Arena in Villa

Arena in Villa, the summer of entertainment in Santa Maria di Castellabate

Arena in Villa is the summer music and theater festival that brings the Villa Matarazzo park to life every year in Santa Maria di Castellabate, within the municipality of Castellabate, in the province of Salerno (Campania). The program packs some of the most popular names in Italian songwriting and comedy into just a few weeks, set in one of the most beloved corners of the Cilento coast.

The open-air arena carved into the villa's park offers an intimate atmosphere, quite different from large stadium festivals: the audience enjoys the shows seated under the trees, just a short walk from the promenade, with the sea breeze blowing in and the ancient village of Castellabate illuminated on the hill above. It is this combination of artistic quality and scenic backdrop that has made the festival one of the most anticipated events of the Cilento summer.

The 2026 program: Italian songwriting and Neapolitan comedy

The 2026 edition runs from July 26 to August 23 and is curated by P.G. Production. All shows start at 9:30 PM. The calendar alternates between musical evenings and comedy theater:

• July 26 — Simone Schettino, comedy show
• August 2 — Vincenzo Salemme, theater show
• August 8 — Ermal Metà in concert
• August 10 — Sal Da Vinci in concert
• August 17 — Franco Ricciardi in concert
• August 21 — Marco Masini in concert
• August 23 — Biagio Izzo, comedy show

It is a refined balance: on one hand, Italian singer-songwriters like Ermal Metà and Marco Masini, and on the other, the popular Neapolitan scene represented by Sal Da Vinci and Franco Ricciardi, alongside the Neapolitan comedy that has built a loyal following at Villa Matarazzo.

The Mogol Award, a 2026 novelty

Among the new features of the 2026 Castellabate cultural calendar is the Mogol Award, scheduled for August 5 at Villa Matarazzo: a recognition dedicated to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their artistic and professional careers. The evening takes place during the Mogol Battisti Festival (August 4–6 in the same arena), a showcase dedicated to young Italian music talents and the repertoire of Mogol and Lucio Battisti, featuring a masterclass led by Mogol in the municipal council chamber.

A project by the Municipality and the Cilento National Park

Arena in Villa is promoted by the Municipality of Castellabate and held under the patronage of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The festival has often been cited as a model where environment and culture intertwine: the shows take place in an existing green space without land consumption, helping to distribute tourist flows throughout the season. The 2026 edition is managed by P.G. Production, following the 2025 organization by SMECA s.r.l.

Castellabate, the village and the sea

Santa Maria is the coastal district of Castellabate, while the historic center sits higher up, around the Castello dell'Abate from which the town takes its name. The municipal territory is part of the UNESCO-listed Cilento National Park, offering beaches, trails, Punta Licosa, and a Cilento gastronomic tradition featuring blue fish, extra virgin olive oil, white figs, and mozzarella nella mortella. For visitors, an evening at Arena in Villa naturally pairs with a stroll through the hilltop village or along the small harbor of Santa Maria.

Tips for attendees

• Shows are ticketed: it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as nights with the most famous names sell out quickly.
• The arena is outdoors: a light sweater is useful even in August, as the sea breeze picks up after midnight.
• Santa Maria di Castellabate is very busy in August: it is best to arrive well in advance to find parking.
• The summer calendar of Castellabate also includes other festivals (Festival del Mare, Estate al Castello, ColtoCircuito, Ond'A Marina): it is worth checking the full municipal calendar before planning your stay.