Funghi Fest 2025 transforms Castelbuono, in the heart of the Madonie Park, into Sicily’s autumn capital of flavors and folklore across two celebratory weekends: October 18–19 and October 24–26, 2025. The official festival site confirms dates, format, and pillars for the 19th edition, highlighting a multisensory program of tastings, show cooking, “laboratori del gusto,” guided tours, foraging‑themed excursions, street performances, concerts, artisan markets, and locally brewed craft beers. Set against medieval streets and the Ventimiglia Castle, Funghi Fest invites visitors to taste iconic madoniti mushroom dishes, meet producers, and join music‑filled evenings that celebrate the season’s bounty.
Dates, place, and what’s included
- Dates: Two weekends — October 18–19 and October 24–26, 2025 — with daily schedules spanning morning to late evening in Castelbuono, Palermo province.
- Format and themes: A curated tasting route for mushroom‑based specialties, live show cooking with guest chefs, educational “laboratori del gusto,” and a full roster of exhibitions, talks, concerts, and street theater throughout the historic center.
- Where it happens: Stages, tasting areas, and artisan stalls unfold in the centro storico around Piazza Margherita, Piazza Castello, and lanes leading to the Ventimiglia Castle and the Civic Museum.
What to eat and drink
- Mushroom classics: Expect porcini arrosto, tagliatelle ai funghi, arancine ai funghi, polenta with funghi misti, panini caldi, and sauces that spotlight Madonie varieties; tasting points run day and night with rotating menus.
- Street food and sweets: Sicilian street‑food stands and patisserie counters complement the savory routes with cannoli, biscotti, and seasonal desserts.
- Craft beers and wine: Local birrifici pour autumnal brews alongside regional wines, curating pairings for both tasting area plates and show‑cooking dishes.
Culture, music, and learning
- Shows and concerts: A nightly calendar brings bands to Piazza Castello and Piazza Margherita, while daytimes feature folk groups, marching street bands, and artists of strada weaving through the lanes.
- Exhibitions and talks: The program layers photo and craft exhibitions with conferences on mycology, sustainable foraging, and Madonie biodiversity, often led by experts and local associations.
- Family friendly: Didactic trails, guided walks, and circus‑arts segments keep the festival welcoming to all ages; museum hours extend to accommodate visitors in town for the event.
Nature and territory
- Madonie setting: Funghi Fest’s identity is tied to the Parco delle Madonie, a biodiversity hotspot whose oak and chestnut forests produce prized fungi; guided excursions and talks connect tastings to the landscape.
- Medieval charm: The festival doubles as a cultural visit to Castelbuono’s heritage sites, including the Ventimiglia Castle and the Civic Museum, which often extend opening hours on festival days.
Sample weekend plan
- Saturday (Oct 18 or 25):
- Morning: Stroll the centro storico as stands open; visit the Civic Museum and Castle for context.
- Midday: Follow the tasting route for porcini dishes and arancine ai funghi; pause for a “laboratorio del gusto.”
- Afternoon: Catch a mycology talk or a guided walk; browse artisan stalls for preserves, cheeses, and local olive oil.
- Evening: Settle in Piazza Castello for the headline concert; pair a mushroom plate with a craft beer or a Madonie wine.
- Sunday (Oct 19 or 26):
- Morning: Join a guided excursion toward Madonie trails or nearby borghi; return for street‑band parades in the centro.
- Afternoon: Taste alternative mushroom recipes and sweets; end with a final show before departure.
Practical information
- Getting there: Castelbuono sits east of Palermo in the Madonie foothills; self‑drive is the most flexible for weekend timetables. Allow extra time for festival‑day traffic into the town.
- Parking and mobility: Use signed lots at the perimeter and walk into the pedestrian core; wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and gentle slopes.
- Where to stay: Book early in Castelbuono or nearby Madonie villages; regional listings suggest coordinated hospitality networks with event rates during festival weekends.
- Accessibility: Historic streets can be uneven; check event pages for accessible routes and ask staff at tasting areas for seating options during peak hours.
How to get the most from tastings
- Share plates: Split portions to sample more dishes and return to favorites later; lines ebb mid‑afternoon between lunch and dinner.
- Ask producers: Inquire about mushroom species, foraging zones, and preservation methods; many stands offer jars and dried mixes ideal for travel.
- Pair thoughtfully: Choose malty beers with roasted porcini, lighter whites with sautéed funghi misti, and bold reds for richer ragùs.
Responsible foraging and sustainability
- Learn before you pick: Conference sessions led by micologists cover identification and sustainable harvesting; the festival’s education focus discourages untrained foraging in protected areas.
- Reduce waste: Look for recycling stations and compostable serviceware; bringing a reusable bottle and tote helps minimize single‑use items.
- Support local: Purchase pantry staples like dried mushrooms, sauces, cheeses, and oils from small producers to extend the festival experience at home.
2025 dates and confirmations
- Official dates: Funghi Fest 2025 runs October 18–19 and October 24–26, per the event’s website; regional calendars mirror those dates and describe the program pillars.
- Program teasers: Enjoy Sicilia’s 2024 schedule gives a sense of daily flow — stand openings, museum access, parades, tastings, and evening concerts — which returns in 2025 with updated artists and speakers.
- Event status: Organizers note that 2025 retains the successful format of previous years, with continuous updates on artists, chefs, and specific activities posted as autumn nears.
Verified details at a glance
- Event: Funghi Fest (Mushroom Festival), Castelbuono, Sicily.
- 2025 dates: October 18–19 and October 24–26.
- Highlights: Tastings, show cooking, “laboratori del gusto,” exhibitions, talks, guided tours and excursions, street performance, concerts, artisan market, craft beer.
- Locations: Historic center around Piazza Margherita, Piazza Castello, and Ventimiglia Castle/Civic Museum.
Plan a crisp autumn weekend in the Madonie, book a stay in Castelbuono, and let the aromas of porcini guide the way from tasting stall to evening concert. With confirmed dates, a rich culinary and cultural lineup, and the medieval charm of one of Sicily’s most welcoming towns, Funghi Fest 2025 is a delicious reason to discover the island’s mountain heart.
