Mercatanti in Fiera: the international event that brings Bergamo to life

La Città Cultura The City Food and Wine Culture

10 October 2026

Every autumn, the heart of Bergamo is transformed into a large international stage thanks to Mercatanti in Fiera, an event that attracts thousands of visitors and that, year after year, has become an unmissable tradition.

For four days, the Sentierone – the historic promenade in the city centre – is filled with lights, scents and voices from every corner of the world, offering a unique opportunity to go on a real sensory journey without leaving Bergamo.

What is Mercatanti in Fiera?

Mercatanti in Fiera is one of the most popular autumn events in Bergamo. It is a large international open-air market, which every year brings stalls, food stands and artisans from all over Europe and beyond right into the heart of the city.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of a global village, where the aromas, flavours, music and traditions of numerous different countries coexist.

As we mentioned above, this event takes place on Bergamo’s Sentierone, the main street of the Città Bassa, which, for the occasion, is transformed into a colourful and lively itinerary. Here, there are more than a hundred stalls, lined up along the promenade and in the adjacent squares, including Piazza Dante.

Bergamo’s Sentierone

When is the Mercatanti festival in Bergamo?

The 24th edition of Mercatanti in Fiera takes place from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 October 2026, with four days dedicated to international flavours, local specialities and traditions.

This tried-and-tested format allows Bergamo residents and the many tourists who visit the city to enjoy a long weekend of conviviality.

Mercatanti 2026 – timetable

For the latest opening and closing times, visitors are advised to check the event organisers’ official announcements.

Walking along the Sentierone during the event, when the aromas of international cuisine mingle with the music and chatter of the crowd, creates a festive global village atmosphere.

Why visit the Mercatanti in Bergamo?

Mercatanti in Fiera is not just a market, but a true experience of cultural exchange. It is the ideal place for those who love to try new cuisines, discover interesting handicrafts, or simply enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere in the heart of Bergamo.

Families, young people, tourists and residents: everyone will find a reason to stop, taste something, buy a special item or get caught up in the festive atmosphere.

What can you find at the Mercatanti fair?

105 exhibitors from across Europe and several non-European countries bring the event to life, turning shopping among the stalls of the Mercatanti in Bergamo into an opportunity for cultural discovery.

If you love good food and street food, this is a great opportunity to sample Italian and international specialities, discovering traditional dishes and flavours from a variety of culinary cultures.

There is also a selection of handicrafts and other products that reflect the traditions and cultures of the participating countries.

One of the highlights of the 2026 edition is the presence of exhibitors from Serbia and Portugal, further enriching the international range of products on offer.

The event offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with the lights of the stalls, the aromas of international cuisine and the variety of products on display. The Sentierone and Piazza Dante become meeting places for different cultures and traditions, right in the heart of the city.

Edificio Lotto G of Sentierone in Bergamo

Do you want to experience Bergamo like never before? Hop on a Tuk Tuk with Bergamo by Tuk Tuk and discover the Mercatanti Fair from a unique perspective: hidden alleys, charming views, flavors and sounds brought to life – all without effort! Book your tour now: emotions, smiles, and the festive atmosphere await you around every corner of the Sentierone.

How to reach the Mercatanti in Fiera

During the fair, traffic restrictions and detours are in place in the city centre, in order to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely. Visitors arriving from outside Bergamo can therefore leave their cars in the Park and Ride parking areas.

The most convenient option is the Bergamo Exhibition Centre (via Lunga), with around 300 free parking spaces on weekdays and a direct connection to the city centre via the ATB 1 line, which runs frequently to Porta Nuova and the Upper Town. Good alternatives include the Garage San Marco and the car park in Piazza della Libertà.

If you prefer to park in the city centre, the Parcheggio del Centro car park (in Via Borfuro) is very convenient, just a few steps away from the Sentierone.

If you arrive in Bergamo by train, the walk from the station is short and pleasant. The fair is about a 15-minute walk away (approximately 1 km). Just leave the station, walk straight along Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII and you will arrive directly at Porta Nuova, the heart of the Sentierone.