BAlloon — Busto Arsizio Comic Festival
Two days dedicated to comics, cinema, and animation
About BAlloon
Comics in Busto Arsizio
BAlloon is the comic festival of Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese. Hosted in the spaces of Villa Calcaterra, on Via Magenta, it is a young but already established event that combines author comics, cinema, animation, and gaming. The artistic direction is entrusted to Daniele Statella.
Exhibitions, Authors, and Workshops
The program includes thematic exhibitions, meetings with protagonists of Italian comics, creative workshops, and an area dedicated to board games. The festival brings to Busto Arsizio the great artists of the most beloved series — from Marvel to Topolino, from Tex Willer to Diabolik and Dylan Dog — offering the public the opportunity to meet them, see them at work, and interact with them.
An Event for All Ages
BAlloon is designed as an event for enthusiasts and the curious of all ages: the workshops particularly involve children, introducing them to the art of illustration and visual storytelling, while the talks on animation and storyboarding also appeal to adults. Admission is free and open to all.
Between Comics and Cinema
One of the festival's hallmarks is its focus on the links between comics, cinema, and animation: tributes to masters of Italian animation and screenings accompany the exhibition part, reflecting the richness of a language that spans the popular culture of our country and finds a dedicated showcase in Busto Arsizio.
BAlloon — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of BAlloon is held at Villa Calcaterra (Via Magenta 70) on January 17-18, 2026, with the theme 'From Comics to Cinema, via Animation'. Artistic direction by Daniele Statella. Among the attractions is an exhibition dedicated to 'La Linea', the famous character by Osvaldo Cavandoli, with the screening of a documentary. The festival hosts great Italian artists from Marvel, Topolino, Tex Willer, Diabolik, and Dylan Dog series. Free admission.
Programme BAlloon 2026
Saturday, January 17 (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
- 4:00 PM — Official opening and inauguration of exhibitions, with a tribute to Osvaldo Cavandoli's 'La Linea' and works by local art school students
- 4:30 PM — Workshop 'Create Your Disney Character' (ages 7-12) with illustrator Emanuele Baccinelli (booking required)
Sunday, January 18 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
- Meetings with authors and comic stands
- Free modeling workshop (ages 10+)
- Talks on animation, storyboarding, and Bonelli Editore's animated series
- Board game and wargame area for families
Guests
- Emmanuele Baccinelli (Topolino), Luca Enoch (Dragonero), Giuseppe Candita (Diabolik), and other artists from major Italian series
Highlights BAlloon 2026
Prices BAlloon 2026
Practical information — BAlloon
Where
The festival takes place at Villa Calcaterra, Via Magenta 70, Busto Arsizio (VA).
How to get there
Busto Arsizio is served by the FS and Ferrovie Nord stations and the A8 Milan-Varese motorway.
Admission
Free admission and open to all ages. Some workshops require booking.
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Where does it take place — BAlloon
Villa Calcaterra
Via Magenta 70, 21052 Busto Arsizio