The annual White Truffle Festival in Alba (Fiera del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba in Italian) takes place each weekend in October and November and is the highlight of the white truffle season. The Piedmont region, where Alba is located, is said to have the best white truffles (tartufo bianco in Italian) in the world.

In-the-know visitors come from all over to take part in the festival in Alba’s central square. Featured are not only the truffles themselves, but also arts and cultural events and spectacles that revolve around the celebration. Don a wine-glass holder necklace and enjoy hands-free sampling of wine and other specialties in this magical environment.

Chefs and foodies come from afar for the White Truffle Festival, where the world’s largest truffle auction and market take place amid a vibrant festival atmosphere. The auction is private, but the white truffle market in Alba is open from 9:00am to 8:00pm, and sells all sorts of truffle-related goodies. For those that want to eat the famous truffles, Alba’s restaurants feature special truffle-inspired menus throughout the festival.

From sunny outdoor cafes to award-winning restaurants, truffles can be found at all locations and at every price point. Favorites include restaurant and wine bar Osteria dell Arco, Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo, and historic Enoclub, which is one of several restaurants that offered a “dinner in the dark” experience at this year’s festival to help patrons reconnect with their non-sight senses.