From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October 2026, Benevento and several towns across the Sannio host a full weekend programme, according to local broadcaster NTR24. The highlights include the Festival delle Mongolfiere in Fragneto Monforte, the 30th Sagra della Castagna del Partenio in Arpaise, the Social Film Festival Artelesia and Giornate FAI d'Autunno openings in Benevento and Solopaca.

Hot-air balloons over Fragneto Monforte

Fragneto Monforte hosts the 2026 Festival delle Mongolfiere through Sunday 11 October. NTR24 reports morning and evening balloon gatherings, alongside cultural activities, markets and performances.

Flights are available by reservation. As with any balloon event, availability can depend on weather and capacity, so visitors planning to fly should book ahead and check local updates before travelling.

Chestnuts in Arpaise: the 30th Sagra della Castagna del Partenio

The Contrada Russi district of Arpaise, in Via Russi, hosts the 30th Sagra della Castagna del Partenio on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. The Municipality of Arpaise identifies Contrada Russi as the established municipal venue for the festival, describing it as a free public event with food and entertainment.

According to NTR24, this year's edition offers food stands centred on local chestnuts, craft stalls and music. A chestnut lunch is planned for Sunday and requires booking. The municipal page retrieved during research documents the 2025 edition, held on 11-12 October 2025, so visitors should confirm this year's times and booking details with local organisers before setting out.

Giornate FAI d'Autunno in Benevento and Solopaca

The weekend coincides with Giornate FAI d'Autunno, the autumn edition of Italy's national heritage open days. NTR24 lists local openings including the Antica fonderia of the ITI "G.B. Bosco Lucarelli", the Complesso di Sant'Agostino and the Giardino dei Saperi in Benevento, plus sites in Solopaca.

NTR24 reports opening hours of 10:00-18:00 without reservation. The retrieved FAI material confirms the historical importance of Benevento's heritage sites but does not independently confirm the 2026 opening schedule, so check the official FAI listings for any late changes.

One useful landmark for visitors spending the weekend in Benevento is the Chiostro della Chiesa di Santa Sofia in Piazza Matteotti. FAI identifies the cloister as adjoining the UNESCO-listed Church of Santa Sofia and the Museo del Sannio, and describes its Romanesque-Campanian architectural features. It is a practical addition to any FAI-focused walk through the historic centre.

Cinema: Social Film Festival Artelesia

NTR24 also lists the Social Film Festival Artelesia among the weekend's events in Benevento. The retrieved research does not independently verify screening times or ticket conditions, so consult the festival's own programme for venues and schedules.

Planning the weekend

A simple way to organise the three days:

  • Friday 9 October: arrive in Benevento, catch an evening balloon gathering in Fragneto Monforte or an Artelesia screening, subject to programme times.
  • Saturday 10 October: visit FAI sites in Benevento and Solopaca during the reported 10:00-18:00 window, then head to Arpaise's Contrada Russi for the chestnut festival's food stands, crafts and music.
  • Sunday 11 October: book ahead if you want the Sunday chestnut lunch in Arpaise or a balloon flight in Fragneto Monforte, as both require reservation and may sell out.

NTR24 is the source for the 2026 dates and programme details in this roundup. Not every time, ticket condition or programme change could be independently verified, and outdoor activities may depend on weather. Confirm bookings and opening hours locally before travelling.