July Festival of Castel Maggiore
The great summer table of Castel Maggiore in Via Gramsci
About July Festival
The summer festival of Castel Maggiore
The July Festival is one of the most cherished summer events for the community of Castel Maggiore, a town in the plain north of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna. The initiative revives the ancient tradition of the July Fair in a contemporary way, with the stated goal of fostering socialization and community among citizens, associations, and local businesses. It's no coincidence that the event is included among the territory enhancement initiatives of the municipal program Cultura in Comune (Culture in the Community).
The great table in Via Gramsci
The heart of the festival is the large community table set up along Via Gramsci, in the town center. Here, pasta is prepared and offered by volunteers: as the organizers remind us, "we make the pasta." Cooking and serving are done by the social centers, the Pastoral Unit of Castel Maggiore, and numerous volunteers, with the support of local sponsors. Drinks and other refreshments are provided by local businesses, who liven up the evenings with their stands.
The Reuse Fair
At the same time as the dinner, the festival hosts the Reuse Fair, set up in Piazza Pace and along Via Matteotti. Among the stalls dedicated to the recovery and second life of objects, there is space for games and activities for adults and children, moments of dance and music, in a village festival atmosphere that involves families and visitors from neighboring towns.
A community celebration
More than just a food festival, the July Festival is a gathering moment for the entire citizenry of Castel Maggiore. The formula of the open-air table, with food prepared by volunteers and offered to the community, makes it an occasion for intergenerational encounters typical of Emilian popular festivals. Admission is free, in the full convivial spirit of local tradition.
Castel Maggiore and the Bologna area
Located a few kilometers north of Bologna, along the axis connecting the provincial capital to the lower plain, Castel Maggiore is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Bologna rich in popular festivals and fairs. The July Festival joins other events in the local calendar, helping to keep alive a network of traditions that spans the entire year.
July Festival — edition 2026
The July Festival is also confirmed for summer 2026 in Castel Maggiore (BO): the event is indeed included in the Cultura in Comune 2026 program, presented to the Municipal Council on February 11, 2026, among the initiatives dedicated to enhancing the territory and the community's network of relationships.
At the moment, the exact date and the detailed program for the 2026 edition have not yet been published. Based on recent tradition, the large community table along Via Gramsci, with pasta prepared and offered by volunteers, social centers, and the Pastoral Unit, and the Reuse Fair in Piazza Pace and Via Matteotti, with games, dance, and music, are expected. Booking is usually required for dinner via the Municipality. The final program will be announced by the Municipality of Castel Maggiore in the weeks before the event.
Programme July Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published by the Municipality of Castel Maggiore. As in previous editions, the community table with pasta offered along Via Gramsci and the Reuse Fair in Piazza Pace and Via Matteotti are expected. Updates will be disseminated through the official channels of the Municipality.
Highlights July Festival 2026
- 2026 edition confirmed in the Cultura in Comune 2026 program
- Large community table expected in Via Gramsci
- Pasta offered by volunteers, social centers, and the Pastoral Unit
- Reuse Fair in Piazza Pace and Via Matteotti
- Date and detailed program pending publication
Prices July Festival 2026
Practical information — July Festival
Where it takes place
The festival is held in the center of Castel Maggiore (BO): the community table is set up along Via Gramsci, while the Reuse Fair occupies Piazza Pace and Via Matteotti.
How to get there
By car: Castel Maggiore is a few kilometers north of Bologna, reachable from SP4 Galliera and the Bologna ring road (northern exits). By train: Castel Maggiore station on the Bologna-Verona line. By plane: Bologna "Guglielmo Marconi" airport, about 15 km away.
Times and booking
Dinner at the Via Gramsci table generally starts at 7:30 PM; the Reuse Fair from 6 PM to 11 PM. For dinner, booking is usually required, via the Castel Maggiore Municipality website or at the URP (Public Relations Office).
Admission
Free admission. Pasta is offered by volunteers; drinks and other products are for sale at the merchants' stands.
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Where does it take place — July Festival
Via Gramsci, Piazza Pace e Via Matteotti
Via Gramsci, 40013 Castel Maggiore