Ferragosto Festival / Volksfest Ferragosto

The Ferragosto Festival in Selva di Val Gardena

The Ferragosto Festival (known in German as Volksfest "Ferragosto") is one of the most cherished summer events in Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in Gröden), the highest village in the Val Gardena valley, located in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, between the Sella, Sassolungo, and Odle groups, the village welcomes residents and visitors for two days of festivities coinciding with the Assumption holiday on August 15th.

A community-led celebration

The event takes place in the Town Hall Square (Gemeindeplatz) and is organized by local associations in collaboration with the Selva Tourist Board. It is an authentic folk festival, deeply rooted in village life, bringing together the Gardena community and the many guests vacationing in the Dolomites at this time of year. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is welcoming for everyone, including families.

Music, tradition, and costume parades

The program spans two evenings, from 6:00 PM until late, alternating musical entertainment with traditional South Tyrolean moments. Highlights of the festival include:

• live concerts featuring brass bands and local musical groups;
• the iconic parade of associations in traditional Gardena costumes, featuring local folk groups;
• performances by folk dance groups (Volkstanzgruppe) from Selva and Santa Cristina;
• evening concerts with pop and rock bands.

South Tyrolean gastronomy

Throughout the festival, stands offer traditional food and drinks: authentic South Tyrolean dishes, local specialties, and the convivial atmosphere that makes Ferragosto in Val Gardena a perfect blend of taste, music, and mountain culture.

A Ferragosto in the Dolomites

Experiencing Ferragosto in Selva di Val Gardena means immersing yourself in the Ladin and South Tyrolean identity of this valley, where folk traditions thrive alongside alpine tourism. The setting of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and the pleasant mountain summer climate make this festival a unique experience for those spending their holidays in the valley in mid-August.