Independent Information Festival
Three days in Arco featuring free journalism, music, and critical thinking
About Independent Information Festival
A festival dedicated to free information
The Independent Information Festival is a cultural event that transforms the historic center of Arco, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige), into a vibrant space for discussion and participation every May. Born from the commitment of the La Busa Consapevole association, the festival weaves together independent journalism, civil reflection, live music, and recreational activities, with a special focus on major current events.
Talks, current affairs, and geopolitics
The heart of the event lies in the Festival Talks, meetings with journalists, writers, and analysts who tackle the pressing issues of our time: the crisis of traditional journalism, international geopolitical crises, the relationship between technology and freedom, artificial intelligence, and new models of civic engagement. Over the years, the stage has hosted prominent investigative journalists and voices from the Italian public debate, offering the audience opportunities for in-depth analysis rarely available in a free, open-air setting.
Live music and evening events
Afternoon conferences are followed by evening concerts, which light up the squares of Arco from early evening with a program ranging from punk to ska, reggae to folk, as well as singer-songwriter performances and tribute acts. The evenings conclude with the popular silent disco, keeping the party going until late at night.
Activities for everyone
The festival is not just about words and music: throughout the days, the center of Arco hosts skateboarding, slacklining, chess, creative workshops, art sessions, painting areas, sports, and games, alongside a market featuring crafts and emerging products. It is a program designed to engage families, young people, and the curious, under the motto "Freedom is Participation".
In Arco, in the heart of the Busa
The natural home of the event is Piazzale Segantini and the squares of the historic center of Arco, a town overlooking the Upper Garda area in Trentino, known for its mild climate and its castle. Admission to all events is free, in line with the festival's mission to make information and culture accessible to everyone.
Independent Information Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition: The Labyrinth
From May 22 to 24, 2026, the historic center of Arco hosted a new edition of the Independent Information Festival, with Piazzale Segantini and nearby squares transformed into spaces for meeting and celebration. The symbol chosen for the year was the labyrinth, with a major novelty: a 98-square-meter labyrinth featuring puzzles and escape rooms, open to the public.
The Talks
Among the protagonists of the Festival Talks were Marc Innaro on freedom of information, Marco Carnelos on international geopolitical crises, Ezio Gavazzeni on the Sarajevo investigation, Massimiliano Vucetich on organized crime and white-collar crime, Alessandro Di Battista on dissent and cultural homogenization, and Elisa Nicoli on eco-minimalism.
The Music
On the musical front, Friday evening featured CR4W, Loskavrones, Halo, and Punkreas on stage, followed by the silent disco until late at night. Saturday saw Fanfara Tigre, Orieste y Sus Problemas, and Rebel Rootz performing electro-brass, reggae, ska, and cumbia, while Sunday was dedicated to Battito Battiato, a tribute to Franco Battiato.
Activities and Admission
Alongside the talks and concerts, the festival offered skateboarding, slacklining, chess, artistic workshops, creative labs, and a craft market. Admission to all events was free.
Programme Independent Information Festival 2026
Talks
- Marc Innaro — freedom of information
- Marco Carnelos — international geopolitical crises
- Ezio Gavazzeni — Sarajevo investigation
- Massimiliano Vucetich — organized crime and white-collar crime
- Alessandro Di Battista — dissent and cultural homogenization
- Elisa Nicoli — eco-minimalism
Concerts
- Friday: CR4W, Loskavrones, Halo, Punkreas + silent disco
- Saturday: Fanfara Tigre, Orieste y Sus Problemas, Rebel Rootz
- Sunday: Battito Battiato (tribute to Franco Battiato)
Highlights Independent Information Festival 2026
- 2026 Novelty: 98 sqm labyrinth with puzzles and escape rooms
- Punkreas concert on Friday night
- Talks with Alessandro Di Battista, Marc Innaro, and Massimiliano Vucetich
- Silent disco until late at night
Prices Independent Information Festival 2026
Practical information — Independent Information Festival
How to get there
Arco can be reached by car from the A22 Brenner motorway (exit Rovereto Sud or Trento Sud) and then heading towards Riva del Garda. By train, the reference station is Rovereto, connected to Arco by local buses. The nearest airports are Verona Villafranca and Bergamo Orio al Serio.
Admission and venues
Admission to all festival events is free. The meetings take place in Piazzale Segantini and the squares of the historic center of Arco.
Practical tips
The event is held outdoors: comfortable clothing is recommended. Arco offers numerous accommodation options in the Upper Garda Trentino area, ideal for combining the festival with a visit to Lake Garda and Arco Castle.
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Where does it take place — Independent Information Festival
Piazzale Segantini e centro storico
Piazzale Segantini, 38062 Arco