Capo d'Orlando Blues Festival

A blues festival in the heart of the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily

The Capo d'Orlando Blues Festival is one of the most historic and iconic musical events in the municipality of Capo d'Orlando, in the province of Messina, Sicily. Founded in 1994 by the CrossRoad Club Cultural Association, the festival has spanned over three decades, becoming a landmark for blues, soul, and funk enthusiasts in Southern Italy. Through its many editions, the festival has brought dozens of Italian and international artists to the Tyrrhenian promontory, building a loyal community that returns every July to fill the Orlandine nights.

Villa Piccolo and the town's squares

The scenic heart of the festival is Villa Piccolo di Calanovella, the historic residence of the Fondazione Famiglia Piccolo, nestled in greenery and overlooking the sea. Its terraces and park offer a refined and evocative setting for ticketed concerts, while other evenings take place in central squares like Piazza Matteotti, with free admission to involve the whole city. This dual nature—intimate and secluded at Villa Piccolo, popular and open in the square—is one of the event's distinctive features.

Music, flavors, and atmosphere

Beyond the musical program, the Capo d'Orlando Blues combines a passion for great listening with a love for conviviality. Evenings are often accompanied by a street food area featuring local specialties and food and wine tastings, turning concerts into a complete experience of music, taste, and social connection. This is the vision of "cultural interaction" that has always driven the CrossRoad Club: bringing the public closer to live music in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

A highly anticipated event of the Orlandine summer

Included in the rich summer calendar of the Municipality of Capo d'Orlando, the festival is one of the season's highlights, attracting visitors and tourists who choose the northern coast of Sicily for their holidays. Between the charm of Villa Piccolo, the liveliness of the center, and the quality of the artistic lineup, the Capo d'Orlando Blues Festival remains an unmissable appointment for anyone who loves the blues and its infinite variations.