Sicily Swing Fest
The international swing and dance festival in Catania
About Sicily Swing Fest
Swing comes to Catania
The Sicily Swing Fest is one of the most beloved swing dance events in Southern Italy. Every September, it transforms Catania, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily, into the Italian capital of Lindy Hop and the dances of the 1930s and 40s. Established in 2015, the festival has built an international reputation, drawing dancers, musicians, and enthusiasts from all over Europe for a long weekend of rhythm, live music, and conviviality.
The Venue: Land - La Nuova Dogana
The beating heart of the festival is Land - La Nuova Dogana, a former 19th-century customs house located on Via Cardinale Dusmet, just a stone's throw from the harbor and Catania's historic center. The spacious halls of this historic building host the dance workshops, the main dance floor, and the grand evening parties, blending the charm of industrial archaeology with the city's maritime atmosphere.
Workshops and Dance Styles
The educational program is the core of the festival, offering workshops and themed classes for every level, from beginners to advanced dancers. The styles cover the entire spectrum of the swing tradition:
- Lindy Hop, the iconic dance of the swing era
- Balboa and Slow Balboa
- Solo Jazz and Charleston
- Shag, Boogie Woogie, and Blues
- Aerials and acrobatic routine classes
The workshops are led by a world-class international faculty, with teaching couples hailing from the United States, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy.
Live Music, Parties, and Competitions
At night, the festival comes alive with dance parties featuring live bands and DJs specialized in the swing repertoire, playing until late. The event also hosts competitions in Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Solo Jazz, including Strictly and Mix & Match formats—spectacular moments that showcase the talent of competing dancers. The atmosphere remains informal and welcoming, staying true to the communal spirit of the swing scene.
An Experience of Dance and Sicily
Beyond the dance floor, Sicily Swing Fest is a perfect opportunity to discover Catania and its surroundings. The sun, the sea, and the flavors of Sicilian cuisine provide the perfect backdrop for an experience that combines a passion for dance with Mediterranean warmth, in one of the island's most fascinating Baroque cities at the foot of Mount Etna.
Sicily Swing Fest — edition 2026
Sicily Swing Fest 2026 - Tutti Frutti Edition
The eleventh edition of the Sicily Swing Fest, dubbed the "Tutti Frutti Edition," takes place from September 9 to 13, 2026, at Land - La Nuova Dogana, on the Catania harbor. The program kicks off with a rooftop pre-party on Wednesday, September 9, followed by four days of workshops, evening parties, and competitions.
International Instructors
The faculty features some of the most renowned couples on the global swing scene, including Sharon Davis & Tyedric Hill, Alessia Ghezzo & Dimitri Masotti, Lisa Clark & Fabien Vrillon, Ariadna Beltran & Simon Bressanelli, Valentina Heck & Vasu Sharma, Fancy Dougherty, Albert Ferran, Sanna Leinonen, and Adam Lamontagne.
Live Music and Parties
Evenings are animated by live bands such as Jumpin'up, The Big Five Swing Band feat. Sam Ghezzi, and the Original Sicily Jazz Band, accompanied by DJs Ale G, DJ Bunny, DJ Claudia, and DJ Mr Dip. The schedule also includes Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Solo Jazz competitions in Strictly and Mix & Match formats.
Registration
Registration is open on the official website with early bird rates for those who sign up in advance. Passes and tickets are available at www.sicilyswingfest.it.
Programme Sicily Swing Fest 2026
Wednesday, September 9 - Check-in from 8:30 PM and rooftop pre-party
Thursday, September 10 - Workshops and evening party with Jumpin'up
Friday, September 11 - Workshops, preliminary competitions, and party
Saturday, September 12 - Workshops, taster classes, and party
Sunday, September 13 - Workshops, taster classes, and final party
Styles featured: Lindy Hop, Balboa, Slow Bal, Solo Jazz, Shag, Boogie Woogie, Blues, Charleston, and Aerials.
Highlights Sicily Swing Fest 2026
- Eleventh edition "Tutti Frutti Edition"
- International instructors including Sharon Davis & Tyedric Hill
- Live bands: Jumpin'up, The Big Five Swing Band, Original Sicily Jazz Band
- Lindy Hop, Balboa, and Solo Jazz competitions
- Rooftop pre-party overlooking the Catania harbor
Prices Sicily Swing Fest 2026
Practical information — Sicily Swing Fest
Getting There
The Land - La Nuova Dogana venue is located on Via Cardinale Dusmet, along the Catania harbor, within easy reach of the Catania Centrale railway station and the historic center. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 5 km away and is connected to the city center by urban buses.
Registration and Tickets
Participation is via registration on the official website, with options for full festival passes, workshop packages, and tickets for evening parties only. Early bird rates are available for those who register in advance. Updated information and prices can be found at www.sicilyswingfest.it.
Tips
September in Catania offers lingering summer temperatures, making it ideal for combining the festival with a few days at the beach and exploring the city. We recommend booking accommodation in advance due to other concurrent city events.
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Where does it take place — Sicily Swing Fest
Land - La Nuova Dogana
Via Cardinale Dusmet, 95100 Catania