May Fair
The centenary fair of Castelnuovo Rangone featuring flavors, music, commerce, and solidarity
About May Fair
A Centenary Tradition in the Heart of Emilia-Romagna
The May Fair is the oldest and most iconic event in Castelnuovo Rangone, a municipality in the province of Modena in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Its first editions date back to the 19th century, making it one of the most deeply rooted historical fairs in the Terra dei Castelli region. For eight consecutive evenings, the town's historic center transforms into a grand celebration space, where different generations meet around local traditions.
The Fair of Flavors, Music, Commerce, and Solidarity
Known by this name that summarizes its spirit, the Fair intertwines four complementary dimensions. The pulsating heart is the taverns set up by local volunteer associations, with their gastronomic and entertainment offerings: the proceeds are entirely donated to solidarity projects, following a charitable mission that has characterized the event for years. Alongside the taverns, there are markets, stands from local businesses and street vendors, and stands from local associations.
Music and Performances Every Evening
Each evening features live concerts on the main stage in Via Roma and in the various taverns of the town (including Ghet un quel, Gin Bota, Le Primizie, Circolo Acli), with DJ sets, live performances by local bands, and musical guests. The program alternates music from the sixties, blues, dance, and tribute acts, as well as theatrical performances, exhibitions by dance schools and choirs, street artists, and moments dedicated to the younger generation, such as the protagonists from the Leopardi middle school.
Culture, Exhibitions, and Initiatives
The Fair is also a cultural occasion: book presentations in the historic halls of the town (Sala delle Mura, Sala del Torrione), photographic and art exhibitions, robotics and programming workshops for young people, and discussion forums. Among the most anticipated events on the final Sunday are the guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar, a symbol of the Modenese tradition of balsamic vinegar, the vintage motorcycle exhibition, and the charity sausage feast organized by the Pro Loco.
An Event for the Entire Community
With free admission to all events, the May Fair remains a moment of strong cohesion for Castelnuovo Rangone and the surrounding municipalities in the province of Modena. It is the festival that tells the story of the town''s identity: the connection with the land and its flavors, the passion for music, the vibrancy of local commerce, and the spirit of solidarity that has always animated it.
May Fair — edition 2026
May Fair 2026: Eight Evenings of Celebration
The 2026 edition was held from May 18 to 25, organized by the municipal administration of Castelnuovo Rangone with local volunteer associations. The opening, on Monday, May 18, at 8:30 PM, featured an inaugural toast and DJ sets in the town center's taverns.
Among the evening events: the folk performance by the Ballerini e Frustatori Città di Vignola, the musical "Aladdin," dance shows, street artists in Via Matteotti, concerts like "The Incredible Nowhere Band" dedicated to music from the sixties, and the final tribute "Everybody Needs… The Blues Brothers" on the main stage. The closing Sunday featured guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar, the vintage motorcycle exhibition, and the Pro Loco's charity sausage feast.
Programme May Fair 2026
2026 Program (May 18-25)
- Monday 18: Inaugural toast at 8:30 PM, DJ sets in the taverns, classical concert in the Church of San Celestino
- Tuesday 19: Performance by Ballerini e Frustatori Città di Vignola, "Aladdin" musical, Briscola tournament, Tombola in the oratory
- Wednesday 20: Choirs and dance from Istituto Leopardi, book presentations, street artists in Via Matteotti, Step Up Night
- Thursday 21: Summer Fever at Circolo Acli, "The Incredible Nowhere Band" (sixties music)
- Friday 22: DJ sets Redmark & Friends, concerts in the taverns
- Saturday 23: "Cosmo" exhibition, Maker Dojo robotics, "Grease" and "Happy Days" dance, Celebrity Stars concert
- Sunday 24: Guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar, vintage motorcycle exhibition, Pro Loco sausage feast, "Everybody Needs… The Blues Brothers" concert
Highlights May Fair 2026
- Eight consecutive evenings of free admission events
- Solidarity taverns with proceeds donated to charitable projects
- Guided tours of the municipal vinegar cellar
- Vintage motorcycle exhibition and photographic and art exhibitions
- Live concerts, dance, theater, and street artists
Prices May Fair 2026
Practical information — May Fair
How to Get There
Castelnuovo Rangone is located in the province of Modena, a few kilometers from the provincial capital. By car, it can be reached from the Via Emilia and from the Modena Sud (A1) motorway exits; by train, the reference station is Modena, connected to the town by local buses.
Where it Takes Place
The Fair animates the entire historic center of Castelnuovo Rangone: Via Roma with the main stage, Piazza Gramsci, Via Matteotti, the cultural halls (Sala delle Mura, Sala del Torrione), and the numerous taverns in the town.
Admission and Hours
Admission is free. Events are concentrated in the evening hours, with the official opening scheduled around 8:30 PM on the first day. The taverns and food stalls are open every evening for the entire duration of the event.
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Where does it take place — May Fair
Centro storico di Castelnuovo Rangone