Gaudi Fest

Gaudi Fest: The heart of Volksmusik in the Isarco Valley

The Gaudi Fest is one of the most anticipated summer highlights in South Tyrol and is celebrated as the largest folk music festival (Volksmusikfest) in the province of Bolzano. The event takes place in the Kapuzinergarten, a romantic garden situated on the edge of the small town of Chiusa/Klausen in the scenic Isarco Valley. Known as the 'artists' town' due to its long history of inspiring painters and sculptors, the village provides a unique medieval backdrop for a festival that blends tradition, music, and conviviality.

Organized by the Volunteer Fire Brigade

Gaudi Fest is promoted and organized by the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Klausen, the local Volunteer Fire Brigade of Chiusa. As is common throughout South Tyrol, these popular festivals serve as vital moments for social cohesion and supporting local associations; proceeds from the event directly fund volunteer activities and the maintenance of the fire department. Recent editions have solidified the success of a formula rooted in authenticity, as reflected in the South Tyrolean dialect slogan: 'Urig und echt, so ischs recht!' ('Genuine and authentic, just the way it should be!').

Live music and Volksmusik stars

The Gaudi Fest program is curated for lovers of Alpine folk music and those looking to celebrate late into the night. The stage hosts internationally acclaimed bands from across the Alpine region, particularly from neighboring Tyrol and the Austrian Zillertal, alongside performances by Schuhplattler groups in traditional attire and high-energy DJ sets that keep the party going until the early hours.

• Live music featuring internationally renowned Volksmusik orchestras and bands
• Traditional costumes (Tracht) and folk groups from South Tyrol and Tyrol
• DJ sets to keep the party alive until dawn
• A wide selection of local culinary specialties and beer

Chiusa/Klausen and the Isarco Valley

Located about twenty kilometers northeast of Bolzano, Chiusa/Klausen is one of Italy's most beautiful villages and a true gem of the Isarco Valley. Its medieval historic center, dominated by the Sabiona (Säben) Monastery, combined with the atmosphere of the Kapuzinergarten, makes for an unforgettable experience that perfectly balances culture, nature, and South Tyrolean tradition. The festival is a cornerstone of the vibrant calendar of local events that define summer in Trentino-South Tyrol.