Malalbergo Nettle Festival

From 27 to 30 August and from 3 to 6 September 2026, Malalbergo, near Bologna, hosts the Nettle Festival.

The festival celebrates the culinary use of nettles, bringing this traditional ingredient back to the table through creative and flavourful recipes. A distinctive twist on Emilia's culinary heritage, nettles—used especially in fresh pasta—feature throughout the festival menu.

Restaurant area – opens at 7:00 pm

• First courses: Green nettle tortellini with meat sauce, Nettle tagliatelle with meat sauce, Nettle balanzoni with butter and sage, Nettle risotto, Nettle lasagne.
• Main courses: Grilled sausage with potatoes, Grilled mutton, Grilled bone-in pork neck, Grilled veal steak, Veal roast with nettles, Nettle meatballs in tomato sauce with potatoes, Whole pork shank, Braised pork cheek.
• Side dishes: French fries, Friggione (traditional slow-cooked onion relish), Mixed salad.
• Desserts: Fresh fruit salad, Homemade desserts.

Live music performances take place every evening in Parco Isola.

Shows, exhibitions, displays and sports demonstrations will also be held in the square next to the restaurant area.

For the full programme, click here.