Events of the Summer Season

Summer in Bolzano Bozen is enriched by numerous events that, over the years, have established themselves as unmissable international highlights. The first weeks of the season are marked—now for over 40 years—by the Südtirol Jazzfestival Alto Adige, scheduled from June 26 to July 5. Over the decades, it has attracted some of the most original artists and the most discerning audiences on the European jazz scene. Contrasts, artistic symbioses, and unexplored sounds make this festival a unique opportunity to discover unexpected musical landscapes. From the city, the music crosses mountains and reaches various locations throughout the province—mountain meadows, industrial halls, village squares, and nightclubs—turning places and landscapes themselves into stages. The 2026 edition promises ten days full of musical energy and fresh perspectives on contemporary jazz.
INFO: www.suedtiroljazzfestival.com

Just about ten days separate the Jazz Festival from another highlight of Bolzano’s cultural summer. From July 15 to 31, the city becomes a major showcase for international dance with Bolzano Danza Tanz Bozen. Renowned choreographers, national companies, and special projects have made this event a key reference point in the European dance scene. Its distinctive format combines performances with educational programs: workshops for children ranging from creative dance to flamenco and hip hop, artist talks, long dance nights, advanced courses, and classes in classical, modern, or Latin jazz dance attract both professionals and enthusiasts.
INFO: www.bolzanodanza.it

On August 7, the arcades of the historic center transform into an atmospheric tasting route featuring some of the finest local wines. Bolzano’s reputation as a wine city is celebrated through the event Calici di Stelle-Lorenzi Nacht, which each August offers residents and visitors the chance to taste wines, meet producers, and learn about their stories and wineries. Alongside the wines, guests can also enjoy typical South Tyrolean specialties at numerous food stands set up for the occasion.
INFO: www.bolzano-bozen.it/it/eventi/calici-di-stelle

Another major highlight of the season is the Bolzano Festival Bozen, which brings classical music to venues across the city. From August 4 to September 4, auditoriums, the Municipal Theatre, churches, castles, the Mercantile Museum, the university, and even parks host concerts by youth orchestras and world-class conductors. Among the highlights are the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester—the latter founded by Claudio Abbado and based in Bolzano—as well as outstanding piano soloists performing at the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition. The advanced training programs of the Gustav Mahler Academy and the refined sounds of early music featured in the Antiqua series further enrich the program, filling the city with music for an entire month.
INFO: www.bolzanofestivalbozen.eu/it/

Image: Bolzano Danza Tanz Bozen, Courtesy Bolzano Danza Tanz Bozen