Pennabilli Festival
Each June, the medieval town of Pennabilli in Emilia-Romagna hosts Artisti in Piazza, a renowned international festival of performing arts. Since 1997, this four-day event has attracted over 50 companies worldwide, presenting around 350 performances in music, theater, contemporary circus, dance, puppetry, and street art throughout the town’s historic center.
Festival Highlights
Diverse Performances: International artists bring a wide range of shows suitable for all ages, including children’s programming in the Orto dei Frutti Dimenticati, a space dedicated to kids’ workshops and shows inspired by poet Tonino Guerra.
Artisan Market: The Mercatino del solito e dell’insolito offers visitors handcrafted artworks and unique items.
Food and Drink: Cucine Erranti (Wandering Kitchens) features local and ethnic cuisine, snacks, and fresh fruit from vendors and local restaurants.
Sustainability: The festival is plastic-free since 2019. It uses reusable cups and water refill stations, manages waste with dedicated eco-volunteers, and employs composting and recycling initiatives to minimize environmental impact.
Cosmic Fringe Radio: The festival includes live radio broadcasts with interviews and performance highlights, deepening visitor engagement.
When and Where
Dates: Annually in mid-June for four days (e.g., June 12–15 in 2025)
Location: Historic center of Pennabilli
Hours: Opening day 5 PM – 1 AM; following days 3 PM – 1 AM; late-night shows (Palacirco area) until 3 AM
Visitor Information
Admission: Free for children under 13; tickets for others are available online and at the venue.
Parking: Free parking available nearby.
Contact:
Email: info@artistiinpiazza.com
Phone: +39 0541 928003
Website: artistiinpiazza.com
Accommodation Tips
Pennabilli offers a variety of accommodations from B&Bs and guesthouses to agriturismos. Because the festival is popular, booking in advance is highly recommended. Staying near the historic center allows easy walking access to performances and festival events.
Sustainability Efforts
Artisti in Piazza champions eco-friendly event management, including LED lighting, renewable energy use, car-sharing encouragement, and comprehensive waste management. In recent years, the festival has effectively reduced single-use plastics and processed significant waste through recycling and composting.
Other Festivals in Pennabilli
Pennabilli Django Festival: Late December festival celebrating jazz manouche with concerts and workshops.
Festival of the Forgotten Fruits: Late September event focused on traditional Italian fruits and crafts.
Why Visit Pennabilli?
This small town combines rich cultural heritage with natural beauty and an active arts scene. Whether attending the festival or visiting year-round, Pennabilli offers authentic Italian experiences with a welcoming atmosphere and a strong commitment to sustainability.