BOnsai Bologna

A festival between sound and nature

BOnsai is the open-air summer music festival that animates the Parco delle Caserme Rosse in Bologna, in the northern part of the Emilia-Romagna capital, along Via di Corticella. Conceived as a link between sound and environment, the festival offers evenings of concerts in the green, under a starry sky, with food areas and convivial spaces next to the main stage. An intimate and curated formula that has won over the Bolognese public, capable of alternating big international names and emerging talents from the Italian scene.

The 2026 program

The 2026 edition runs from June 16 to July 23, with a rich and diverse lineup ranging from alternative rock to indie-pop, from contemporary singer-songwriters to metal. Among the announced headliners:

• The Flaming Lips (June 18), icons of American alt-rock
• Ernia (June 25) and 22simba (June 27) for Italian rap
• Zen Circus (June 28) and Gio Evan (July 2)
• Rancore (July 6) and Jet (July 7)
• Tutti Fenomeni (July 11), I Cani (July 12 and 13) and Levante (July 15)
• Elio e le Storie Tese (July 16), Tropico (July 21)
• In Flames (July 23), with Bleed from Within and Employed to Serve, for the metal closing

The program also includes the Oltre Festival (June 20 and 21), two days dedicated to the indie and emerging scene with artists such as Dov'è Liana, Maria Antonietta & Colombre, Giorgio Poi, Noyz Narcos, and many others.

A location with a unique history

The Parco delle Caserme Rosse is now a large public green area in the Navile district, but it holds important historical memories: during World War II, it was a concentration and transit camp. Transformed into a city park, it now hosts cultural and musical events among meadows and trees, offering an unusual natural setting for a major urban festival.

Atmosphere and audience

BOnsai stands out for its intimate and quality dimension: a showcase that doesn't focus on large numbers but on careful selection, capable of combining established names and experimental proposals. The refreshment areas, outdoor spaces, and informal atmosphere make the festival a reference point for Bolognese summer music, attended by both live music enthusiasts and those looking for a different evening in the city's green spaces.