Friday… Isola Pescatori! – Summer Ecomuseum Events 2026

From Friday, July 3 to Friday, August 28, 2026, Isola dei Pescatori will host "Friday… Isola Pescatori!", the Summer Ecomuseum Events 2026 series, promoted by the Ecomuseum of Fishing and Isola dei Pescatori, Pro Loco Isola Pescatori, and the Andrea Ruffoni Foundation, with the support of the City of Stresa and the collaboration of Pro Loco Stresa and the Lakes Tourist District.

The program features a series of events dedicated to the history, traditions, music, and culture of Isola dei Pescatori, offering visitors the opportunity to discover one of the most charming villages on Lake Maggiore through conferences, concerts, guided storytelling walks, workshops, and live demonstrations.

A journey through the history and traditions of Isola dei Pescatori

The 2026 edition revolves around two main themes.

The first is dedicated to Ugo Ara (1876–1936), violinist, violist, writer, and benefactor of Isola dei Pescatori, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth and the 90th anniversary of his death. A concert, an exhibition, and a storytelling itinerary are dedicated to him, allowing visitors to rediscover his life and his deep connection with the island.

The second theme explores the tradition of fishing on Lake Maggiore, through historical accounts, practical demonstrations, exhibitions, and meetings dedicated to boats, fishing nets, and the daily lives of the fishermen who shaped this small village for centuries.

Summer Ecomuseum Events 2026 Program

Friday, July 3 – Ugo Ara and the Music He Lived

9:00 PM – Secret Garden
(In case of bad weather: Church of San Vittore)

Concert "Tribute to Ugo Ara" featuring Alessandro Tampieri (violin and viola), with the participation of cellist Alessandro Palmeri.

The musical program includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Giuseppe Tartini, Franz Benda, and Domenico Gallo, composers whose repertoire was closely associated with Ugo Ara and the Flonzaley Quartet.

A minimum donation of €10 is required to attend.

Friday, July 10 – Glimpses of the Past on Isola dei Pescatori

9:00 PM – "Vittore Zanetti" Hall

Conference by historian Massimiliano Cremona dedicated to "Tra barche e reti" (Between Boats and Nets) by Bruno Paltrinieri (1962), with an in-depth look at the history and daily life of Isola dei Pescatori.

Sunday, July 19 – Ugo Ara and the Island He Called Home

5:30 PM – "Vittore Zanetti" Hall

Opening of the exhibition dedicated to Ugo Ara, on display until August 13, 2026.

The event also includes:

• the presentation of the artist's booklet dedicated to Ugo Ara, published by Edizioni illagodicarta;
• the presentation of the new edition of "Il romanzo delle Isole Borromee. Suite Italiana" by Ugo Ara.

An aperitif will be served at the end of the event.

Friday, July 24 – Ugo Ara's Island

9:00 PM – Departure from the Landing Pier

A guided storytelling walk through the streets of Isola dei Pescatori with Antonio Bonanno, accompanied by live music from violinist Francesco Facchini.

An itinerary that retraces the most significant places in Ugo Ara's life through stories and live music.

Friday, July 31 – Reenactment of Traditional Fishing

5:30 PM – Southern Tip of the Island and Harbour

A demonstration dedicated to the ancient fishing techniques of Lake Maggiore, led by Ivan Spadoni, Marco Rodella, and Vittorio Rodella.

During the event, visitors will have the opportunity to observe activities related to fishing nets, their repair, and fish processing. The Fisherman's Aperitif will also be offered.

Friday, August 7 – Isola dei Pescatori in Rhyme

5:30 PM – Garden of Casa Ugo Ara

An afternoon dedicated to children and families, featuring animated readings and games inspired by Isola dei Pescatori.

The activity is led by Elena Morando, guide and author, together with illustrator Elena Serrani.

Thursday, August 13 – Stories from Here and There

5:30 PM – Garden of Casa Ugo Ara

A theatrical storytelling performance by storyteller Carlo Ottolini, designed for children and families.

Friday, August 21 – Traditional Boats of the Lake

5:30 PM – Southern Tip of the Island and Harbour

An event dedicated to the traditional boats of Lake Maggiore, featuring storytelling, practical demonstrations, and the collaboration of Officine dell'Acqua di Laveno.

The event concludes with the Fisherman's Aperitif.

Friday, August 28 – Glimpses of the Past on Isola dei Pescatori

9:00 PM – "Vittore Zanetti" Hall

Massimiliano Cremona closes the event series with a conference dedicated to the 19th-century English and American painters who immortalized Isola dei Pescatori and Lake Maggiore in their works.

Dedicated Shuttle Service

A round-trip transport service is available for all events, departing from Lido di Carciano approximately 20 minutes before the start of each event.

The participation fees are:

• €10 for afternoon events;
• €15 for evening events;
• €20 for the July 3 concert, including the donation supporting the activities of the Ecomuseum.

Advance booking is required by the day before each event or until all available places have been filled.

Information and Bookings

Organizers

• Ecomuseum of Fishing and Isola dei Pescatori
• Pro Loco Isola dei Pescatori
• Andrea Ruffoni Foundation

Event Location

Isola dei Pescatori – Stresa

Phone: +39 0323 840809

SMS / WhatsApp: +39 348 7340347

E-mail:

Website: https://www.ecomuseoisolapescatori.org/