Mühlbacher Sommerabende (Rio di Pusteria Summer Evenings)

Rio di Pusteria Summer Evenings

The Mühlbacher Sommerabende (Rio di Pusteria Summer Evenings) are a recurring summer highlight in the municipality of Rio di Pusteria/Mühlbach, located at the entrance to the Puster Valley in the province of Bolzano (South Tyrol), in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. On select summer evenings, the town center and the church square transform into an open-air stage where live music, traditional dances, and culinary specialties create a festive atmosphere accessible to all.

A Community Event

More than just a structured festival, the Sommerabende are a community tradition: local brass bands and folk groups take turns on stage, while local associations manage the food stalls. A highlight is the performance of the Schuhplattler, the characteristic Alpine dance featuring rhythmic clapping and foot-stomping, which stands as one of the most authentic symbols of South Tyrolean culture.

Music, Dance, and Flavors of South Tyrol

The program for each evening blends genres and traditions: from marches and polkas played by village bands to popular music and live entertainment groups. On the gastronomic front, the stalls offer typical dishes from South Tyrolean and Puster Valley cuisine, accompanied by local wines and beers.

• Where: Historic center and church square of Rio di Pusteria/Mühlbach
• When: Select evenings during the summer (July–August)
• Admission: Free
• What: Live music, Schuhplattler folk groups, gastronomic specialties

Rio di Pusteria, between the Isarco and Puster Valleys

The village of Rio di Pusteria rises where the Isarco Valley meets the Puster Valley, in a mountain area known for the Gitschberg Jochtal hiking and ski resort. These summer evenings offer a chance to experience the most authentic and convivial side of village life in an Alpine setting that blends nature, tradition, and hospitality. The event is organized with the involvement of the Municipality of Rio di Pusteria and the local tourist board.