San GiovANNI '50 Festival

A Journey Back in Time to San Giovanni in Persiceto

Some events don't just offer concerts; they recreate an entire era. The San GiovANNI '50 Festival is one of them: for two late summer weekends, the Parco delle Piscine in San Giovanni in Persiceto, in the province of Bologna, transforms into a Grease-style set, populated by circle skirts, slicked-back hair, gleaming Cadillacs, and the sounds of rock'n'roll. The event, established in 2014 and organized by the cultural association Pensieri in Swing in collaboration with the Municipality of Persiceto and the local Pro Loco tourist board, is now a highly anticipated appointment for vintage enthusiasts and curious visitors of all ages.

Six Evenings of Live Music

The heart of the festival lies in its six evenings of concerts and DJ sets, spread across two weekends. Some of the best bands from the Italian and international swing, jump blues, and rock'n'roll scene take to the stage, accompanied by performances from local dance schools. Every evening, before the concerts, free lessons in boogie woogie, collegiate shag, balboa, musicality, and solo jazz are offered: anyone can learn the basic steps and then hit the dance floor.

More Than Just Music: Pin-ups, Vintage Cars, and Pool Parties

The festival's identity is all about its 1950s aesthetic. Among the most beloved events are the Pin Up Contest, featuring a parade in vintage attire and the crowning of Miss Pin Up, burlesque performances, and especially the famous Rock'n'roll Pool Party, which brings the dance floor and DJ sets directly to the poolside in the afternoon. Over the two weekends, in collaboration with the Bologna chapter of the Fiat 500 Club Italia and vintage car enthusiasts, a large exhibition of vintage cars is also held: Cadillacs, Mustangs, Camaros, Corvettes, pick-up trucks, and American muscle cars are proudly displayed.

Vintage Market and Traditional Cuisine

Completing the atmosphere are the vintage market, offering clothing, collectibles, and antiques, the food stalls serving traditional Emilian cuisine, piadine (flatbreads), and fried fish, and a funfair area for the little ones. Admission to the festival is free, making it an ideal destination for an evening out with family or friends.

The Setting: The Bolognese Plain

San Giovanni in Persiceto, located in the heart of the Bolognese plain in Emilia-Romagna, is a town also known for its historic Carnival and its 19th-century historic center. The San GiovANNI '50 Festival is part of the summer calendar of the Metropolitan City of Bologna as one of the most recognizable vintage-themed events in the region.