Medimex — International Festival & Music Conference
The major international music fair in Taranto
About Medimex
What is Medimex
The Medimex — International Festival & Music Conference is the event that turns Taranto, in the heart of the Ionian Puglia, into one of the Mediterranean's main musical crossroads every summer. Established in 2011 as a music industry trade fair, it has evolved into a unique hybrid in Italy: on one hand, a festival open to the public with major international concerts, and on the other, a music conference with panels, masterclasses, and professional meetings dedicated to industry operators.
The event is promoted by the Puglia Region and Puglia Culture as part of Puglia Sounds, a project for the development of the regional music ecosystem. It is this dual nature—popular and professional—that makes Medimex different from any other summer event: alongside concerts by global stars, a packed calendar of showcases, DJ sets, book presentations, photo exhibitions, and musical storytelling is curated every year.
Festival venues in Taranto
Medimex takes place across several locations in the old town and city center, each with a specific purpose:
- Rotonda del Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III — the main stage for major evening concerts, overlooking the Mar Grande.
- Castello Aragonese — a stunning setting for the special project Le strade del Mediterraneo (Mediterranean Roads), featuring sunset concerts with free admission until capacity is reached.
- Spazioporto — the hub for new project showcases and DJ sets.
- MArTA — National Archaeological Museum of Taranto — home to the festival's major photo exhibitions.
A festival for the public and professionals
Medimex is not just a concert showcase: it is the moment when the entire Italian music industry gathers in Puglia. The conferences address major sector themes each year—the future of live music, rights, European music funding, the relationship between hip hop and literature—while masterclasses and workshops offer free training to young people under thirty. Showcases and talks provide space for new projects from the Apulian and national scene, many of which go on to tour stages across Europe from here.
Why it's worth the trip
For the public, Medimex is an opportunity to see world-class artists in a city overlooking two seas, with affordable ticket prices and numerous free events. For Taranto and the Province of Taranto, it is an international showcase that restores the Ionian city to a leading role in contemporary musical culture. Visitors from outside the region can discover both great music and a city rich in history, from the Old Town to the MArTA museum with its famous Gold of Taranto.
Medimex — edition 2026
The 16th edition of Medimex took place in Taranto from June 17 to 21, 2026, promoted by the Puglia Region and Puglia Culture. The live program featured about 25 events, including main stage concerts, the sunset series curated by Antonio Diodato, DJ sets, and showcases dedicated to new projects from the Apulian and national scene.
Alongside the concerts, a packed calendar of conferences, masterclasses, book presentations, musical storytelling, and exhibitions took place. Among these, at the MArTA, was the photo exhibition Roberta Bayley: The Ramones, CBGB's and New York City, dedicated to the 1970s New York scene.
Programme Medimex 2026
Wednesday, June 17
- Showcase: Scannapieco Geremia Quintet, Claudio Suriano, Andrea Marchesino, Taurn, Zoe Pia & Tenores di Orosei, Gabriele Poso, Hambone, Alassane Badboy & The Conquerors
- Talk with Roberta Bayley (moderated by Luca de Gennaro) and storytelling Il mare nel cassetto — La via di Franco Battiato
- Opening of the exhibition Roberta Bayley: The Ramones, CBGB's and New York City at MArTA (until July 5)
Thursday, June 18
- Medimex Music Factory (topline and lyrics, soundtracks, producers) with Warner Chappell Music Italiana
- Panel Place is the Space (jazz in Italy) and Gimme gimme EU funds for music
- Talk Words Playground: Hip Hop and Literature with Murubutu; live by Sara Gioielli
- Showcase: On the Move, Stefano Palmieri, Malamore, Fra' Sorrentino, DONBRUNO, Lit Up Fuse, Hate Moss, Lumiero
- Le strade del Mediterraneo by Antonio Diodato at Castello Aragonese (7:30 PM, free admission, until June 20)
Friday, June 19
- Round table The Future of Live Music (governance, supply chain, data) and panel The CBGB with Kid Congo, Tammy Faye Starlite, and Roberta Bayley
- Live by Davide Ambrogio; DJ set by DJ Reborn
Saturday, June 20
- Panel Pop Universe with Eugenio Finardi, Kyoto, and Carolina Bubbico; talk with Shablo
- Live by Sami Galbi
- Pet Shop Boys — DREAMWORLD The Greatest Hits Live + Agents Of Time (Rotonda del Lungomare)
Sunday, June 21
- Carlo Massarini tells the story of Bruce Springsteen
- Suede, Slowdive, and NYC Redux Band with the music of the Ramones (world premiere, original Medimex production by Marc Urselli) — Rotonda del Lungomare
Throughout the festival, the videomapping HEY HO! LET'S GO! was projected on the facade of the Castello Aragonese (June 18-21).
Highlights Medimex 2026
Prices Medimex 2026
Practical information — Medimex
How to get there
By train: Taranto station is connected to Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, and, via Bari, the rest of Italy. By car: Take the SS7 or SS106 Jonica exits; the seafront is just minutes from the center. By plane: Bari-Palese and Brindisi-Casale airports, both connected to Taranto by bus and train.
Tickets
Tickets for the main stage concerts at the Rotonda del Lungomare can be purchased in advance via Vivaticket and Ticketone, with prices starting from approximately €34. Numerous events—showcases, DJ sets, the sunset concerts of Le strade del Mediterraneo at the Castello Aragonese, talks, and presentations—are free to attend until capacity is reached.
Tips
The evenings featuring major concerts are very popular: it is advisable to arrive early. Combine your Medimex visit with a walk through the Old Town and a trip to the MArTA, where the festival hosts its photo exhibitions.
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Where does it take place — Medimex
Rotonda del Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III
Rotonda del Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele III, 74121 Taranto