MEI – Meeting of Independent Labels
The most important showcase of Italian independent music, in the heart of Faenza
About MEI Faenza
The heart of Italian independent music
The MEI – Meeting of Independent Labels has been the most important event dedicated to independent, self-produced, and emerging music in our country since 1995. Born in Faenza, in the heart of the Province of Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna, the MEI brings together independent labels, bands, singer-songwriters, journalists, and industry professionals every year in what has become a foundational ritual for those who make music outside the major commercial circuits.
A thirty-year history
Conceived and coordinated by Giordano Sangiorgi, the Meeting has grown to include, over its editions, hundreds of thousands of attendees and thousands of artists who have graced its stages. Among its most celebrated moments, the MEI has hosted performances by bands that later became very famous and has always been a springboard for emerging talents. The event traditionally takes place on the first weekend of October and has made the historic center of Faenza its widespread stage.
Squares, theaters, and historic buildings
The MEI is not a festival concentrated in one place, but a showcase that invades the entire city. Free concerts are held in the main squares—especially Piazza del Popolo with the Central Stage, but also Piazza della Libertà and Piazza Martiri della Libertà—while forums, conferences, and exhibitions animate theaters and historic buildings such as the Teatro Masini, the Salone delle Bandiere, and the Galleria della Molinella.
Awards, forums, and Record Fair
The institutional heart of the MEI includes the MEI Plaques and the historic awards of the independent scene: the PIMI (Italian Award for Independent Music), conceived by journalist Federico Guglielmi, and the PIVI (Italian Independent Videoclip Award). These are joined by the Music Journalism Forum, directed by Enrico Deregibus, and the traditional Record Fair, a collector's paradise of vinyl, CDs, and rarities.
Why it's worth attending
Those who love discovering music before it becomes famous will find a unique opportunity at MEI Faenza: three or four days of free concerts, meetings with artists and labels, debates on the future of music, and the lively atmosphere of a Romagna art city. It is the place where the Italian independent scene gathers every year to take stock and look ahead.
MEI Faenza — edition 2026
For its thirtieth edition, MEI 30 e Lode! extends the program to four days, from Thursday to Sunday, confirming Faenza as the capital of Italian independent and emerging music. Free concerts, awards, forums, the Record Fair, and numerous exhibitions will animate the historic center, with Piazza del Popolo as the main hub.
Programme MEI Faenza 2026
The 30th edition of MEI takes place from October 1st to 4th, 2026 in the historic center of Faenza. The program is announced in phases: below are the first confirmed events by the organization.
Thursday, October 1st
- At Club Monte Brullo, the sixth edition of the Premio Arte Tamburini, awarded to Francesca Mazzuccato, with the resident orchestra Alluvionati del Liscio.
Friday, October 2nd
- Preview dedicated to the Gen Z of rap, with announced names Zero Paga, Vorrs, DiZe, Smellboy, and Sickandro.
Saturday, October 3rd
- The traditional Record Fair.
- At the Teatro Masini, an evening with Paolo Fresu's staff.
- White Night with DJ sets by Indie Power and Rockanastro, the Argentine live band A 2 Wiros, and entertainment between Piazza Martiri della Libertà and Piazza del Popolo.
Sunday, October 4th
- Performance by the winners of the contests «Il Mio Cantico Libero» and «Pythika».
The Music Journalism Forum, in its eleventh edition and directed by Enrico Deregibus, is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th, with the «Michele Manzotti Award» going to Federico Guglielmi. The complete program, including the MEI Plaques and other concerts, will be updated on the official website in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights MEI Faenza 2026
The thirty years of MEI with the slogan «MEI 30 e Lode!», the Premio Arte Tamburini to Francesca Mazzuccato, the preview of the new rap generation, the Record Fair, the White Night, and the eleventh edition of the Music Journalism Forum.
Prices MEI Faenza 2026
Practical information — MEI Faenza
How to get there
Faenza is located along the Via Emilia, in the Province of Ravenna. By train, Faenza station is on the Bologna–Rimini–Ancona line, a few minutes' walk from the historic center. By car, take the Faenza exit of the A14 motorway.
Admission
Access to all MEI events in the squares is completely free.
Where to stay
Faenza offers hotels and B&Bs in the historic center; during the festival season, it's advisable to book in advance. Ravenna and Forlì, a short distance away, are valid alternatives.
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Where does it take place — MEI Faenza
Centro storico di Faenza
Piazza del Popolo, 48018 Faenza