FUN_GO in Iglesias 2026: mushrooms, cooking and art

On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 Iglesias, in south-west Sardinia, hosts the fourth edition of FUN_GO – Cooking, Art & More, a festival devoted to mushrooms and autumn cooking. Piazza Sella and the streets of the old mining town come alive with cooking shows, tastings, talks with mycologists, workshops and music.

FUN_GO Iglesias: what the mushroom festival is about

FUN_GO is a young event created to celebrate the mushrooms of the local woods and, through them, the whole Iglesiente area, with a strong focus on sustainable food culture. The name plays on the Italian word fungo (mushroom) and the English “fun”: it’s not a classic sagra – the traditional Italian village food festival – but a weekend mixing food, science and creativity.

It’s organised by the Associazione Enti locali per le attività culturali e di spettacolo and promoted by the Comune di Iglesias. The 2026 edition revolves around four themes: territory, sustainability, biodiversity and creativity. The idea is simple: the forests around Iglesias, starting with the Marganai massif, are a resource to understand and protect, not just to forage.

What happens at FUN_GO 2026

The programme blends cooking, learning and entertainment. According to the organisers, the weekend will feature:

• Cooking shows with chefs, including Michelin-starred ones, and catering-school students. Announced guests include well-known Italian TV chefs Carlo Cracco and Andrea Mainardi.
• Tastings of mushroom dishes and local produce.
• Science talks with mycologists on identifying species and the role of fungi in the forest.
• Workshops and art events in the old town.
• Live music and a festive atmosphere in the squares.

As a preview, on 31 October and 1 November there are paid guided walks on local trails to observe mushrooms in their habitat (booking required). The detailed schedule is published on the event’s official page and by the Comune di Iglesias.

What to eat: mushrooms and flavours of Sulcis-Iglesiente

In autumn, after the first rains, the woods of south-west Sardinia fill with mushrooms. Among the most prized are porcini, Caesar’s mushrooms and king oyster mushrooms, each with its own name in Sardinian. At FUN_GO you’ll find them in risottos, pasta, side dishes and creative recipes.

Iglesias’ table offers plenty more:

• Potato and mint ravioli, a local classic.
• Almond sweets, perfect to take home as gifts.
• Tuna prepared according to the traditions of the south-west coast.
• Carignano del Sulcis, the signature red wine of the area.

An important tip: if you feel like foraging, check the local picking rules and always have your mushrooms inspected by the health service’s mycologists. Never eat a mushroom you’re not sure about.

Things to see in Iglesias and nearby

Iglesias, home to about 27,000 people, gives its name to the Iglesiente region. It was founded in the 13th century as Villa di Chiesa under the Pisan counts della Gherardesca and grew rich on silver mining. Its medieval statute, the Breve di Villa di Chiesa, governed both city life and mining work. Under the Aragonese it became a royal town, and its current name – Spanish for “churches” – reflects its many religious buildings.

• Santa Chiara Cathedral, 13th century, on the main square of the old town.
• San Francesco church, in Catalan Gothic style, with an altarpiece from 1560.
• The medieval walls and Salvaterra castle.
• The Museum of Mining Art, with reconstructed tunnels, machinery and minerals.

Around town lies one of Europe’s most spectacular mining landscapes, part of the Geo-Mining Park of Sardinia: the Monteponi mine, the village of Nebida with its seaside Lamarmora ore-washing plant, Masua and Porto Flavia, a “hanging” port carved into the cliff facing the Pan di Zucchero sea stack. Inland, the Marganai forest and the Santa Barbara cave complete the picture; nearby in Domusnovas, the San Giovanni cave is a natural tunnel that cuts right through the mountain.

How to get to Iglesias and practical tips

Iglesias is easy to reach. From Cagliari airport and port it’s about an hour’s drive along the SS130; regional trains also run from Cagliari to Iglesias. From Alghero or Olbia airports allow about 3 hours or a little more.

• When to arrive: in the morning, to enjoy the old town before the afternoon crowds.
• Book ahead for cooking shows and walks if the programme requires it – places may be limited.
• What to wear: November is mild but changeable; for woodland walks bring hiking shoes and a rain jacket.
• Where to stay: Iglesias has hotels and B&Bs in the centre, or you can stay on the coast at Nebida or Masua.
• Cash comes in handy for small producers.

FUN_GO Iglesias 2026: FAQ

When is FUN_GO in Iglesias in 2026?

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026, in Piazza Sella and the old town. It’s the fourth edition.

Which chefs are coming to FUN_GO 2026?

Announced guests include Carlo Cracco and Andrea Mainardi, alongside local chefs, catering students and mycologists. Check the official programme for days and times.

Can I pick mushrooms during the festival?

The preview guided walks (31 October and 1 November) are for observing mushrooms in the wild. Foraging must follow local rules, and finds should always be checked by mycologists.

What can I see in Iglesias in one day?

The old town with Santa Chiara Cathedral, the medieval walls and the Museum of Mining Art; with extra time, the coast at Nebida, Masua and Porto Flavia.