E-State in Cultura
The summer festival of the Municipality of Veglie, in the heart of Salento
About E-State in Cultura
A summer of culture in the heart of Salento
E-State in Cultura is the summer festival of the Municipality of Veglie, a town in the province of Lecce nestled in the heart of Salento, Puglia. Established in 2024, the festival reached its third edition in 2026, cementing its status as the main hub for summer events in Veglie: a widespread program that, from mid-June to the end of August, transforms the town's squares and historic courtyards into open-air stages.
A multidisciplinary program
The beauty of E-State in Cultura lies in its variety. The festival brings together very different genres under one banner, offering something for every type of audience: theater, outdoor cinema, live music, dance, sports, book presentations, children's shows, and food and wine evenings. The events, mostly free of charge, are organized by the municipal administration in collaboration with local associations, the Pro Loco of Veglie, and local businesses, with the support of the Puglia Region.
The festival venues
Events are spread across the most evocative spots in the historic center:
- Piazza Umberto I, the beating heart of the town, which hosts major concerts and musical evenings;
- Cloister of the Friars Minor (former convent), an intimate setting for theatrical performances and chamber concerts;
- Municipal Library and Cloister, for book presentations and cultural meetings;
- the courtyard of the Marconi primary school, the traditional home of outdoor cinema;
- Via Italia Nuova, the star of the food and wine event in late August.
Unmissable events
Among the most anticipated moments are Gustiamo Via Italia Nuova, a food and wine festival that brings the town's main shopping street to life for three evenings around Ferragosto, and the CorriVeglie, a road race involving both adults and children. There is no shortage of tributes to great Italian music, dance performances by local schools, evenings of pizzica and Southern traditions, and theatrical reviews that recount Salento's memory and identity.
Why attend
E-State in Cultura is the perfect snapshot of summer in Veglie: an opportunity to experience the historic center after sunset, amidst music, traditional flavors, and conviviality. For visitors choosing Salento as their summer destination, the festival is also an authentic way to connect with the life of a Puglian community and its folk traditions.
E-State in Cultura — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of E-State in Cultura, the third for the Veglie festival, offers a rich program spread throughout the historic center of Veglie. It kicks off in mid-June with the first musical evenings and continues through July and August with theatrical performances at the Cloister of the Friars Minor, concerts in Piazza Umberto I, outdoor cinema, dance, book presentations, and sporting events. The grand finale takes place at the end of August with the food and wine festival on Via Italia Nuova.
The event is promoted by the municipal administration of Veglie together with the Pro Loco, local cultural and sports associations, and local businesses, with the contribution of the Puglia Region.
Programme E-State in Cultura 2026
Some events of the 2026 edition
- June 21 – Lucio&Lucio, musical evening (Municipal Library)
- July 2 – Dance Festival 2026 (Marconi school courtyard)
- July 3 – presentation of the book "Veglie in the 18th Century" (Cloister of the Friars Minor)
- July 5 – CorriVeglie, road race (Market Area)
- July 10 – musical evening in Piazza Umberto I
- July 16-18 – week of sports, culture, and entertainment (Piazza Umberto I)
- July 24 – Emozioni Sonore, concert (Cloister of the Friars Minor)
- July 27 – theatrical performance "Vico Storto, Carità Vecchia" (Cloister of the Friars Minor)
- August 13 – tribute to Fabrizio De André (Piazza Umberto I)
- August 19-21 – Gustiamo Via Italia Nuova, food and wine festival (Via Italia Nuova)
- August 24 – closing event in Piazza Umberto I
The complete calendar is published by the Municipality of Veglie.
Highlights E-State in Cultura 2026
- Gustiamo Via Italia Nuova: three evenings of food, wine, and music around Ferragosto
- CorriVeglie: the road race open to everyone
- Tribute to Fabrizio De André in Piazza Umberto I
- Outdoor cinema and theatrical performances at the Cloister of the Friars Minor
Prices E-State in Cultura 2026
Practical information — E-State in Cultura
Where
Veglie (LE), Salento, Puglia. Events take place in Piazza Umberto I, the Cloister of the Friars Minor, the Municipal Library, the courtyard of the Marconi primary school, and Via Italia Nuova.
How to get there
By car, Veglie can be reached via the SS7ter and the Lecce ring road (about 20 km from the provincial capital). The nearest train station is in Lecce, which is connected to the town by bus lines. The reference airport is Brindisi-Salento.
Admission
Most events are free to attend. For food and wine events, costs depend on individual consumption.
Information
Municipality of Veglie and Pro Loco of Veglie.
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Where does it take place — E-State in Cultura
Piazza Umberto I, Chiostro dei Frati Minori e centro storico