Birrainfesta

Birrainfesta, the beer festival of Vernole

Birrainfesta is a celebration of beer and conviviality held in Vernole, a town in the province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento. Launched in 2012 and known over the years as Birra and Friends, the festival has become one of the town's most anticipated summer events, transforming the market area for several nights into a large open-air village filled with beer taps, music, and local flavors.

Beer, gastronomy, and live music

The heart of the event lies in the beer stands, which offer a wide selection of labels: craft beers, national brands, and imported products, all served in an informal and festive atmosphere. Alongside the mugs, there are plenty of food stalls featuring specialties of Salento cuisine and traditional Apulian dishes to enjoy between toasts.

Each evening is accompanied by concerts and live music performances, with bands and groups animating the stage until late at night. Free admission and a family-friendly environment make Birrainfesta an event for everyone, from young people looking for fun to families strolling among the stands.

A signature Salento event

The festival is organized by the A.S. Vernole association and is held in the market area of Piazza Caduti per il Lavoro, a large, central space in the town. Like many beer festivals in Salento, Birrainfesta combines a passion for beer with the promotion of local convivial traditions during the peak of the Apulian summer season.

When it takes place

The event takes place during the summer and has been held in both July and August over the years. For the 2026 edition, the Salento summer calendar indicates the dates of August 16, 17, and 18, right in the middle of the tourist season, when Vernole and neighboring towns welcome numerous visitors. Those staying in the Lecce area and along the Salento Adriatic coast will find Birrainfesta an ideal opportunity to experience an authentic evening of beer, good food, and music.