MIC Fest – Music in the Castle (Fontanellato Edition)
The great evenings of the festival spread throughout the village of Rocca Sanvitale
About MIC Fest Fontanellato
The widespread festival born in Fontanellato
MIC Fest – Music in the Castle is one of the most established summer festivals in Emilia-Romagna and, for over twenty years, has had its original heart in Fontanellato (Province of Parma). Founded in 2003 in the village of the famous Rocca Sanvitale, the event has progressively transformed into a large, widespread festival: in 2026, for its XXIII edition, it will reach 38 municipalities spread across 8 provinces (Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Cremona, Mantua, Massa Carrara, and La Spezia) with 48 events and 68 artists, all with free admission and starting at 9:30 PM.
Fontanellato, lead municipality
Although it is a travelling festival, Fontanellato remains the symbolic starting point and the lead municipality of the project. The Fontanellato evenings are mainly held in Piazza Garibaldi, at the foot of the Rocca Sanvitale, and at the Centro Cardinal Ferrari, in a constant dialogue between great music, performance, and the historical heritage of the village. MIC Fest is conceived and directed by Enrico Grignaffini and organized by the Associazione Piccola Orchestra Italiana APS.
Music, theatre, and civil engagement
The festival's hallmark is the cross-pollination of genres: jazz and pop concerts, civil theatre, comedy monologues, literary encounters, and educational talks alternate within the same weeks. Over the years, the festival has supported organizations like Libera, Dynamo Camp, and UNICEF; for 2026, the support goes to Emergency, confirming a cultural vocation that also looks to social issues.
Why it's worth it
- Four high-level free evenings in one of the most beautiful villages in the Bassa Parmense.
- A program ranging from author jazz to international rock, from theatre to comedy.
- The backdrop of the Rocca Sanvitale and the historic center of Fontanellato.
- Free admission, outdoors, on summer evenings in Emilia-Romagna.
A festival that has managed to grow without losing its roots: in Fontanellato, culture returns to inhabit the squares, under the stars.
MIC Fest Fontanellato — edition 2026
The XXIII edition of MIC Fest – Music in the Castle offers four free outdoor events in Fontanellato (Province of Parma), as part of a widespread program of 48 events across 38 municipalities and 8 provinces. The Fontanellato evenings range from civil theatre to jazz, from international rock to comedy, always starting at 9:30 PM with free admission. In case of bad weather, the shows will move to the "Pompeo Piazza" Municipal Theatre.
Programme MIC Fest Fontanellato 2026
Monday, June 22 – Piazza Garibaldi
- 9:30 PM – Cristian Ceresoli, "La Rivolta della Gioia" (The Revolt of Joy): civil theatre against war, with the patronage of the European Parliament.
Thursday, July 2 – Piazza Garibaldi
- 9:30 PM – Stefano Bollani and Valentina Cenni, "In due sul palco" (Two on Stage): an intertwining of jazz, theatre, and poetic storytelling.
Thursday, July 23 – Centro Cardinal Ferrari
- 9:30 PM – Alan Clark (historic keyboardist of Dire Straits), "Backstory": a journey through international rock classics, from Eric Clapton to Mark Knopfler's repertoire.
Friday, September 5
- 9:30 PM – Paolo Cevoli, "Memorie di un patacca" (Memories of a Scoundrel): comedy and storytelling (venue to be confirmed).
All events have free admission. In case of bad weather: "Pompeo Piazza" Municipal Theatre.
Highlights MIC Fest Fontanellato 2026
Prices MIC Fest Fontanellato 2026
Practical information — MIC Fest Fontanellato
Where
The events in Fontanellato (PR) take place in Piazza Garibaldi, at the foot of the Rocca Sanvitale, and at the Centro Cardinal Ferrari. In case of bad weather, the shows will move to the "Pompeo Piazza" Municipal Theatre.
How to get there
By car: Exit the A1 motorway at Parma Ovest, then take the SP towards Fontanellato (about 20 minutes from the center of Parma). By train: Parma station, then bus connections to Fontanellato.
Admission and times
All shows have free admission and start at 9:30 PM. It is advisable to arrive early to find a seat. Full program and updates on the official website micfest.it and the festival's social media channels.
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Where does it take place — MIC Fest Fontanellato
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi, 43012 Fontanellato