Bitonto Blues Festival

Blues in the heart of Puglia

The Bitonto Blues Festival is one of the most anticipated musical events of the Apulian summer. Every September, the Piazza Cattedrale in Bitonto, set at the foot of the stunning Romanesque co-cathedral, turns into a grand open-air stage dedicated to blues and all its nuances. Reaching its thirteenth edition in 2025, the festival has established itself as a nationally recognized event, drawing a large and loyal audience to the town of Bitonto, in the Metropolitan City of Bari.

The format: three nights, six concerts, free admission

The heart of the festival lies in its three consecutive nights, from Friday to Sunday, featuring two concerts per evening: a first set around 9:00 PM and a second around 10:30 PM. Admission is free, based on the belief that great live music should be accessible to everyone. Each concert is also live-streamed on the festival's Facebook and YouTube channels, reaching fans who cannot be there in person.

Beyond classic blues

The artistic program, curated by director and bluesman Beppe Granieri, explores all facets of the genre: from acoustic blues to rhythm & blues, soul, and funk, as well as experimental projects that blend blues with rock and electronic music. The festival focuses primarily on Italian artists, showcasing the vibrant and rich blues scene in our country, particularly in the South.

Music, culture, and territory

The Bitonto Blues Festival defines itself as an "international event of music, culture, and territorial marketing." Alongside the concerts, every evening before the performances begin, there are "Focus Talks"—short dialogues dedicated to themes such as energy, the environment, sports, and culture. The event is organized by the BLU & SOCI Cultural Association with the support of the Municipality of Bitonto and the Bari Chamber of Commerce, confirming its commitment to combining entertainment, promotion of the historic center, and the enhancement of Apulian identity.

A square to be experienced

Attending a concert in Piazza Cattedrale, amidst the white stones of Bitonto's old town illuminated by evening lights, is an experience that goes beyond a simple musical night. The festival has become a collective ritual for the city, an opportunity to rediscover the historic center and experience Puglia in its most authentic and convivial dimension.