Autumn Festivals in Puglia: villages, flavors and traditions

travel list

Autumn in Puglia is much more than just a season; it is a collective ritual that comes alive in picturesque whitewashed villages, glowing alleyways, and squares that turn into open air kitchens. Festivals are the perfect way to discover Puglian towns, as each community offers a true taste of its essence.




πŸ‡ Noci – Bacco nelle Gnostre
November 9–10
Noci, in the province of Bari, is a charming stone village surrounded by masserie and dry-stone walls. In autumn, it comes alive with Bacco nelle Gnostre, a festival dedicated to new wine that fills the ancient courtyards, known as gnostre, with irresistible aromas. Tastings, food stalls, concerts, and the warm smiles of the locals create a truly unique atmosphere.






🍾 Rutigliano – Puglia Wine Festival
October 24–26
Rutigliano, the capital of table grapes, hosts the Puglia Wine Festival every October. Local wineries showcase their finest labels in an event featuring tastings, roasted chestnuts, and traditional folk performances. The medieval old town transforms into a flavorful journey best enjoyed with a glass in hand.


πŸ„ Gravina in Puglia & Altamura – Sagra del Fungo Cardoncello
November 16–17
In the Murgia area, the cardoncello mushroom takes center stage. Festivals in towns like Gravina, Altamura, and Minervino Murge celebrate it with food stalls, traditional recipes, woodland walks, and folk music—an experience that blends nature and gastronomy.


🍷 Conversano – Novello sotto il Castello
November 14–16
Conversano, in the Bari province, becomes the capital of wine, gastronomy, and music during Novello sotto il Castello. Now in its 15th edition, this cultural and culinary event was originally created to recall the rituals of the harvest and the feast of St. Martin. Over time, it has become a landmark celebration for food lovers and entertainment seekers, as well as a chance to showcase one of southern Italy’s most enchanting towns.


🍏 Castellana Grotte – Festa d’Autunno e dei Frutti Dimenticati
October 11–12
Castellana is renowned not only for its spectacular caves but also for its Autumn Festival of Forgotten Fruits, celebrating jujubes, pomegranates, and quinces. It’s a rare chance to taste ancient flavors and rediscover local biodiversity.


πŸ‚ Why Choose a Puglian Festival in Autumn

  • Discover authentic villages far from the usual tourist routes.

  • Experience traditions blending folk music, gastronomy, and crafts.

Take home unique flavors: new wine, mushrooms, fresh olive oil, and grandma’s sweets.

🏑 Where to Stay

If you’re planning to explore Puglia’s autumn festivals, staying in Monopoli is a perfect choice. This charming seaside town, with its whitewashed historic center and lively harbor, offers both authenticity and comfort—and it’s strategically located for day trips to the region’s most fascinating villages and events.

With HelloApulia, you can choose from a selection of exclusive apartments right in the heart of Monopoli’s old town. Wake up among cobblestone streets, enjoy an espresso in a sunny piazza, and in the evening return from a sagra to your cozy home just steps away from the sea.

πŸ‘‰ Discover our Monopoli apartments