St. Magdalener Kirchtag

A celebration among the vineyards above Bolzano

The St. Magdalener Kirchtag is one of the most characteristic summer festivals in Bolzano. It takes place on the St. Magdalena hill, a scenic area climbing above the South Tyrolean capital, surrounded by the very vines that produce one of the region's most famous red wines. In South Tyrolean tradition, the term Kirchtag refers to a parish fair tied to the local church; here, it honors St. Mary Magdalene, whose feast day is July 22nd. The festival is typically held on the Friday closest to this date.

Magdalener wine takes center stage

The heart of the event is the St. Magdalener wine, an honest and convivial red produced by the local wineries and farmsteads. Throughout the evening, producers offer their best vintages for tasting in a relaxed, genuine atmosphere that brings together both locals and visitors. The wine is perfectly paired with culinary delights, including burgers, grilled dishes, and other treats served at stalls managed by the organizing band.

Live music and dancing

The festival is also a celebration of music. In recent years, the stage has hosted the Flextett group with their repertoire of pop, funk, and brass sounds, followed by DJ Luky, who keeps the hill dancing until late in the evening. The setting among the vineyards, with the lights of Bolzano twinkling below, provides a unique backdrop for this popular event.

Organizers and tradition

The event is promoted by the Musikkapelle Zwölfmalgreien, the brass band from the Dodiciville (Zwölfmalgreien) district of Bolzano, which manages both the catering and the logistics. Proceeds support the band's activities, which have been deeply rooted in the social and cultural life of the district for generations. The St. Magdalener Kirchtag is much more than a food and wine festival; it is a community moment that renews the bond between Bolzano, its hills, and its wine every year.

How to get there

The St. Magdalena hill is closed to traffic during the festival and is accessible only on foot. The walk up through the vineyards is a short, pleasant stroll that is part of the overall experience. Visitors to Bolzano will find the St. Magdalena area to be one of the city's most beloved viewpoints in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region.