Castle Beer Pico - Craft Beer Festival

A craft beer festival at the foot of the castle

Castle Beer Pico is the craft beer festival that brings the town of Pico to life every summer. Located in the Ciociaria area of the province of Frosinone, in the heart of southern Lazio, the event takes place in the Castle Gardens atop the historic center. The medieval setting provides a unique atmosphere: stalls and beer taps are nestled among ancient walls, while the live music stage lights up at dusk.

The origins: an idea from young volunteers

The festival was founded in 2014 by a group of young people from the Giovanottimisti - Pino Carnevale association with a clear goal: to promote and showcase the region's brewing scene. In just over a decade, it has become one of the most anticipated summer events in Ciociaria, attracting visitors from across the province and neighboring areas of lower Lazio. The formula has remained true to its roots—free entry, volunteer-led management, and deep community ties—which is precisely this authentic, village-scale charm that sets it apart from larger commercial events.

Lazio's craft beer

The heart of the event lies in the craft breweries, mostly from Lazio, which present their creations to the public: unpasteurized, preservative-free beers made with carefully selected ingredients. Past editions have featured four or more regional breweries, offering a range spanning from light, crisp ales to malty ambers and seasonal specialties. It is a fantastic opportunity to discover a sector that has grown significantly in Lazio in recent years and to chat directly with the brewers themselves.

Food, stalls, and conviviality

Alongside the beer taps, you will find numerous food stalls serving dishes designed to pair perfectly with the drinks: fried snacks, sandwiches, Ciociarian specialties, and vegetarian options have all been part of the program in previous years. The crowd is diverse—families in the early evening, followed by groups of friends as the night progresses—and the long outdoor tables capture the convivial spirit typical of summer festivals in central Italy.

Live music

Every evening features live concerts followed by DJ sets that continue late into the night. The musical program focuses on local bands and popular, danceable repertoires: rock, ska, pop, punk, and covers of Italian classics. While not a music festival in the strict sense, music is an essential part of the event's identity and one of the main reasons the public returns every year.

Pico, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

It is well worth arriving a few hours early to explore Pico, officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The historic center, perched on a hill and crisscrossed by stone alleys, culminates in the medieval castle that gives the festival its name. The town is also linked to the memory of writer Tommaso Landolfi, who was born here. Combining a sunset stroll through the village with an evening at the festival is the best way to experience the event.

Why attend

• Free admission and a genuinely grassroots spirit
• Lazio craft breweries with tastings guided by the producers
• Unique setting in the gardens of a medieval castle
• Live music and DJ sets until late at night
• Visitor-friendly services: free parking, shuttle bus, and camper area