The zero-impact eco-festival of the Alta Murgia, held in Santeramo in Colle
The MurgiaFest - Alta Murgia Eco-festival is one of the most iconic events in Santeramo in Colle, a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari overlooking the Murgia plateau, on the border between Puglia and Basilicata. Founded in 2010 by the ARCI Stand By association, the festival has always combined two core elements: live music and environmental commitment, set within a landscape defined by vast rocky expanses, forests, and the historic farmhouses of the Alta Murgia National Park.
What sets MurgiaFest apart from a typical village fair is its deeply ecological philosophy. The organizers implement a strict waste sorting system and use biodegradable or reusable materials for all food and drink services, aiming to minimize the event's environmental footprint. It is no coincidence that the initiative is supported by the Municipality of Santeramo in Colle, the Alta Murgia National Park, and the GAL Terre di Puglia.
The program, spread over several days, weaves together diverse genres and expressions: concerts by singer-songwriters and bands, dance and theater performances, art and photography exhibitions, street performers, book crossing, and local crafts. Alongside the musical lineup, there are debates and talks on social and cultural issues, educational workshops on environmental best practices, and nature hikes to explore the woods and trails of the Alta Murgia.
A central role is played by the food and wine stalls dedicated to local specialties: bread, cheeses, legumes, and traditional Murgia peasant dishes, also highlighted through live cooking demonstrations and moments of conviviality. The festival often concludes with a community lunch and ritual gatherings around a fire, blending celebration, nature, and collective memory.
As part of the "Estate a Santeramo in Colle" summer calendar, MurgiaFest has become a staple of the cultural life of the city and the entire Murgia region. For those visiting Puglia away from the crowded coastal destinations, it offers a unique chance to discover the inland area, its music, its flavors, and a community that treats sustainability as a shared value.
The MurgiaFest - Alta Murgia Eco-festival returns to Santeramo in Colle on August 11 and 12, 2026. This edition is part of the official Estate a Santeramo in Colle 2026 program, approved by the municipal administration, and reaffirms the event's mission to unite music, culture, and environmental sustainability.
Compared to previous editions spread over three days, 2026 offers a more compact format over two days: the first evening will be held in Piazza Berlinguer, in the heart of the city, while the second day moves to a farmhouse in the Alta Murgia, following the eco-festival's tradition of bringing the public into contact with the rural Murgia landscape.
At the moment, the organizers from ARCI Stand By have not yet released the detailed program with the artist lineup, times, and activities. Consistent with the festival's history, live concerts, debates, convivial moments with local products, and zero-impact initiatives are expected. The full program will be published on the association's official channels in the weeks preceding the event.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including artists, times, and activities, has not yet been published by the organizers. It will be announced on the official ARCI Stand By channels in the weeks leading up to the event.
Two days of eco-festival between the center of Santeramo in Colle and the Alta Murgia farmhouses, dedicated to live music and sustainability.
Santeramo in Colle is located in the Alta Murgia, about 45 km from Bari. By car, take the SS 100 Bari-Taranto road, exit towards Gioia del Colle, and follow the SP road to Santeramo. The train station is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) Bari-Matera line.
The various events are held between the town center (squares and Palazzo Marchesale) and the farmhouses of the Alta Murgia in the countryside around Santeramo. Please check the locations indicated in the official program for each edition.
For nature hikes, comfortable shoes and water are recommended. The event promotes zero-impact practices: please bring your own reusable water bottles and help us reduce the use of single-use plastic.
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Piazza Berlinguer e masserie dell'Alta Murgia