The season opens in Motovun on 5 September. Festivals in Buzet and Livade follow through early November, with very different formats and some detailed programmes still incomplete.
The calendar begins in Motovun
The Istria Tourist Board’s official events calendar sets the opening of the white truffle season for Saturday, 5 September, in Motovun. A truffle-hunting demonstration and a tasting are announced.
The main calendar page does not yet give a complete time, precise meeting point or any registration requirements. Anyone travelling specifically for the opening should reopen the individual listing rather than saving only the umbrella schedule.
Six stops through November
Buzet’s Subotina, including its historic “po starinski” version, follows on 12 and 13 September. The Zigante Truffle Days run in Livade every Saturday and Sunday from 3 October to 1 November.
The other fixed weekends are 17 and 18 October in Motovun for Teran and truffles, 24 and 25 October in Livade for the Tuber Food Fest, and 7 and 8 November in Buzet for the Istrian Truffle Festival.
Not every date means the same thing
A season opening, a historic town festival, several market weekends and a wine-and-truffle festival require different planning. The umbrella page brings the places and dates together but does not replace each organiser’s detailed programme.
Opening hours, admission, reservations and specific activities can differ at every stop and may still change. Restaurant visits and guided hunts should be confirmed directly; an event calendar is not a table reservation.
Freshness is a matter of timing
White truffles mature in autumn and are used as fresh as possible for their aroma. That makes these dates attractive, but it does not guarantee that every serving or truffle for sale was found that day in that exact forest.
When buying, look for traceable origin, species, weight, price and proper storage. Strongly scented products, oils and sauces are separate offerings and should not be confused with a freshly shaved truffle.
A route without a festival marathon
First-time visitors are better off choosing one place and one weekend than treating every date as mandatory. Motovun pairs the opening with its hill country, Buzet puts more emphasis on town tradition, and Livade gathers several market weekends in the Mirna valley.
On the day, check the current programme, allow extra time for parking and have a weatherproof alternative. The official calendar is the best shared starting point, while the individual event page remains decisive for timing and access.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- Dani istarskog bijelog tartufa 2026Istria Tourist Board · checked 2 September 2026official umbrella calendar from the season opening through the festival in Buzet
- Otvaranje sezone bijelog tartufaIstria Tourist Board · checked 2 September 2026individual Motovun event with an announced hunting demonstration and tasting
