The Valley of Soul
Soul concerts on the move and free in the Bolognese Apennines, with a stop at the Rocchetta Mattei in Grizzana Morandi
About The Valley of Soul
Soul that walks through the Apennines
The Valley of Soul is the travelling project that accompanies the renowned Porretta Soul Festival, considered Europe's most beloved soul festival. While the heart of the festival beats in Porretta Terme (Alto Reno Terme), the same international stars of soul and rhythm & blues go on tour in the villages of the Bolognese Apennines for a series of completely free evening concerts. It's a way to connect music with the territory, bringing the groove of Memphis and Mississippi to the Emilia-Romagna mountains every evening.
The Grizzana Morandi Stop
Among the venues for the event, the Municipality of Grizzana Morandi, in the Province of Bologna, stands out, chosen for its highly charming locations. The concert is usually held at the Rocchetta Mattei, the extraordinary eclectic castle commissioned in the 19th century by Count Cesare Mattei, an intertwining of Moorish, medieval, and Art Nouveau styles that is today one of the most visited monuments in the Apennines. In some editions, the stage moves to the park of Villa Mingarelli, another green setting in the Grizzana area. Listening to soul voices at sunset, with these architectures behind you, is a unique experience that combines heritage and live music like few others in the region.
A Festival with a Great History
The Valley of Soul was born as an offshoot of the Porretta Soul Festival, founded in 1988 by the cultural association Sweet Soul Music and directed by Graziano Uliani. In almost forty years of activity, Porretta has become a global reference point for fans of the genre, hosting legends of Stax and American soul music. The travelling event extends this spirit to neighbouring towns, offering quality concerts even to those who cannot reach the main stage in Rufus Thomas Park.
What to Expect
- Free concerts with free admission, usually in the evening.
- International soul, blues, and R&B artists, the same ones who perform at the Porretta Soul Festival.
- Exceptional locations: the Rocchetta Mattei and the park of Villa Mingarelli in Grizzana Morandi.
- An intimate and familiar atmosphere, very different from large music gatherings.
For those visiting the Bolognese Apennines in late July, The Valley of Soul is the perfect opportunity to discover villages and historic residences in Emilia-Romagna accompanied by the warmest soundtrack imaginable.
The Valley of Soul — edition 2026
The Valley of Soul 2026
From July 22 to 31, 2026, the travelling event returns to bring soul music to the villages of the Bolognese Apennines. The concerts, free and open to all, are held every evening in different locations: among the announced venues are Alto Reno Terme (Porretta), Vergato, Camugnano, Fanano, and the Municipality of Grizzana Morandi, where the stop usually takes place at the Rocchetta Mattei and in the park of Villa Mingarelli.
The Valley of Soul is the territorial offshoot of the Porretta Soul Festival, which in 2026 celebrates its 38th edition with four evenings at the Rufus Thomas Park in Porretta from July 23 to 26 (main lineup with Eric Gales, Lenny Williams, Curtis Salgado, and The Jewels). The artistic direction is by Graziano Uliani.
Programme The Valley of Soul 2026
Dates and Venues
The Valley of Soul 2026 runs from July 22 to 31 with free, travelling evening concerts in the Bolognese Apennines. The announced venues for 2026 are Alto Reno Terme (Porretta Terme), Vergato, Camugnano, Fanano, and Grizzana Morandi.
The Grizzana Morandi Stop
In Grizzana Morandi, concerts are traditionally held at the Rocchetta Mattei and in the park of Villa Mingarelli. The exact date and times for the Grizzana evening, along with the featured artists, will be communicated by the organizers closer to the event: the detailed program for the stop has not yet been published.
The Main Festival in Porretta (July 23-26)
- July 23-26 — four evenings at the Rufus Thomas Park in Porretta Terme.
- Among the announced artists for the 38th edition: Eric Gales, Lenny Williams, Curtis Salgado, and The Jewels, accompanied by the Memphis Music Hall of Fame band.
- Free concerts also at the Rufus Thomas Café Stage in Piazza della Libertà.
For confirmation of the Grizzana Morandi stop date, please refer to the official website of the Porretta Soul Festival.
Highlights The Valley of Soul 2026
Prices The Valley of Soul 2026
Practical information — The Valley of Soul
Where
Municipality of Grizzana Morandi (BO), Emilia-Romagna. The usual venues for the stop are the Rocchetta Mattei and the park of Villa Mingarelli.
How to get there
By car from the A1 (Sasso Marconi exit) or along the SS64 Porrettana which goes up the Reno valley; by train along the Bologna–Pistoia line, with stops in Alto Reno. Grizzana Morandi is easily reached from Porretta Terme and Vergato.
Admission and times
The Valley of Soul concerts are free and open to the public, generally in the evening. Precise dates and times for the Grizzana Morandi stop are published by the organizers closer to the event.
Tips
Arrive early to visit the Rocchetta Mattei (visits by reservation) and enjoy the Apennine panorama before the concert.
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Where does it take place — The Valley of Soul
Rocchetta Mattei e Parco di Villa Mingarelli