28th "VALLE D'ITRIA" INTERNATIONAL
MUSIC BAND FESTIVAL
CISTERNINO 16 - 19 JULY 2026
The "Valle d'Itria" International Music Band Festival takes place in July every year and it will be at the 28th edition in 2026.
Since its inception, the Festival has welcomed music bands from Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Israel, Palestine, the United States, Greece, Tunisia, Malta, Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, Spain, Russia and Ukraine, in the lovely location of Cisternino and the Itria Valley in Apulia (the "heel of the boot" of Italy).
Over the years, the Festival has become a unique meet-up for European marching bands,through a dense network of collaboration with the most important European festivals for music bands.
Only a short-op from the seaside and from the major tourist attractions of Apulia and Basilicata, the Festival aims to promote cultural exchange and, at the same time, raise awareness of the artistic, gastronomic and landscape beauties of the Itria Valley and the Apulian region, also thanks to organised trips for International and Italian guest music groups.
The Music Association "City of Cisternino" APS is the promoter and organizer of the event. The association owns the "Vitino Zizzi" Wind Orchestra and is a close partner and collaborator of the Cisternino City Council and the Apulia Region administation.
The Festival takes place in the beautiful Cisternino, pearl of the Itria Valley, and a shot-hop from the seaside and popular touristic destinations destinations such as Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and Matera, which can be visited and ejoyed during your stay.
Festival's Program
Thursday 16th July 9pm
Prologue
The opening act of the festival: the town of Cisternino awaits the festival guests and warms the streets with anticipation.
A special event will kick off this XXVIII edition with musical surprises that hint at the wonders to come in the following days. The spotlights illuminate the grand stage in Piazza Garibaldi as Villa Comunale comes alive with festive decorations, and the air fills with excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable festival.
Friday 17th July 9pm
Opening Event
A parade of all music groups will open the festival, followed by a unique concert event featuring special surprise guests.
This opening event will officially launch the XXVIII edition with an evening full of musical surprises that will be revealed in the coming months.
Piazza Garibaldi, Cisternino. Free entry. Food and drink stands available, just opposite the main stage in Villa Comunale.
Saturday 18th July 9pm
Stage Concert
All the formations will perform in concert in the characteristic location of Piazza Garibaldi in Cisternino.
Sunday 19th July 9pm
Street Parade + Grand Finale
The various and picturesque corners of the historic center of Cisternino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, will be cheered up by the performances of the groups taking part in the Festival.
Following the street parade, on the main stage in Piazza Garibaldi, a spectacular grand finale with a special musical surprise that will be revealed in the coming months.
The grand finale of the XXVIII edition promises to be unforgettable with an extraordinary event that will celebrate both tradition and musical innovation. After three days of music and culture, the festival will close with a spectacular concert that will make the 2026 Festival truly memorable!
An event not to be missed! Food and drink stands in the Villa Comunale, just opposite the main stage.