Musikfest der Vereinskapelle Gossensaß

The Musikfest of Colle Isarco

The Musikfest der Vereinskapelle Gossensaß is the most anticipated summer event in Colle Isarco (known as Gossensaß in German), a picturesque village in the municipality of Brennero, in the province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Organized by the Vereinskapelle Gossensaß, the local brass band, the festival draws musicians, families, and visitors every year to the Festplatz on Ibsenplatz, the square named after the playwright Henrik Ibsen, who was a distinguished guest of the village in the late 19th century.

Two days of Bavarian music

The event spans an entire weekend, following the tradition of South Tyrolean band festivals. Saturday kicks off with the Dämmerschoppen, an evening aperitif featuring a concert by a guest band, followed by entertainment from a folk music group that keeps the party going late into the night. Sunday is dedicated to the Frühschoppen, the classic morning gathering: after the food stands open, a parade in traditional costume winds through the village, culminating in a concert by the guest band.

A blend of bands from the Isarco Valley and Wipptal

The heart of the Musikfest is the rotation of guest bands on stage: ensembles from the nearby villages of the Isarco Valley, the Ridnaun Valley (Ridnaun/Mareit), and the Wipptal, as well as Musikkapellen from the Tyrolean side beyond the Brenner Pass. The repertoire ranges from traditional Austro-Bavarian marches and polkas to the beloved böhmische Blasmusik, the Bohemian brass music so popular across the Alps.

A festival for the whole family

The Musikfest is also designed for children, with creative workshops, bouncy castles on the skating rink, and the chance to try out band instruments. Of course, there is plenty of traditional South Tyrolean gastronomy, with local specialties, homemade desserts, and regional beers served under the marquee.

Colle Isarco, an alpine village of history and tradition

Nestled at nearly 1,100 meters above sea level at the crossroads of the Isarco Valley and the Fleres Valley, Colle Isarco was an ancient stopover on the Brenner route and a prosperous mining center until the last century, earning it the title of Marktgemeinde (market town) in 1908. Every year, the Musikfest renews its community spirit, blending a passion for brass band music with the warm hospitality of the mountain people.