The Grove Festival

A festival born under the trees of Parco San Marco

The Grove Festival is the most iconic summer event in the town of Orte, in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Lazio Tuscia region. The name—«the little grove»—perfectly captures the spirit of the event: it takes place in the Parco Urbano San Marco, a green space just steps from the historic center, where for four evenings in mid-July, a stage, bar, food stalls, and outdoor seating are set up. Since 2009, the formula has remained unchanged: quality live music, local food, and an informal atmosphere that has made the event a meeting point for the entire Tiber Valley.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by the The Grove Association, which works year-round in collaboration with the Pro Loco of Orte and the patronage of the Municipality, supported by Civil Protection volunteers for site management. The same association also organizes Orte in Cantina, the other major city event dedicated to wine and the historic center's caves: a continuous effort to promote the territory that extends far beyond the four days of the festival.

The music: tributes, cover bands, and DJ sets

The musical lineup does not chase big-name headliners but focuses on tribute bands and groups from the central Italian scene capable of getting entire crowds dancing. Over the years, the stage has hosted projects dedicated to Italian rock, 90s pop-punk, dance music, and hits from the 70s and 80s, always with free admission. Alongside the concerts is «The Wood», the festival's youngest night, built around DJ sets and aperitifs, which has evolved into a highly popular independent format.

The Grove cuisine

The second pillar of the festival is gastronomy. Every evening, the «The Grove kitchen» stand offers traditional Lazio and Umbrian dishes, grilled meats, pasta, and local wines, while the opening night is traditionally reserved for a tasting dinner featuring local producers: in recent years, collaborations have included Zooagricola Fiore for cured meats and cheeses and the Birrificio Amerino for craft beers. It is a deliberate choice of short supply chains, bringing the public closer to the producers of the Tuscia and Amerino areas, just across the Umbrian border.

Orte, crossroads of the Tuscia

Orte is one of the most scenic villages in northern Lazio: perched on a tuff spur above a bend in the Tiber River, it preserves a medieval historic center, a dense network of underground caves and tunnels open to visitors, and a strategic location that has always made it a railway hub between Rome, Florence, and Perugia. This accessibility explains the festival's broad appeal, drawing visitors from across the province of Viterbo, the Rieti area, and southern Umbria.

Why attend

• Free admission to the park area for all four evenings.
• Live music every night until late, with a giant screen and bar always active.
• Cuisine featuring local products and local craft beers.
• A tree-lined park that makes even the hottest July evenings comfortable.
• The opportunity to combine the evening with a visit to the historic center and the underground Orte.

When it takes place

The Grove Festival is held every year in mid-July, typically from Wednesday to Saturday. The full program is released a few days prior on the association's channels and in the local Tuscia press; for the opening dinner and table reservations, calling ahead is recommended as seating is limited.