Estate Bisaccese

A full month of events in the heart of Alta Irpinia

Estate Bisaccese is the historic summer festival of the Municipality of Bisaccia, a town in the Alta Irpinia area of the Avellino province, in the hinterland of Campania. Originally conceived as a calendar of celebrations for returning emigrants, it has evolved into a nearly month-long event: in 2026, the 42nd edition will run from July 27 to August 22, featuring shows, concerts, cultural initiatives, food and wine experiences, and family activities.

The theme for this edition is the slogan "Bisaccia in August is an extra enchantment," an invitation to view the festival not just as a schedule of events, but as an opportunity to showcase the village's historical and cultural heritage. The program is built annually using only municipal funds, a choice that ensures almost all events in the square remain free of charge.

Piazza Duomo, the stage for music

The hub of the festival is Piazza Duomo, which hosts evening concerts with free admission. The 2026 lineup blends popular music, Italian classics, and comedy: it kicks off on August 10 with the "Nostalgia '90" show, followed on August 11 by the orchestra of Mirko Casadei, heir to the Romagna liscio tradition. Enrico Montesano takes the stage on August 12, followed by Paolo Belli and his Big Band on August 13, and Luisa Corna on August 14.

The most anticipated moment remains the Ferragosto evening: on August 15, Rita Pavone will perform in a concert dedicated to the great Italian songbook. The musical and entertainment program concludes with comedy from Daniele Si Nasce on August 17 and MonVibes on August 20.

The Ducal Castle, the festival's second soul

Alongside the main square, the Ducal Castle—a medieval monument and symbol of Bisaccia, linked to the Frederick II era—serves as the festival's cultural venue. Its halls host photo exhibitions, book presentations, and conferences, including an exhibition dedicated to Bailo Modesti and an in-depth meeting on the Appian Way, the ancient consular road that crossed these territories.

On August 9, the castle hosts "Note di Calici – Wine and Jazz at the Castle," an evening combining tastings, masterclasses, and live music: one of the most distinctive events of the festival, where Irpinian food and wine meet jazz.

Oscata in Festa and village life

Estate Bisaccese extends beyond the center: the hamlet of Oscata has its own program, "Oscata in Festa," featuring photo exhibitions, concerts, weaving workshops, and book presentations. This is the most intimate part of the calendar, highlighting artisanal skills and the rural memory of Alta Irpinia.

The exhibition "The Brigands of Alta Irpinia" on August 18 and the concert by the Banda Città di Andretta on August 19 also belong to this identity-focused dimension, celebrating a musical tradition still deeply rooted in the Campanian hinterland.

Solidarity, children, and community

The program reserves ample space for social causes. On August 8, Piazza Duomo hosts the charity dinner "RestauriAMO," dedicated to supporting local heritage restoration projects. Throughout the festival, from July 27 to August 22, the Ducal Castle hosts the "E...state da favola" Summer Playroom, designed for local children and those visiting their grandparents. A circus show is scheduled for August 16, and the Civil Protection Day on August 22 closes the calendar.

Why it's worth the trip

Bisaccia sits at an altitude of about 860 meters, between Irpinia, Daunia, and Basilicata: in summer, the evenings are cool, and outdoor concerts can be enjoyed without the humidity of the coast.

• Free admission to concerts and shows in the square
• A program that combines big names in Italian television and music with local talent
• The Ducal Castle as a venue for exhibitions, conferences, and tastings
• An opportunity to discover Alta Irpinia at its most vibrant time of the year