B-Side Festival
Two days of music, food, and talks dedicated to workplace inclusion at Parco di Serravalle
About B-Side Festival
The B-Side Festival in Empoli
The B-Side Festival arrives for the first time in Empoli, within the Metropolitan City of Florence, Tuscany, bringing Parco di Serravalle to life on the weekend of June 27th and 28th, 2026. It is a new meeting point where music meets the value of work: the core idea of the event is to tell the story of the "B-side" of social cooperation, specifically the workplace integration of vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.
A festival that unites economy and inclusion
The festival was born from the collaboration between Legacoopsociali, the cultural association Jump Live, the social cooperatives SintesiMinerva and K2B, the COOB Consortium, the food cooperative MangeRete, and other local entities, with the support of the Municipality of Empoli. The goal is to promote and spread a culture of inclusive work, highlighting the role of Type B social cooperatives as concrete tools for integration and community development.
Music, food, and activities
The two days alternate between deep-dive sessions and celebration. Alongside the B-Talks dedicated to workplace inclusion, there will be evening concerts, a sports area active throughout the day, inclusive bicycles, and a dedicated space for children. Completing the experience are food trucks from about fifteen social cooperatives, offering regional specialties from various parts of Italy, from Arezzo to Milan.
- Live concerts on the evenings of June 27th and 28th
- Talks and debates with public administrators, businesses, and cooperatives
- Sports area and inclusive bicycles for all ages
- Children's area and family activities
- Social cooperative food trucks with local cuisine
An event for the community
Designed as an open and free event, the B-Side Festival aims to introduce the general public in Empoli and Tuscany to the world of social cooperation in a lighthearted and engaging way. The setting of Parco di Serravalle, Empoli's green lung, provides an ideal space for an event that centers on participation, solidarity, and conviviality.
B-Side Festival — edition 2026
The first edition of the B-Side Festival 2026 brings Parco di Serravalle in Empoli to life with a program that weaves together music, debates, food, and sports, all in the spirit of workplace inclusion and social cooperation. Admission is free for both days.
Programme B-Side Festival 2026
Saturday, June 27th
- 12:00 PM — Food stands open
- 4:00 PM — Inauguration with institutional greetings from the Mayor of Empoli Alessio Mantellassi, Regional Undersecretary Bernard Dika, President of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani, and President of Legacoop Simone Gamberini
- 5:30 PM — B-Talk: "Workplace inclusion and collaboration practices"
- 6:30 PM — B-Talk: "Agreements for workplace integration"
- 7:00 PM — Food stands reopen
- 9:00 PM — Ex-Opera concert: an immersive show blending operatic voices and a symphony orchestra with contemporary electronic music
Throughout the day: sports area, inclusive bicycles, and a space dedicated to children.
Sunday, June 28th
- 10:30 AM — Sports activities for families with children
- 12:00 PM — Food trucks and stands open
- 5:30 PM — Screening and debate "Territory and inclusion" featuring the short film "Operazione Asset" produced by IIS Il Pontormo of Empoli
- 7:00 PM — Food stands open
- 9:00 PM — Concert with Leonardo De Andreis, Edoardo Brogi, and Andrea Maestrelli
Highlights B-Side Festival 2026
Prices B-Side Festival 2026
Practical information — B-Side Festival
How to get there
The festival takes place at Parco di Serravalle, in the sports facility area of Empoli (FI). By car, it can be reached from the SGC FI-PI-LI highway, taking the Empoli exit. By train, the Empoli station is well-connected on the Florence-Pisa line and is a short distance from the park.
Admission
Admission to both days is free. Food areas, talks, concerts, and sports activities are freely accessible.
Tips
The event is held outdoors: comfortable clothing is recommended, as well as sun protection during the central hours of the day. There are areas for children and inclusive activities suitable for all ages.
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Where does it take place — B-Side Festival
Parco di Serravalle
Parco di Serravalle, Via delle Olimpiadi, 50053 Empoli