Taranto Swing Festival

The European capital of swing in Puglia

The Taranto Swing Festival is the annual event that brings the magic of swing music, Lindy Hop dancing, and US-inspired vintage culture to the heart of the Ionian Puglia region in Taranto. For a few days, the city becomes a meeting point for dancers, musicians, and enthusiasts from all over Europe, drawn by a program that weaves together lessons, live concerts, and dance parties that last until the early hours.

The seaside headquarters

The nerve center of the event is the Mon Rêve Ecogreen Resort, an elegant property nestled in greenery and overlooking the Ionian Sea in the Talsano district. With its private beach, swimming pool, and panoramic terraces, the resort hosts daytime workshops and grand evenings featuring concerts and DJ sets. However, the festival is not confined to a single venue: some events take place at Taranto's iconic landmarks, from the Monument to the Sailor to Piazza della Vittoria, with free events open to the public.

Workshops and dance styles

The educational core of the festival consists of dance workshops led by international masters, organized into multiple levels (from improver to advanced plus) to accommodate both beginners and experienced dancers. Disciplines range from Lindy Hop to Boogie Woogie, Authentic Jazz to Charleston, Collegiate Shag to Balboa, and even Burlesque. The famous Mix & Match competition is a highlight, where dancers are paired with different partners in each round, testing their chemistry and creativity.

Live music and shows

Every evening, the festival features live concerts with international bands and singers, followed by long social dancing sessions and DJ sets. Swing, rock & roll, rhythm & blues, and rockabilly alternate on the Mon Rêve Music Arena stage, while the streets and squares of the city center host flash mobs, theatrical shows for families, and free-entry evenings. A mix of high artistic quality and a convivial atmosphere that has made the event a benchmark for the swing scene in Southern Italy.

An event for the city

Organized by the Be Swing association, the Taranto Swing Festival promotes the territory of the province of Taranto and the Ionian Puglia, combining tourism, musical culture, and the tradition of partner dancing. For enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to live an immersive experience between the sea, music, and dance; for the city, it is an international draw that adds color to the start of summer.