41° Festa delle cape "Clam festival" 2026

The traditional “Festa delle Cape”, now in its 41st edition, will take place in Piazza Marcello d’Olivo in the heart of Lignano Pineta over two weekends: March 7–8 and March 14–15, 2026. Once again this year, the eagerly awaited event that kicks off the season of festivities in the seaside resort of Lignano Sabbiadoro cannot be missed. Don’t miss the chance to take part in the “Festa delle Cape 2026” – an unmissable event to enjoy traditional dishes and experience a unique atmosphere full of tradition and fun. After the great success of the last two editions, which registered record attendance, the 41st edition is expected to surpass all previous records, both in participation and in proceeds.

The Festa delle Cape has its roots back in 1984, born from the idea and initiative of a group of local fishermen who wished to promote the traditions of the area. After a few years, the organization was taken over by the association Lignano APS “Al Mare” (Association of Sport Fishermen), which since then has been managing every detail with passion and dedication. The main goal of the festival is to promote the typical products of Friuli Venezia Giulia and the nearby Adriatic Sea, offering tourists and visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.

It is worth noting that all proceeds are donated to charity, while the staff is made up entirely of local volunteers who devote their time to a good cause. Over the years, thanks to the generosity of participants, numerous local associations have been supported, such as AGMEN, Bambini in Emergenza, the Organ Transplant Center, and many other organizations active in the social field.

The historic season-opening festival lasts for two weekends! This year it will take place from Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 8, and again from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Piazza d’Olivo in Lignano Pineta.

The menu will feature all the traditional classics: Peverasse (clams), Cappe lunghe (razor clams), Baccalà (salt cod), fish lasagna, grilled, breaded or "in saor" sardines, and stewed calamari or cuttlefish.

Price List "Festa delle Cape" 2026

Cash desk and kitchens opening hours:

• Ticket Office (Morning): 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
• Ticket Office (Evening): 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Kitchen (Morning): 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Kitchen (Evening): 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Open Stands: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Entertainment and concerts:

During the event there will be moments of entertainment with concerts by local groups, and the L. Garzoni band from Lignano Sabbiadoro.

Some useful information:

a small guide to save time and move around the event:

BLUE ROUTE (Central Cashier flow):

• Step 1 | Pre-number Ticket Gazebo: At 10:45 AM and 4:45 PM, collect your "pre-number" to access the cashier. The ticket dispenser will be removed at the organization's discretion based on the crowd. Those with a pre-number will have priority access to the cashier and kitchen. To speed up the process, you will receive a paper menu to select your food and drinks in advance. (Note: Kitchen access is only permitted with a pre-number).
• Step 2 | Central Cashier: Open 11:00 AM–2:30 PM and 5:00 PM–8:30 PM. Watch the screens for your pre-number. At the counter, you will pay and receive your receipt, individual food tickets, and a new number for kitchen collection. (Pro tip: Mark your choices on the paper menu beforehand to speed up the line).
• Step 3 | Bar Kiosk 1: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM. Direct access for everyone in the square; no need to queue at the central cashier.
• Step 4 | Clam Gazebo (Vongole): Collect your pre-purchased clam portions here.
• Step 5 | Kitchen: Open 11:30 AM–3:00 PM and 5:30 PM–9:00 PM. Watch the screens for your kitchen collection number. Present your receipt to collect all food items, except for clams and drinks (collected at their specific stands).
• Step 6 | Tasting Area: Heated marquee or outdoor tables and benches.
• Step 7 | Bar Kiosk 2: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM. Wine and desserts can be purchased directly here without queuing at the central cashier.

GREEN ROUTE (Direct access – No Central Cashier):
​Direct payment at the stands.

• Step 3 | Bar Kiosk 1: Sandwiches, soft drinks, water, beer, house wine, and Prosecco.
• Step 4 | Clam Gazebo: Direct purchase of clam portions.
• Step 7 | Bar Kiosk 2: Wine bar and snacks, bottled wines, sandwiches, appetizers, ice cream, and tarts.

"Festa delle Cape" Map

Important Notice:

• The local organization reserves the right, in the event of a large influx and large volume of orders, to temporarily suspend the orders by withdrawing the ticket dispenser, if the kitchen is no longer available and fails to satisfy the large number of requests.
• Between the lunch / dinner break, approximately between the period of closure and reopening, the organization requires the replacement of all oils, the cleaning of the entire kitchen area including grills, plates, pots, and the replenishment of the entire warehouse.

Menu:

• Fried squid
• Long Cape grilled
• Clams
• Stewed cuttlefish
• Salted cod
• Grilled sardines
• Sardines in saor
• Fish lasagna "by the sea"
• "Fried" golden sardine fillets
• Cheese
• French fries
• Various side dishes
• Tart (nutella apricot berries)
• Beer
• Drinks
• Wine
• Waterfall
• Coffee