When the summer crowds leave the beaches of Gallipoli, the town finds a new rhythm. Il Parco d'Autunno brings that rhythm to Parco Gondar, with four weekends devoted to the pumpkin and the warm colours of the season in southern Puglia.
Orange Leaves and Open-Air Weekends
Autumn here is mild, golden and made for lingering outdoors. The park becomes a gathering place where people stroll, chat and let children run between the stalls.
The festival unfolds over four consecutive weekends. That means you can come more than once and always find something different on the programme.
What You Will Find Inside the Park
The mood is relaxed and cheerful, closer to a village fair than a formal event. Expect a mix of entertainment for all ages, with plenty of spots to sit down and enjoy it.
- Live music drifting across the park as the light fades
- Family shows that keep younger visitors engaged and laughing
- Creative workshops where children and adults can get their hands busy
- Street food stalls with warm, seasonal flavours
Eating Your Way Through the Season
Street food is where the festival really comes alive. Autumn in Puglia smells of toasted bread, slow-cooked vegetables and sweet spices, and the pumpkin is a natural star of the season.
Walk the stalls once before choosing. Share a few small plates, then finish with something sweet while the music plays.
Tips for a Better Visit
Come in the late afternoon to enjoy the park in daylight and stay on as the evening atmosphere builds. Bring a light jacket, because Ionian evenings cool down quickly in autumn. Couples will enjoy the unhurried walks, while groups of friends and families with kids will find plenty to share.
Check the festival's Instagram page before you go, since the programme can vary from one weekend to the next.
Make a Day of Gallipoli
Combine the festival with a wander through the centro storico, set on its island and surrounded by sea. The seafront walls are especially lovely in autumn light, when the crowds are thinner and the air is gentler.
In the evening, return to the park for music and a final bite. It is an easy, friendly way to see Gallipoli outside the summer rush.