Gargano Arte Festival

The Gargano Arte Festival

The Gargano Arte Festival is a summer event that brings San Menaio, the seaside district of Vico del Gargano in the province of Foggia, to life every year in the heart of the Gargano National Park. The heart of the event is the picturesque Piazzale della Stazione, just a few steps from the beach and the pine forest that slopes down to the sea, where the audience enjoys performances with the Adriatic as a backdrop.

A history spanning over thirty years

Originally launched as the Gargano Festival and also known as the San Menaio International Festival, the event reaches its 31st edition in 2026, cementing its status as one of the longest-running and most beloved cultural events on the Gargano coast. The festival is organised by the Pro Loco San Menaio e Calenella in collaboration with the Municipality of Vico del Gargano, under the artistic direction of Sky journalist Stefano Meloccaro, and was created with the aim of promoting the local area and extending the tourist season.

Art, theatre, and music under the stars

The programme weaves together concerts, theatrical performances, dance, author meet-and-greets, and a contemporary art exhibition featuring both Italian and European artists. Throughout its history, the festival has brought major names from the Italian entertainment world to San Menaio, from actors and comedians to singer-songwriters and musicians, transforming the seaside square into an open-air stage.

The 2026 edition in honour of Andrea Pazienza

The 31st edition is part of the rich Estate Vichese 2026 calendar, which also celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the Estate Teatrale Vichese. The highlight is the show «Mio, sempre mio Andrea», scheduled for 9 August at the Piazzale della Stazione, featuring Sergio Rubini accompanied by the DauniaOrchestra: a tribute to Andrea Pazienza on the 70th anniversary of his birth, as part of the PAZ70 project. On 24 August, the focus shifts to comedy and circus arts with «Il Grande Lebuski Show».

San Menaio and the Gargano

Nestled between the pine forest and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Gargano, San Menaio provides the perfect setting for a holiday that combines sea, nature, and culture. The festival is a great opportunity to discover Vico del Gargano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, its medieval historic centre, and the traditions of the Gargano region of Puglia.