September on this coast has a different rhythm from August: fewer crowds, warmer sea, and a calendar that shifts from beach parties to concerts, harvest festivals and guided walks through the vineyards. Here's our pick of what's on, organised by area.
Our selection
In Levanto
Levanto Music Festival, Amfiteatrof
Opens the month on 6 September with a brass and percussion evening from the Conservatorio Paganini at Area ex Cava, followed later in the month by the Rassegna Organistica Levantese, with a Baroque concert on 25 September at the Church of S. Andrea.
Sagra Croce Verde and "Sotto le Stelle del Jazz"
On 5 September, Piazza Colombo hosts the Croce Verde food fair while Piazza Staglieno fills with jazz under the stars, courtesy of the Comune and the Orchestra Fiati Città di Levanto.
Levanto Incontra
An open-air talk with former Italian minister Claudio Martelli, presenting "Il merito, il bisogno e il grande tumulto," on 18 September on the steps of Chiesa S. Andrea.
Concerts, theatre and the usual squares
A Coldplay tribute band on 8 September, ballroom dancing evenings, the Rassegna Corale Levantese on 7 September, a theatre performance ("Piacere Carlo") on 4 September, and the closing disco party on 26 September round out a packed month in Levanto's piazzas.
In Monterosso
Rassegna di liuteria
A weekend (5-6 September) dedicated to instrument-making in Piazza Garibaldi, alongside the Festa della Polisportiva at Piazzetta Fegina.
Festa della Madonna di Fegina
All day on 8 September, one of Monterosso's most traditional dates, centred on Piazzetta Fegina.
Cena in Bianco
An all-white communal dinner on 13 September at the Oratorio Santa Croce, part of a growing tradition across Italian towns.
Folk show and the Sagra dell'Acciuga Salata
A folkloristic evening of theatre, music and food takes over the historic centre on 19 September, the same week Monterosso also celebrates its salted anchovy festival, tied to a guided lemon and vineyard tour through the Walking Park programme (see below).
Across the villages: the Cinque Terre Walking Park
September is one of the best months for the National Park's Walking Park programme, guided hikes, vineyard visits and cultural tours that run daily across all five villages, free for Cinque Terre Card holders and €10 per person without one.
A few worth planning around: a themed hike from Vernazza on 7 September for International Clean Air Day; a 30-million-year geological history tour along the Via dell'Amore from Manarola to Riomaggiore on 3 September; the "Stonewallsforlife" walk through the Manarola-Volastra vineyards on 24 September; and a visit to the Cantina Sociale del Groppo, from vineyard to cellar, on 26 September starting in Manarola.
Booking is required for all Walking Park tours, by email to visiteguidate@ati5terre.it or by phone on +39 0187 1857573.
In Bonassola and Framura
The Amfiteatrof Festival extends into both villages through September, alongside the usual late-summer rhythm of markets and evenings by the sea, though we couldn't confirm a full local calendar with fixed dates at the time of writing. The tourist office, or our front desk, remain the most reliable sources once you're here.
Further reading:
Cinque Terre Walking Park bookings: visiteguidate@ati5terre.it
Amfiteatrof Music Festival: https://www.festivalamfiteatrof.com
FAQ
What is the biggest local festival in Monterosso in September 2026?
The Festa della Madonna di Fegina, all day on 8 September, is one of Monterosso's most traditional celebrations, alongside the folkloristic evening on 19 September tied to the salted anchovy festival.
Are the Cinque Terre Walking Park tours free?
They're free for Cinque Terre Card holders and cost €10 per person without one. Booking is required by email or phone.
Is there a music festival in Levanto in September?
Yes, the Amfiteatrof Music Festival continues through the month, with concerts in Levanto and events in Bonassola and Framura too.
Do I need to book the Walking Park guided tours?
Yes, reservation is mandatory for all tours, by emailing visiteguidate@ati5terre.it or calling +39 0187 1857573.
