Aventino Blues Festival
The blues and rock festival in the heart of the Aventino Valley, in Gessopalena
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Aventino Blues
A historic festival among the villages of the Aventino
The Aventino Blues Festival is one of the most deeply rooted musical events in inland Abruzzo. The festival, dedicated to the rhythms and sounds of blues music, takes place in Gessopalena, a small town in the province of Chieti perched on a gypsum ridge overlooking the stunning Aventino Valley, on the edge of the Maiella National Park. Born in the mid-1980s, the festival has spanned decades while staying true to its original mission: bringing world-class blues to an authentic and welcoming village setting.
Gritty guitars and vintage vibes
Described by the local press as "the go-to destination for lovers of gritty guitars and vintage vibes," the Aventino Blues Festival has built a solid reputation over time thanks to a lineup that balances world-famous artists with Italian blues acts. Throughout its history, the stage has hosted legendary names such as Procol Harum, Ten Years After, the Noel Redding Blues Band, Popa Chubby, Billy Branch & Sons of Blues, the Marcia Ball Band, and the Tommy Castro Band: an impressive track record that testifies to the artistic stature achieved by this provincial festival.
A bond with the Sangro-Aventino territory
In some years, the event has taken on a traveling format, visiting various villages in the Sangro-Aventino valley in addition to Gessopalena. Today, the festival remains a cornerstone of the Gessopalena summer and the entire district, drawing blues and rock enthusiasts from across Abruzzo. The evenings, held in the town center, combine live music with the convivial atmosphere typical of Abruzzese summer festivals, framed by local hospitality and fine food and wine.
A village to discover
Attending a concert at the Aventino Blues Festival is also a perfect opportunity to explore Gessopalena, with its characteristic ancient gypsum village, panoramic views of the Maiella, and proximity to the most beautiful spots in the Sangro-Aventino area. This blend of great music and landscape makes the festival a special highlight in the Abruzzo cultural calendar.
Aventino Blues — edition 2026
At the moment, the dates and program for the 2026 edition of the Aventino Blues Festival in Gessopalena have not yet been officially announced. The festival traditionally takes place in July; to stay updated on the lineup and schedule, we recommend following the channels of the Municipality of Gessopalena and the Sangro-Aventino tourism board. This page will be updated as soon as the program is made public.
Practical information — Aventino Blues
Location
The Aventino Blues Festival is held in Gessopalena (CH), Abruzzo, typically in the town center and its main squares. Gessopalena is located in the Aventino Valley, at the foot of the Maiella mountains.
How to get there
Gessopalena can be reached by car from the A14 motorway (Adriatic coast exits) and the A25, continuing along the provincial roads of the Aventino Valley. The village is about an hour's drive from the Costa dei Trabocchi.
Information
For dates, programs, and updated details, we recommend contacting the Municipality of Gessopalena (tel. +39 0872 988008) or checking the official Sangro-Aventino tourism channels.
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Where does it take place — Aventino Blues
Piazza Roma
Piazza Roma, 66010 Gessopalena