Expo Salento
Edition 2026 Music Dance Contemporary art

Expo Salento

The grand showcase of entrepreneurship and excellence from Salento in Carmiano

Carmiano — Lecce (075) Since 2021
Dates 19 Jun โ€” 21 Jun 2026
Location Carmiano (075)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Expo Salento

Expo Salento is the major showcase for entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and the excellence of the Salento region, bringing Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano, Lecce province, to life every year. Three days of exhibition stands spread across 5,000 square meters, featuring over a hundred Apulian companies, art exhibitions, fashion shows, dance performances, live concerts, and social initiatives. A free event that blends business, culture, and entertainment under the Salento stars.

Expo Salento, the fair of Salento excellence in Carmiano

Every year in June, Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano becomes the beating heart of Expo Salento, an event that brings together businesses, craftsmanship, art, and entertainment in one large exhibition space. Covering approximately 5,000 square meters, the fair hosts over a hundred companies from the region, social promotion associations, and Apulian production entities, with the stated goal of "building a system" and showcasing the Salento region in its entirety.

Organized by APS Salento, chaired by Marcello Quarta, the event is now a consolidated fixture in the summer calendar of the Municipality of Carmiano, in the province of Lecce, and is held under the patronage of the Province of Lecce.

An exhibition of business, opportunity, and craftsmanship

The core of Expo Salento is the exhibition area, where artisans, entrepreneurs, and young local startups present products, services, and ideas. There are also moments dedicated to professional development, training, and innovation, such as the Work and Funding Day, an inaugural day designed to connect businesses, professionals, and new development opportunities. Alongside the stands, gastronomy and typical Salento products take center stage during the evenings.

Music, fashion, dance, and art

Expo Salento is more than just a trade fair: every edition offers a rich entertainment program with live concerts, fashion shows, dance performances, swing evenings, and art exhibitions. The stage set up in the square hosts bands and shows that enliven the three evenings, while venues like the Fratelli Lumiรจre cinema-theater and the town's courtyards host artistic performances and installations.

Social commitment and the Kindness Award

An important part of the event is dedicated to solidarity and inclusion. Among the most significant initiatives is the Kindness Award (Premio Gentilezza), a recognition that celebrates acts and stories of generosity in the region, alongside speeches and testimonials that highlight the value of people and the community.

Carmiano, in the heart of the Salento area of Lecce

Located just a few kilometers from Lecce, Carmiano is a town in the Salento province that opens its squares and streets to thousands of visitors during Expo Salento. The event, with free admission, is an opportunity to discover the productive and creative soul of Salento and to enjoy three days of celebration amidst business, culture, and music.

Expo Salento โ€” edition 2026

The sixth edition of Expo Salento took place from June 19 to 21, 2026, in Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano, featuring over a hundred local companies across 5,000 square meters of exhibition space. Three days of business, crafts, fashion, art, and major live concerts, opened by the Work and Funding Day dedicated to work and innovation.

The 2026 edition of Expo Salento confirmed the event's format with three days full of appointments in Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano. The exhibition area, set up over approximately 5,000 square meters, hosted over a hundred Salento companies, associations, and local entities. Opening the event on Friday, June 19, was the Work and Funding Day, the central event of the sixth edition dedicated to work, training, and development opportunities, with the participation of the President of the Province of Lecce, Fabio Tarantino. Alongside the stands, there was room for fashion shows, dance performances, swing evenings, art exhibitions, and social initiatives such as the Kindness Award.

Programme Expo Salento 2026

Friday, June 19

  • Work and Funding Day โ€” inaugural day dedicated to work, training, and innovation, with the participation of the President of the Province of Lecce, Fabio Tarantino
  • Concert by Crifiu
  • Musical show Io, te e Puccia

Saturday, June 20

  • Nostalgia 90 show โ€” music and 90s atmosphere
  • Fashion shows, dance performances, and swing evening

Sunday, June 21

  • Kawabonga Party โ€” closing event of the festival

Throughout all three days: exhibition area with over a hundred companies, art exhibitions, in-depth sessions, and solidarity initiatives such as the Kindness Award.

Highlights Expo Salento 2026

The concert by Crifiu, the Nostalgia 90 show, and the final Kawabonga Party, along with the Work and Funding Day and the Kindness Award.

Prices Expo Salento 2026

Free admission to all exhibition areas and shows.

Practical information — Expo Salento

Where

Expo Salento takes place in Piazza del Tempo and throughout the center of Carmiano (LE), including Corte Graziani, Galleria Rodari, and the Fratelli Lumiรจre cinema-theater.

How to get there

Carmiano is located about 12 km from Lecce. By car, it can be reached via the SP4 and the main roads connecting the Salento capital; the nearest train station is in Lecce, which is well-connected to the rest of Puglia.

Admission

Access to the event and all shows is free.

When

The festival is usually held in June, featuring three days of events that keep the evenings lively until late.

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Where does it take place โ€” Expo Salento

Piazza del Tempo

Piazza del Tempo, 73041 Carmiano

Expo Salento in brief

Music Dance Contemporary art Gastronomy Local produce Innovation Fashion Crafts Solidarity Outdoor Free Multidisciplinary Lecce

History of Expo Salento