Alpàa

A landmark event in Valsesia

Alpàa is much more than just a local festival: it is the most beloved summer event in Varallo and throughout the Valsesia valley, in the heart of Upper Piedmont. Founded in 1977 to celebrate Alpine traditions, craftsmanship, and local gastronomy, it has grown over nearly half a century to become one of the most important summer fixtures in the province of Vercelli and the entire Piedmont region, drawing approximately 150,000 visitors every year.

Free concerts under the stars

The beating heart of Alpàa is its series of major free concerts in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, which gather thousands of people under the Valsesia mountains every evening. The stage hosts Italian music stars, tribute acts, and performances for all ages, always with free admission: a rare formula that has made Alpàa an accessible event for decades.

Beyond music: art, taste, and tradition

In addition to the music, the festival brings the entire historic center to life for ten days with a rich, widespread program:

• Mountain crafts and artisan workshops along the town streets
• Piazza del Gusto (Taste Square) featuring traditional Valsesia food and wine
• Exhibitions and museums along with numerous side events
• Guided tours of the Sacro Monte di Varallo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Civic Art Gallery
• Kids Area and activities dedicated to families

The Sacro Monte of Varallo

Visitors to Varallo during Alpàa should not miss the Sacro Monte, the oldest of the Sacred Mountains in the Alpine range and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003: a path of frescoed chapels nestled in nature, also accessible via the historic cable car. It is the perfect setting to discover the beauty of Valsesia beyond the festival.

The 50th edition

Organized by the Pro Loco of Varallo under the patronage of the Piedmont Region and the Province of Vercelli, in 2026 Alpàa reaches the milestone of its 50th edition: a special celebration dedicated to the festival's history, innovation, and sustainability, featuring a commemorative musical lineup showcasing some of the most beloved names in the Italian scene.