browsing the Reflections of Como exhibition, then unwind with jazz during Bellagio in Musica. A few days earlier you might have caught Vivaldi or Strauss at the festival; a few days later you could be on a boat watching fireworks burst above Gravedona. All the while, you’ll be sleeping in a village that has enchanted travellers for centuries and still lives up to its nickname as the Pearl of Lake Como.
Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast, an art lover or simply searching for a unique way to celebrate Ferragosto, Bellagio in August 2025 promises memorable experiences. Plan your visit now and savour the blend of tradition, creativity and natural beauty that makes Lake Como’s most famous town shine.
Bellagio Ferragosto 2025 events are among the most representative events in the Lake Como and Valle Intelvi area. But there’s a lot more to do in the valley.
