Festival del Sole
The great international Gymnastics for All event in Riccione
About Festival del Sole
A week of sport, dance, and performance under the stars
The Festival del Sole is the largest international Gymnastics for All event in Southern Europe and one of the most anticipated summer events in Riccione, in the Province of Rimini, in Emilia-Romagna. Every year, at the beginning of July, the seafront of the Green Pearl of the Adriatic fills with colours, music, and movement thanks to thousands of participants who come from all over Europe to perform in the arenas overlooking the sea.
A celebration, not a competition
The philosophy of the Festival del Sole is simple and contagious: no competition, no technical judging, no podiums. Groups take to the stage for the pure pleasure of performing and sharing their passion, in a climate of friendship that breaks down barriers of nationality, age, and level. Any group of at least ten people can participate, with routines accompanied by music. It is this inclusive spirit, inspired by the values of equality, respect, and equal opportunities, that makes the festival a unique experience.
Disciplines on stage
Many different disciplines alternate on the seafront stage, ranging from gymnastics to dance:
- Floor exercise, aerobics, acrogym, and acrobatics
- Rhythmic and artistic gymnastics
- Classical, modern, and hip-hop dance
Seaside arenas
The evening shows take place in three arenas set up along the coastline: the Arena Roma in Piazzale Roma, the Arena Nord in Piazzale Aldo Moro, and the Arena Giardini in Giardini Montanari, where the Festival Village is also located. The evening shows are free admission: the public can watch the groups' performances for free, immersed in the atmosphere of the Romagna Riviera.
An international event for Riccione
Born in 2007, the Festival del Sole has grown to attract over 1,700 participants each year from dozens of teams and numerous European nations. For the Municipality of Riccione, it represents one of the flagship events of the summer season, capable of combining tourism, sport, and movement culture in a setting of sea and fun.
Festival del Sole — edition 2026
The 19th edition of the Festival del Sole will be held in Riccione from Sunday, July 5th to Friday, July 10th, 2026. The week opens on Sunday, July 5th with the parade and opening ceremony (gathering at 8:30 PM, parade start at 9:00 PM) and closes on Friday, July 10th with the closing ceremony starting at 9:00 PM.
From Monday, July 6th to Thursday, July 9th, the days follow the usual rhythm: group rehearsals in the morning from 8:30 AM and evening performances from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM in the three seafront arenas (Arena Roma, Arena Nord, Arena Giardini). For all participants, there will be free gymnastics and dance workshops without the need for booking, as well as after-parties and special events during the week.
Programme Festival del Sole 2026
Sunday, July 5th – Parade and opening ceremony (gathering at 8:30 PM, parade at 9:00 PM).
Monday, July 6th – Thursday, July 9th – Group rehearsals from the morning (from 8:30 AM) and evening performances from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM in the seafront arenas. Free gymnastics and dance workshops, after-parties, and special events.
Friday, July 10th – Closing ceremony from 9:00 PM.
Highlights Festival del Sole 2026
- Parade and opening ceremony on the seafront
- Free evening performances in the seaside arenas
- Disciplines: floor exercise, aerobics, acrogym, acrobatics, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, classical, modern, and hip-hop dance
- Free gymnastics and dance workshops for all participants
- After-parties and special events
Prices Festival del Sole 2026
Practical information — Festival del Sole
How to get here
Riccione is easily reachable by train (Riccione station on the Bologna-Ancona Adriatic line) and by car via the A14 motorway, Riccione exit. The nearest airport is Rimini-Miramare, a few kilometres away.
The arenas
The evening shows are held at Arena Roma (Piazzale Roma), Arena Nord (Piazzale Aldo Moro), and Arena Giardini in Giardini Montanari. Performances generally start at 8:30 PM.
Admission and registration
The evening shows have free admission for the public. Participation is reserved for registered groups (at least 10 people); registrations and accommodation packages are managed through the festival's official website.
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Where does it take place — Festival del Sole
Arene del lungomare (Arena Roma, Arena Nord, Arena Giardini)
Piazzale Roma, 47838 Riccione