Two days of music, traditions, and South Tyrolean flavors in the heart of Castelrotto
In the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of the Sciliar and the Catinaccio massif, the village of Castelrotto (known as Kastelruth in German) celebrates its Village Fair (Dorffest) every summer. For two days, the historic center transforms into a large space for conviviality where music, flavors, and traditions intertwine from early morning until late at night. It is one of the most cherished folk festivals on the Sciliar Plateau, capable of uniting the entire community and welcoming the many tourists vacationing on the Alpe di Siusi.
The heart of the event is the picturesque historic center of Castelrotto, with its square dominated by the imposing bell tower and surrounded by frescoed facades. The two main hubs of the festival are the town square, enlivened by the ASC Alpe di Siusi, and the school courtyard, where brass bands perform. An additional space dedicated to DJ sets is set up behind the left portico.
The soundtrack of the festival is provided by South Tyrolean Musikkapellen (brass bands), entertainment bands, and DJs. Various local brass bands take turns in the school courtyard, while live music accompanies lunch and dinner hours in the square. Saturday night continues with a DJ set until late, in a festive atmosphere that engages all generations.
One of the main attractions is the traditional South Tyrolean cuisine, offered by the stands of local associations. Specialties include: polenta with chanterelles, polenta with cheese and sausage, turkey schnitzel with potato salad, sausages with bread, and French fries, as well as desserts like strauben, krapfen, cakes, and ice cream. There is no shortage of beer, wine, aperitifs, juices, and coffee, served by groups such as FC Gulasch, the Sciliar Fishermen's Association, and the local Vespa Club.
The highlight of Sunday is the parade through the streets of the village, featuring groups in traditional costumes and brass bands. The entire event maintains a genuine and popular character, rooted in the traditions of the Castelrotto community and the Sciliar Plateau, the cultural heart of the German-speaking South Tyrol in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
Participating in the Village Fair means experiencing Castelrotto in its most authentic dimension: an alpine village where South Tyrolean customs are breathed in through the music of the bands, traditional costumes, and typical dishes. A free-entry festival, designed for families, residents, and travelers who wish to discover the true face of the Alpe di Siusi Dolomites.
The festival takes place on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM on both days.
Saturday: Live music in the town square by ASC Alpe di Siusi (10:00-14:30 and from 17:30); in the school courtyard, the Castelrotto brass band with "Schlernblech" (5:00 PM) and "Blackout" (9:00 PM); behind the left portico, DJ set with Ivan Fillini (Extreme 24 association) from 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM.
Sunday: Live music in the square (11:00-14:30 and from 17:30); in the school courtyard, the Terento band (12:00), the Villa Ottone/Uttenheim band (4:00 PM), and the Gummer band (6:00 PM) will perform. The parade is scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Food stands with South Tyrolean specialties managed by local associations. Free admission.
Castelrotto can be reached by car from the A22 Brenner motorway (Bolzano Nord/Chiusa exit), then heading towards Alpe di Siusi. By train, arrive at Bolzano or Chiusa station and continue with SAD/Südtirol Mobil buses. During the festival, temporary closures of the Telfen-Castelrotto road and detours may occur.
Free admission. The event takes place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM on both days. The Sunday parade is scheduled weather permitting; it may be cancelled in case of thunderstorms or heavy rain.
We recommend combining your visit with a hike on the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude plateau in Europe. Book your accommodation in advance during the high summer season.
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Centro storico di Castelrotto
Krausplatz, 39040 Castelrotto/Kastelruth