As August draws to a close, Lake Como hosts its annual end-of-summer festivities — a series of lakeside events, sagre (food festivals) and neighbourhood celebrations that mark the transition from peak summer to the golden days of early autumn. It’s the lake at its most authentic, before the crowds thin and a quieter magic takes over.

Late Summer Events Around the Lake

Throughout late August, small towns around the lake host sagre dedicated to local specialities: fresh fish from the lake, polenta, pizzoccheri and seasonal fruits. Look for celebrations in Torno, Nesso, Lezzeno and the villages of the Alto Lago. These are intimate, community-run events where you eat alongside local families.

The Magic of September Eve

The last weekend of August on Lake Como has a special atmosphere. The summer crowds begin to thin, the light turns golden, and the evenings grow just cool enough to make a jacket welcome. It’s the perfect moment to experience the lake as the locals know it — unhurried, warm and deeply Italian.

A Farewell-to-Summer Dinner

At MamaGina Brunate, late August means the last of our summer terrace evenings with long daylight. Our menu transitions gently toward autumn flavours while still celebrating summer’s abundance. It’s the ideal moment for a memorable dinner — the lake below, the Alps around you, and the best of Italian cuisine on your table.

Toast to the end of summer → Book your table at MamaGina

Frequently Asked Questions

Is late August a good time to visit Lake Como? Absolutely. The weather is still warm, crowds are thinner than July-early August, and local festivals create an authentic atmosphere.

What is a sagra? A sagra is a traditional Italian food festival, usually community-run and dedicated to a local ingredient or dish. They’re the best way to taste authentic regional cuisine.