LINO — Independent Literature Festival
The unconventional, widespread literature festival animating the NoLo district
About LINO
Literature Takes to the Streets
LINO - Independent Literature Festival is the event that transforms the NoLo district (North of Loreto, Municipality 2/3, City of Milan, Lombardy) into a large, widespread literary salon. "Festivalino" (small festival) is not out of modesty but by choice: a neighborhood-sized, informal, and unconventional festival where literature meets everyday life in bookshops, bars, creative spaces, pubs, bistros, cinemas, parks, art galleries, streets, and gyms.
Books, and More
The festival is curated by writers Matteo B. Bianchi and Marco Rossari, in collaboration with the NOI bookshop in NoLo. LINO's hallmark is its irony and openness: it discusses books, but also music, sex, politics, and cinema, in encounters that shun the solemnity of traditional presentations. Formats like "Poteva andare meglio" (It Could Have Gone Better), where writers recall disastrous book launches of their careers, or "Climax," dedicated to the worst sex scenes in literature, exemplify the event's spirit.
NoLo, A District That Tells Stories
NoLo is one of the most vibrant and creative districts in contemporary Milan, and LINO captures its energy. Each year, the festival hosts nationally and internationally renowned authors in a convivial atmosphere that combines literary quality with lightness. Between one encounter and the next, there are drinks, chats, and relaxation: the idea is a weekend of books experienced as a neighborhood celebration.
LINO — edition 2026
The fifth edition of LINO - Independent Literature Festival was held from May 8 to 10, 2026, with previews on May 6 and 7, in Milan's NoLo district. The widespread festival, curated by Matteo B. Bianchi and Marco Rossari in collaboration with the NOI bookshop, animated the district's bookshops, bars, creative spaces, cinemas, and parks.
Among the edition's guests were renowned authors such as Neige Sinno, Mathias Enard, John Niven, Francesca Crescentini, Dario Ferrari, Nicola Gardini, Mattia Insolia, and Daniele Mencarelli. The program alternated literary encounters with ironic and irreverent formats, true to the event's unconventional spirit.
Programme LINO 2026
Previews — May 6 & 7
Opening events in NoLo's venues.
Festival — May 8-10
- Encounters with guest authors: Neige Sinno, Mathias Enard, John Niven, Francesca Crescentini, Dario Ferrari, Nicola Gardini, Mattia Insolia, Daniele Mencarelli, and others.
- Special formats like "Poteva andare meglio" (disastrous book launches recalled by writers) and "Climax" (the worst sex scenes in literature).
- Widespread events in bookshops, bars, cinemas, and parks in the NoLo district.
Full program at www.festivalino.it.
Highlights LINO 2026
Prices LINO 2026
Practical information — LINO
Getting Here
NoLo District, Milan. Reachable by Metro M1 (Pasteur or Rovereto stops) and ATM surface transport.
Admission
Many events are free admission, spread across the district's spaces. Some appointments may require booking.
Information
Full program at www.festivalino.it.
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Where does it take place — LINO
Quartiere NoLo (librerie, bar, parchi, cinema e spazi diffusi)