Varese and Province in May: International Sports, Cultural Festivals and Local Flavours

May welcomes the province of Varese with a burst of energy: from the passage of the Giro d'Italia in its e-bike edition to literary festivals, through to the traditional food fairs celebrating local produce. Here is the complete guide to exploring the area this month.

May features major sporting events and charity rides on two wheels:

• Start of the 10th Stage of the Giro-E: in Angera, the official start of the 2026 Giro stage dedicated to e-bikes (22/05).
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• The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2026: global charity motorcycle event involving various towns across the province (17/05).
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• Sportinsieme: in Luino, a full day dedicated to sport and physical activity for everyone (24/05).
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The historic programme at the MA*GA Museum continues, with new photography and ceramics exhibitions also opening:

• Arte Viva: at the MA*GA Museum in Gallarate, the XXVIII Premio Gallarate dedicated to participatory processes continues (until 11/10).
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• Here and Elsewhere. Paolo Scheggi's Environments 1964–1971: new exhibition at MA*GA in Gallarate dedicated to monochrome and object-based painting (from 24/05).
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• Vincenzo Agnetti – Roads End Before They Begin: monographic exhibition dedicated to the artist's photographic traces at MA*GA (from 24/05).
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• Grandi Vasi – Ceramic Environments: ceramics exhibition at the MIDeC in Laveno Mombello (until 07/06).
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• In the Sky, on the Earth: photography exhibition by Pénicaud at the Museo Parisi Valle in Maccagno con Pino e Veddasca (until 28/06).
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• Living Through: Topographies of the Threshold: art exhibition at Villa Fumagalli Frascoli in Laveno Mombello (until 07/06).
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• Lago d'Arte: in Porto Ceresio, the 28th edition of the large collective exhibition (31/05).
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• BA Book Festival: literary festival with talks and workshops in Busto Arsizio (17/05 to 24/05).
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• Festival della Meraviglia: cultural festival with a rich programme of events across various towns (06/05 to 07/08).
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• Il Lago Cromatico: festival of sounds and colours along Lake Maggiore, touching the shores of Laveno Mombello and Luino (08/05 to 24/05).
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• Poetry Festival 2026: the celebration of the written word continues in Luino (until 30/05).
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• Asparagus Fair: in Cantello, two weekends dedicated to the famous white asparagus with food stalls (15–17/05 and 22–24/05).
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• Angera, City of Hot Air Balloons: charity event with balloon flights and entertainment (01/05 to 03/05).
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• Alborellata with the Alpini Group: gastronomic event in Sangiano celebrating local flavours (01/05 to 03/05).
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• Between Art and Tasting / Terrace Aperitivo: food and wine events in Castiglione Olona with music and tastings (16/05, 23/05 and 30/05).
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• Visit to the Painted Village of Arcumeggia: special guided visit organised by FAI and Villa della Porta Bozzolo (02/05).
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• Note di Bellezza: FAI guided visits to Villa Majno (Gallarate) and the village of Gornate Olona (16/05 and 05/05).
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• The Caravati Trail: hiking route through the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park with CAI Varese (15/05).
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• The Vararo Alpine Pasture: a walk discovering the valleys of Verbano between Vararo and Cittiglio (17/05).
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• Fiera del Cardinale: the historic antiques market in Castiglione Olona (03/05).
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• Reuse Market / Crafts: along the lakefront in Porto Ceresio (17/05 and 24/05).
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• Mostra dell'Usaa: crafts and second-hand market in Azzate (31/05).
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