On the Banks of the Ofanto – Echoes Between Shores and Tracks

A festival born on the banks of the Ofanto

"On the Banks of the Ofanto" is the festival that the Municipality of Lioni, in the province of Avellino, dedicates every summer to the river flowing through the Alta Irpinia region. Originally conceived as an urban regeneration experiment, the festival chose two iconic local landmarks—the old railway station and the Chiesetta dell'Ofanto area—and returned them to the community as a sprawling cultural space. In 2026, the festival reached its eighth edition with the subtitle "Echoes Between Shores and Tracks," which perfectly captures the event's dual soul: the river's water on one side and railway history on the other.

The initiative is promoted by the Municipality and the Pro Loco of Lioni, in collaboration with the "Insieme per Avellino e l'Irpinia" association, with the clear goal of rediscovering the bond between community, environment, and memory by showcasing the territory's symbolic sites through various languages: art, music, literature, sports, and conviviality.

Contemporary art among historic carriages

The visual heart of the event is the collective exhibition set up within the station grounds, where historic railway carriages become genuine open-air galleries. In 2026, the "Journey through Memories, Art, and Flavors" exhibition, curated by art historian Emanuela Conforti, brought together local Irpinian artists with works that engage with the landscape, the memory of the train, and the identity of Alta Irpinia. This installation extends beyond the festival weekend, remaining open for weeks to prolong the station's cultural life.

Live music between the river and the stars

In the evening, the festival moves to the Chiesetta dell'Ofanto area, where the stage hosts bands and singer-songwriters starting at sunset. The formula is well-established: an aperitif by the river with a DJ set, followed by the main concert and late-night festivities until midnight. Over the years, the lineup has featured local groups, folk-rock bands, and notable names from the Italian music scene, with a special focus on singer-songwriter repertoires and Mediterranean sounds.

Nature, trails, and wellness

The day begins very early, which is perhaps the most original aspect of the festival. Even before the stage lights turn on, the program offers trekking on the trails that climb the valley, yoga and pilates sessions on the riverbanks, outdoor breakfasts, and walks along the abandoned tracks of the old railway line. These activities are free and open to everyone, designed to introduce visitors to a stretch of Irpinia that is rarely explored on foot.

• Morning trekking on the trails around Lioni, with local guides
• Sunrise yoga and pilates on the banks of the Ofanto
• Walk along the tracks and guided tour of the collective exhibition
• Educational workshops and entertainment for children
• Sunset aperitif by the river and evening DJ sets

The flavors of Alta Irpinia

The food and wine experience accompanies the entire festival: from aperitif stands by the river to book presentations dedicated to the Mediterranean diet and food culture. Alta Irpinia is a land of great wines—the area known for its hillside white and red wines is just a few kilometers away—mountain cheeses, and simple, flavorful peasant cuisine. The festival celebrates this heritage without ceremony, around an outdoor table.

Lioni and the Ofanto Valley

Lioni is located in Alta Irpinia, about seventy kilometers from Avellino, in an inland Campania region defined by mountains, forests, and towns rebuilt after the 1980 earthquake. The Ofanto river, which rises nearby and flows toward Puglia, is the defining element of the entire valley. Reclaiming its small church and railway station as festive spaces means, for the community, reclaiming a landscape that remained on the margins for decades. This is why "On the Banks of the Ofanto" is not just another local food festival: it is a cultural project that uses summer to reignite these places.

Who is it for?

The festival is designed for a diverse audience: families with children, hikers, contemporary art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a quality concert in a natural setting. Those visiting Irpinia in July can easily combine the event with a day exploring the villages of Alta Irpinia, the artificial lakes in the area, and the wineries of the Avellino province.