Circonomia
The festival of circular economy and ecological transition
About Circonomia
A festival that makes Alba the capital of sustainability
Every spring, Circonomia transforms the historic center of Alba, nestled in the Langhe hills in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont), into Italy's most important gathering dedicated to the circular economy and ecological transition. Established in 2016, the festival has become a national benchmark for debating new economic, environmental, and social models, bringing public administrators, companies, researchers, communicators, and citizens to the same table.
Three days of ideas for the future
Circonomia follows the format of a major deep-dive festival: talks, lectures, presentations, and discussions that address the most pressing issues of our time, from the climate crisis to the geopolitics of resources, from energy to environmental awareness, and the relationship between economy and nature. The festival's historic venues are located in the heart of the city: the Sala Beppe Fenoglio, the Arena Guido Sacerdote at the Teatro Sociale, and the Teatro Sociale G. Busca.
Voices of science and culture
Over the years, Circonomia has brought some of the most authoritative voices in the Italian scientific, cultural, and educational landscape to Alba: climatologists like Luca Mercalli and Antonello Pasini, circular economy experts like Edo Ronchi, geopolitical analysts like Dario Fabbri, thinkers like Vito Mancuso, and popular science communicators like Vincenzo Schettini. It is a rare opportunity to hear, live and for free, from those who study and report on the great environmental challenges.
Beyond Alba: Circonomia OFF
Alongside the three-day main festival, Circonomia OFF offers a series of events spread across the Cuneo area from April to September, extending sustainability themes beyond the center of Alba. The festival is promoted by Cooperativa ERICA, AICA (International Association for Environmental Communication), and GMI (Greening Marketing Italia), with the support of numerous local public and private entities.
Circonomia — edition 2026
The 11th edition of Circonomia enlivened the historic center of Alba from May 21 to 23, 2026, with the theme "The Roots of Today," a journey investigating the origins of the challenges we are currently facing, from the climate crisis to social and cultural changes.
Nineteen events, including talks, debates, and lectures, involved over 80 guests and speakers, attracting a total audience of approximately 2,500 people. Festival venues included the Sala Beppe Fenoglio and the Arena Guido Sacerdote of the Teatro Sociale. The event was promoted by Cooperativa ERICA, AICA, and GMI, with the Alba Merchants Association among the partners.
Programme Circonomia 2026
Thursday, May 21
- 17:00 — Sala Beppe Fenoglio: Circularity and secondary raw materials, with Edo Ronchi and Elisa Tonda.
- 18:30: Urban sustainability challenges, with local administrators.
- 21:00: "Italy and the environment over the last 30 years," an evening for the 30th anniversary of Cooperativa ERICA (1996-2026), with Luca Mercalli and Edo Ronchi.
Friday, May 22 — Arena Guido Sacerdote
- 18:00: The climate crisis with Antonello Pasini; geopolitical competition for energy and raw materials with Dario Fabbri.
- Evening dedicated to eco-anxiety and the relationship between younger generations and the future.
Saturday, May 23
- Morning: The "Spazzamondo" civic initiative, in collaboration with the Fondazione CRC.
- 16:00 — Arena: Sustainability and spirituality, with Fulvio Marino and Vito Mancuso.
- Evening: Science communication with Vincenzo Schettini.
The closing event dedicated to legality and the environment, with National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor Giovanni Melillo, originally scheduled for June 5, was postponed to September.
Highlights Circonomia 2026
Prices Circonomia 2026
Practical information — Circonomia
Location
The meetings take place in the historic center of Alba (CN), Piedmont, across the Sala Beppe Fenoglio, the Arena Guido Sacerdote at the Teatro Sociale, and the Teatro Sociale G. Busca.
Getting there
Alba is accessible by car via the A33 Asti-Cuneo motorway and by train from Alba station, which is well-connected to Turin and Cuneo. The historic center is entirely pedestrian-friendly.
Tickets
Admission to all events is free, subject to mandatory reservation via the festival's Eventbrite platform.
Contacts
Official website: circonomia.it — Press office: [email protected] — Tel. +39 335 6309971.
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Where does it take place — Circonomia
Centro storico di Alba
Via Santa Margherita 26, 12051 Alba