Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival 2026: Dates, Times, and Program

The 2026 Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival returns from September 25th to October 18th for its 46th edition, transforming the Sannio village into one of Campania's main gastronomic and cultural hubs for four weeks. Set in the picturesque Matese area, the event will not only focus on cuisine and forest produce, but will also offer a diverse program encompassing food and wine, nature, art, culture, music, and entertainment.

The theme chosen for this edition is "Mushrooms. A Connected Kingdom," a title that aims to go beyond the simple celebration of the gastronomic product. Mushrooms become the starting point for exploring the relationships between forests, soil, water, plants, biodiversity, territory, and community.

For the occasion, the historic center of Cusano Mutri will be enlivened by food trails, stands, producers, exhibitions, installations, video mapping, meetings, concerts, and traveling shows. This format aims to make the event an experience to be enjoyed while strolling through the village's alleys and squares.

The Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival will take place from Friday, September 25th to Sunday, October 18th, 2026. The event will therefore last four weeks, with events spread across the historic center and the various areas involved in the program.

The official opening is scheduled for Friday, September 25th at 6:00 PM at the Town Hall on Via Fuci. The event inaugurates the 46th edition with a press conference and the opening of the exhibitions "Natural Networks / Artificial Networks" and "Rural Metabolism."

Over the following weeks, the program will continue with food and wine activities, cultural initiatives, shows, live music, and events dedicated to exploring the local area.

Hours may vary depending on the day and week of the event. For food stands, the information published for the central and final weeks indicates:

• Monday to Thursday: 7pm to 12am;
• Friday: 7pm to 1am;
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 am.

The program therefore includes an evening opening on weekdays and a larger presence on weekends, when the village will also be involved in shows, music, and itinerant initiatives.

Exhibitions held at the Exhibition Space in the Town Hall, at Via Fuci 9, are open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, while on Saturdays and Sundays they open early at 10:00 AM.

The times of individual musical and cultural events may change depending on the day: it is therefore advisable to check the updated calendar before planning your visit.

Admission to the 2026 Mushroom Festival is free. There is no entrance fee to participate in the event or walk along the village trail.

Consumptions, tastings, and products purchased at food stands and producers are subject to charges. Any experiences, excursions, or specific services may also have their own costs.

It is therefore important to distinguish between the cost of admission to the festival, which is free, and the expenses related to staying in Cusano Mutri, such as food, parking, any organized activities, and transfer services.

The heart of the event, of course, remains gastronomy. Matese mushrooms are the common thread throughout a journey dedicated to mountain flavors and local culinary traditions.

The stands and producers present in the village will offer preparations linked to local cuisine, accompanied by other Samnite gastronomic specialities and typical products.

The gastronomic experience won't be concentrated in one space, but spread out across the streets and squares of the historic center. This allows you to combine tasting with exploring the town and its picturesque views.

Among the features characterizing the route will be food stands, local producers, mushroom-based dishes and typical products, in a typically autumnal atmosphere.

One of the main innovations of the 46th edition is the greater space reserved for culture and reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment.

Two exhibitions will be featured in the Exhibition Area of ​​the Town Hall: Natural Networks / Artificial Networks and Rural Metabolism.

The first offers a journey dedicated to the invisible networks that connect the natural and technological worlds, connecting elements such as mycelium, roots, and waterways with fiber optics, cables, and communication systems.

The second exhibition instead looks at rural territory as a complex system in which water, energy, people, production, infrastructure and knowledge interact.

Ecosystem Meetings are also scheduled every Sunday, dedicated to the connections between nature, territory, and community.

Among the most unique initiatives of the 2026 Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival is the Cusano delle Meraviglie Experience, a narrative video mapping project that uses lights, images, and animations to transform some of the village's architecture.

The projections become an integral part of the walk through the historic center, creating a relationship between buildings, stone, nature, memory, and local traditions.

The goal isn't simply to offer a spectacle to be observed head-on, but to create an immersive experience that accompanies visitors throughout the festival. The theme of mushrooms and the forest thus becomes a visual and narrative element.

The 2026 Mushroom Festival program also pays particular attention to entertainment.

A new concert area has been identified near the padel court, with the aim of better distributing the audience and reducing the crowds in the busiest areas of the historic center. Concerts, live music, musical performances, and DJ sets are planned here.

Furthermore, during the weekends, music and entertainment will not be confined to a single stage. Street artists, traveling musicians, and performers will traverse the alleys and squares, transforming the historic center into a hub of diverse entertainment.

Among the initiatives planned for the public will be Discovering Wonderland, a traveling performance for adults and children, featuring characters inspired by the famous Alice in Wonderland universe. The event is scheduled for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival.

A visit to Cusano Mutri can also be an opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The village is located in the heart of the Matese Mountains and offers a variety of opportunities for nature lovers, trekking, excursions, and outdoor activities.

During the event, various experiences and itineraries are offered, including:

• Mount Calvary and Mount Mutria;
• Mouth of the Selva and Piana del Campo;
• Via dei Mulini and the chestnut groves;
• Goat Trail;
• Bauxite mines;
• Staircase Path;
• Lavello Gorges;
• trekking and canyoning activities.

Horseback riding experiences, family activities, and nature-related initiatives are also available. Advance booking is required for some excursions.

This way, the Mushroom Festival in Cusano Mutri can also become the starting point for a full day exploring the Matese area.

Given the expected weekend crowds, organizing transportation is an important aspect. For the 2026 edition, a parking reservation system has been set up, and shuttle services to the historic center are available.

The event's official website invites you to reserve a parking space in advance through the dedicated service. Sagra Easy Transfers services are also available, with transfers from airports, stations, hotels, B&Bs, and other departure points by reservation.

For those arriving on weekends, especially during peak travel times, it's a good idea to plan ahead and check the latest traffic information before you leave.

The event's strength lies not only in its culinary offerings. The Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival also allows you to combine multiple experiences into a single trip.

On one side are the flavors of the Matese, with mushrooms taking center stage in recipes and gastronomic tours; on the other, the village's heritage, exhibitions, music, shows, video mapping, and nature-themed activities.

The opportunity to experience the event over four weeks also allows you to choose between different days and programs. Those looking primarily for food can focus on the stands, while those who want to delve deeper into the local area can add exhibitions, trekking, excursions, or family activities to their visit.

The result is an event that connects food and wine, tourism, culture, and nature, showcasing Cusano Mutri and the Matese region.

When is the Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival 2026?

The 46th edition will take place from September 25 to October 18, 2026.

Where does the Mushroom Festival take place?

The event will mainly take place in the historic center of Cusano Mutri, in the province of Benevento, with initiatives also taking place at the Town Hall and the concert area of ​​the padel court.

How much does the entrance ticket cost?

Admission to the 2026 Mushroom Festival is free. Drinks, tastings, and some services or activities may be subject to a fee.

What are the opening hours of the food stands?

The hours communicated for the central and final weeks are from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Monday to Thursday, from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Friday, and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What can you eat at the Mushroom Festival?

The food program focuses on mushrooms and typical local products, with stands, producers, and traditional dishes.

Where are the exhibitions located?

The Natural Networks / Artificial Networks and Rural Metabolism exhibitions are set up in the Exhibition Area of ​​the Town Hall, at Via Fuci 9.

What are the exhibition hours?

The exhibitions are open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, according to information published by the organization.

Are there concerts during the event?

Yes. The program includes concerts, live music, DJ sets, and shows, with a new concert area near the padel court.

Are there activities for children?

Yes. In addition to the touring shows, there are initiatives designed for families and children, including a Wonderland-inspired experience.

Is it possible to go trekking during the Mushroom Festival?

Yes. The area offers various trails and outdoor experiences, including Monte Mutria, Bocca della Selva, the Goat Trail, the Bauxite Mines, the Lavello Gorges, and other Matese itineraries.

Is it possible to reserve parking?

Yes. A parking reservation system is available for the 2026 edition, and shuttles are planned to facilitate connections to the historic center.

Does the Mushroom Festival also take place during the week?

Yes. The event lasts four weeks and food stands are also available on weekdays, generally opening in the evenings.

What is the theme of the 2026 Mushroom Festival?

The theme chosen for the 46th edition is "Mushrooms. A Connected Kingdom," dedicated to the relationships between mushrooms, the environment, land, biodiversity, and community.

The 2026 Cusano Mutri Mushroom Festival is one of the autumn events to mark on your calendar for those who want to discover the flavors, culture, and landscape of the Matese. From September 25th to October 18th, the Sannio village will offer a program combining food, exhibitions, music, shows, nature, and local experiences.

To stay up-to-date on upcoming events, festivals, and events in Campania, keep following the website and Instagram page @lucianocarotenuto_art.

Passionate about art and culture 🎨, I write articles about events, exhibitions, and shows 🎭✨. I share guides to discover authentic flavors 🍷, unique itineraries, and local beauties 🏛️🌿. My goal? To enhance Campania's cultural heritage with passion and creativity ❤️📚.