There are many things going on in Umbria and surrounding regions year round.
Every little town have gnocchi-, wild boar or other festivals where everyone meet in center of town, to eat and be entertained.
The best way to find out about events are the bill boards that you will find in almost every town.
Below are a few of the bigger events that you may want to participate in.
You may also want to check the Orvieto Viva site for inspiration.
The city of Viterbo host a nice carnival with a large parade. Definately worth a visit in you are in the region on Shrove Tuesday (Fastelavn).
Also check the carnival events in the town of Ronciglione (takes place from the Thursday before the Shrove Tuesday up until Shrove Tuesday itself). Events worth mentioning are: The Ussari parade, the Barberi race (horse race without jockeys through the streets) and the Nasi rossi (red noses) the worshipers of Bacchus.
In July you can experience a great festival in beautiful Perugia, which is the capitol of Umbria.
The streets are packed with people, pop-up jazz sessions, lots of programmed jazz events, free as well as paid concerts - it's great fun and the music is fantastic.
Follow this link for more information on the summer Jazz festival in Perugia.
Every year you will find a great Jazz Festival in Orvieto, from the final days of the old year to the first days of the new.
Follow this link for more information on the Winter Jazz festival in Orvieto.
Every year a huge chocolate festival is healp in Perugia, where the famous Perugia chocolate originates.
Find Chocolate festival information following this link.
But you can also visit the Perugia chocolate museum at other times, check this link.
Most towns have a marked on one of the weekdays.
The interesting thing is not so much the selection of produce, clothes and goods, it is the life that takes place at the marked; people trying out clothes, negotiations and discussions, people meeting and greeting, not to mention the often noticeable dressing for the event that is so Italian - You can't over dress.
In Orvieto the marked is on Piazza del Populo on Saturdays (picture) and in Guardea on Sundays all along Via Roma.
Every town have a number of festivals that are spread throughout the year. The best way to find out about them is to check the local bill boards that have posters about local events and events in the neighbouring towns.