Top 13 evocative and famous musical events in Italy

Italy is a country known and appreciated all over the world for its culture and music, which over the centuries have enchanted audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Here is a selection of the 13 most famous and impressive music events that take place in Italy.

A music event founded in 1983, the Sudtirol Jazz Festival brings internationally renowned artists to perform on several South Tyrolean stages. It is one of Italy's most famous summer festivals and is held in many towns throughout the region, making it possible for the artists to perform on impressive stages surrounded by lakes, mountains and castles.

Schedule 2023: from June 30 to July 9.

Isole che Parlano International Festival usually takes place in September in Palau and other beautiful places in Gallura such as Arzachena, La Maddalena and Luogosanto. 

Sardinia, with its deepest roots, in this very occasion confronts contemporary society by marking an ideal bridge with the rest of the world.

Since 1996 the Festival has become a point of reference in the regional, national and international cultural scene for its acknowledged ability to combine tradition with innovation, a factor which continues to be the backbone of the event, presenting a theme or focus on a specific matter that changes every year. No wonder it is one of the most fascinating summer music festivals in Italy and it's part of the 'Salude & Trigu' project. 

Schedule 2023: from September 2 to September 10. 

It is a summer electronic music festival linked to Mediterranean music mixed together with more contemporary experiments, accompanied by a series of artistic shows. The event takes place in Sicily, at Maniace Castle in Ortigia, which is the oldest part of the city of Syracuse, part of the Unesco Heritage. One of the most famous and electrifying music events in Italy! 

Schedule 2023: from July 26 to July 30.

Organised by Leave Music, it takes place at the Greek Theatre of Tindari. Although it has only been active since 2014, this festival is already considered one of the most famous summer music events on the island and in southern Italy. In 2020 he took part in the manifesto of the international organization Keychange, placing himself at the forefront of gender equality in the musical environment. On the website you will find a list of hospitality partners and all ticket information.

Schedule 2023: from July 30 to August 7. 

It has been held in Cortina d’Ampezzo for over 150 years and it is organized by the Cortina d’Ampezzo Musical Body. The Fèŝta de ra Bàndes (festival of bands) takes place during the last week of August and consists of several musical performances that end with the big band parade on the last Sunday of the month. On this occasion, you can see the traditional local signs, typical floats and the clothes handed down from several generations worn by the members of the bands.

It was a former boat-repair-shop, currently the auditorium belongs to the Giorgio Cini Foundation, and since 2016 a season of concerts has been inaugurated every year on the Island of Saint George in Venice: from the windows of the auditorium it is possible to observe in the background Saint Marco Square and the Giudecca Canal.

Schedule 2023: from March 4 to December 16.

It is an event of art, performance art, dance, theater, contemporary music and cinema that takes place in the Italian capital since 1986.

The festival, organised by the Association of the Amici di Villa Medici which became the Romaeuropa Foundation in 1990, takes place in 16 locations in the city of Rome giving space to national and international artists.

Schedule 2023: from September 6 to November 19.

It has been taking place in Sardinia for about 30 years and touches 20 locations distributed throughout the island, and it has involved more than 200 artists in its events. The festival is one of the most famous music events in Italy. Part of its appeal lies in its choice of evocative backdrops, such as ancient villages and towns surrounded by forests, streams, rocks, mountains and beaches. On the Rocce Rosse (red rocks) Blues Festival site there are also recommended places in the surrounding area where you can taste typical products and drinks of the island.

Schedule 2023: from July 24 to August 13.

PEM! Parole e Musica in Monferrato (words and music in Monferrato) counts more than 15 editions.  It takes place between the end of August and the end of September in Piedmont, against the backdrop of hills that are part of the Unesco World Heritage Site embellished with the gardens of period villas, farmhouse courtyards, parks and ancient squares. The festival has its origins in Saint Salvatore Monferrato, but every year it involves different places in the region.

Schedule 2023: still undefined.

For more than 25 editions at the main historical places in Ferrara (in Emilia), like Piazza Castello or the internal courtyard of Estense Castle, this festival focuses on a young audience. It hosts music genres such as indie rock, rock and Italian songwriters, contemporary and avant-garde music and international guests from all musical and geographical backgrounds. This whole show connects also with workshops for children and teenagers, as well as meetings and extra events involving the artists.

Schedule 2023: from June 12 to June 20 and from September 7 to September 28.

The Bronson Cultural Association promotes the Beaches Brew Festival at the Hana Bi beach resort in Marina di Ravenna, Romagna. This summer festival is free and has been organised annually since 2012, and has already seen the participation of Italian and foreign artists of international renown who perform a few steps from the seashore. One of the Italian music events you absolutely can't miss. 

Schedule 2023: from June 5 to June 8.