April in Lake Como is a month of transition and celebration. Nature blossoms, temperatures rise, and the cultural calendar bursts into life with exhibitions, concerts, and local traditions that capture the soul of the region. Whether you’re drawn to art, music, or folklore, April offers a unique chance to experience the lake’s most authentic side — beyond the postcard views.
Art and Exhibitions: A Springtime Dialogue Between Nature and Culture
April marks the opening of seasonal art shows across Lake Como, often set in stunning historical venues.
At Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, the annual spring exhibition reopens alongside the blooming botanical gardens. This year, visitors can enjoy “Dialoghi tra Colori e Silenzi”, a contemporary installation inspired by the relationship between botanical landscapes and inner landscapes — curated in partnership with the Brera Academy.
Villa Olmo in Como offers another must-see: a traveling exhibition dedicated to 20th-century Italian design and architecture, with original sketches by Gio Ponti and rare furnishings from Milan’s golden age. The lakeside neoclassical villa alone is worth the visit.
Museo Barca Lariana in Pianello del Lario, often overlooked, reopens its seasonal exhibits in April — including a rare section on vintage sailboats and watercrafts once used during the lake’s regattas and trades.
Classical and Contemporary Music: Spring Sounds by the Lake
April’s musical offerings are diverse, often hosted in unexpected locations.
Festival di Pasqua in Cernobbio, held in and around Villa Bernasconi, blends sacred and classical music in a series of concerts by emerging Italian ensembles. Performances are often intimate, candle-lit, and feature a repertoire ranging from Renaissance polyphony to modern minimalist compositions.
In Bellagio, the early spring sessions of the Lake Como Chamber Music Festival begin. Concerts take place in historic villas, churches, and sometimes even on boat stages during sunset. The acoustics, paired with lake views, make these performances unforgettable.
Jazz lovers will appreciate the Como Jazz Spring Nights, a small but high-quality series of club performances and open-air sessions in Como’s historic center, from Porta Torre to Piazza Volta.
Traditions and Local Life: Celebrations Rooted in the Territory
April also marks a return to tradition. After the quiet winter months, villages awaken with small fairs, religious processions and food festivals.
In Lenno, the Festa di San Giuseppe Artigiano is more than a religious celebration — it’s a weekend of woodcrafts, ironwork demonstrations, local foods, and traditional music. Think chestnut honey tastings, brass instrument bands, and market stalls with old Valtellina tools on display.
Domaso hosts its Festival della Primavera, a celebration of mountain-lake culture with traditional dancing, polenta contests and workshops for children focused on rural life and biodiversity.
In Ossuccio, the Via Crucis along the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio is a spiritual and cultural event, as participants walk the UNESCO-listed path of 14 chapels overlooking the lake. A moving experience, even for non-religious visitors, especially as spring flowers surround the ancient stones.
Why April Is Special for Culture Lovers
April is a sweet spot: the lake has reopened, the gardens are in bloom, but the atmosphere is still intimate. Many events are free or low-cost, organized by foundations, municipalities, or passionate volunteers. This month is less about grand galas and more about meaningful connections — with the land, the people, and the art.
It’s also a great time to combine cultural exploration with outdoor activities: you can attend an exhibition in the morning, enjoy a lakeside lunch, and end the day with a concert at sunset.
Practical Tips
-
Always check local tourism websites for updated event calendars — some dates shift due to Easter holidays.
-
Book concerts and exhibitions in advance, especially for small venues.
-
Combine events with ferry routes: Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Cernobbio are all easily accessible by boat.
-
Many venues offer bilingual guided tours or printed materials — check at the entrance.
Lake Como in April is more than a scenic destination — it’s a living, breathing stage of human expression. The lake doesn’t just reflect the mountains and sky; it echoes stories, songs, and creativity passed through generations. To attend its cultural events in spring is to become part of that rhythm, even just for a few days.
