CastelSound

CastelSound, the musical night of Castelcivita

CastelSound is the event with which the Castelcivita Youth Forum brightens up the peak of summer every year. A single evening, put together with modest means but immense energy, it transforms the village center into an open-air stage: live music, DJ sets, and a crowd of all ages filling the square until the early hours. The event takes place in the Municipality of Castelcivita, in the province of Salerno, within the inland Campania region, where local festivals and village feasts mark the entire month of August.

Piazza Santa Sofia, a natural stage

The historic venue for the event is Piazza Santa Sofia, the village's scenic viewpoint. From here, the view stretches across the Calore River valley and the peaks of the Alburni mountains, and on August evenings, the sunset alone is worth the climb to the village. The square is equipped with a stage and sound system, while the streets of the historic center fill with people arriving from neighboring towns. In some editions, the format was moved to the Castelcivita Caves area, at the foot of the village: this happened in 2023, when the new setting gave the event a different and highly appreciated atmosphere.

An event born from the village's youth

CastelSound was born in 2017 from an idea by the Youth Forum, the body that brings together the young people of the municipality, with the goal of creating a social gathering capable of keeping those who return from Northern cities or abroad during the summer in the village. The format has remained unchanged: a free concert in the square open to everyone, with nationally renowned guests. The Municipality of Castelcivita, the Grotte di Castelcivita Srl company, the Pro Loco, and other local entities collaborate on its realization; in 2023, the evening was also supported by BCC Buccino and Comuni Cilentani. Over the years, the event has seen steadily increasing participation, also involving the youth forums of neighboring towns.

What happens during the evening

• Live concert with a musical guest announced in the weeks prior
• DJ sets and MCs accompanying the audience until the end of the night
• Food and drink stalls along the square
• Free admission, no reservation required
• Panoramic view of the valley and the Alburni peaks

In the 2019 edition, the third one, Brusco took the stage; following him, the console passed to DJ Peppe Joshi with the voice of LeleJoop, who kept the music going until late at night. It is a model that has been repeated in subsequent editions, with a main guest followed by the more danceable part of the evening.

Castelcivita, between caves and National Park

Castelcivita is a small village in the Alburni mountains, nestled on a slope overlooking the Calore valley. It is best known for the Castelcivita Caves, one of the most famous and visited karst complexes in Southern Italy, and for its location within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. Those arriving for CastelSound will therefore find plenty more to do on the same day: visiting the caves, hiking the Alburni trails, or dining at tables serving local products, from Controne beans to Cilento olive oil and cheeses. It is the most natural way to understand why such a small event has built such a loyal following.

When it takes place

CastelSound is traditionally held in mid-August: the documented editions of 2019 and 2024 took place on August 19th, while in 2025 the event was held again in August. As of the update date of this page, no official date for the 2026 edition has been published: it is best to follow the social media channels of the Castelcivita Youth Forum, where the date and guests are announced every year close to the evening. A practical tip is to arrive early, as the square fills up quickly and parking in the village is limited.