Trentino d'Autore
The literary festival at the Comano Thermal Park
About Trentino d'Autore
A literary tradition in the greenery of Comano
Trentino d'Autore is one of the longest-running literary festivals in Trentino-Alto Adige. For over thirty-five years, it has enlivened the summer in Comano Terme, in the heart of the Giudicarie Esteriori, drawing readers and enthusiasts to the evocative Comano Thermal Park. The format is that of a true open-air salon, where authors present their books and engage in informal dialogue with the public, surrounded by the regenerating greenery of the famous thermal baths.
The festival format
The main meetings are held in the Thermal Park at 5:30 PM, with free admission; in case of bad weather, they are moved to the auditorium or the halls of the thermal hotels. For years, the sessions have been hosted by journalist Alberto Faustini, a historic figure in regional journalism and a voice on Rai Radio 3, joined by journalist Fausta Slanzi. Throughout its editions, the festival has hosted leading names in Italian literature and journalism, from Dacia Maraini to David Grossman.
Authors, themes, and special evenings
The program alternates between novels, essays, travelogues, true stories, and reflections on current events, featuring writers, journalists, scientists, and figures from the worlds of sport and politics. Alongside the afternoon meetings, the festival offers special evenings in fascinating local venues: theatrical performances at the Castle of Stenico and the Museum of Lake Dwelling of Fiavè, as well as musical readings and evening events that combine words, theater, and music. There is also the Trentino d'Autore Kids section, dedicated to children and families.
Culture, nature, and wellness
The uniqueness of Trentino d'Autore lies in its connection to the landscape: the Municipality of Comano Terme is a renowned spa destination at the foot of the UNESCO-listed Brenta Dolomites, and the festival weaves the culture of books with the experience of wellness and nature. Attending means combining a walk in the park, a meeting with an author, and the relaxed atmosphere of one of Trentino's most beloved spa destinations.
Why attend
- Free admission to all author meetings in the Thermal Park
- Great names in Italian literature, journalism, and culture
- Special evenings in castles, museums, and historic sites of the Giudicarie
- Section dedicated to children and families
- A unique natural setting between thermal baths and the Brenta Dolomites
Trentino d'Autore — edition 2026
Trentino d'Autore 2026 — 36th edition
The 36th edition of Trentino d'Autore enlivens Comano Terme from July 14 to September 11, 2026, with free meetings in the Thermal Park at 5:30 PM and several special evening events. The festival is organized by La Fonte Soc. Coop. in collaboration with Garda Dolomiti Tourism Board, hosted by Alberto Faustini and Fausta Slanzi.
Main guests
The 2026 lineup brings together authors such as Giorgio Zanchini (Lockerbie), Tiziana Ferrario (Anna K.), Lilli Gruber and Jacques Charmelot (La guerra è merda), Mario Giordano (I re di denari), Michela Marzano (Qualcosa che brilla), Antonella Viola (La rivoluzione della cura), Igor Sibaldi (Vuoi) and, closing the festival on September 11, Mauro Corona with Il sentiero degli aghi di pino.
Special evenings and families
Among the off-program events, highlights include the show Galileo, oltre le stelle by the Corrado d'Elia Company at the Castle of Stenico (July 14) and Dante, Purgatorio at the Museum of Lake Dwelling of Fiavè (July 28). The Trentino d'Autore Kids section for children is also confirmed.
Programme Trentino d'Autore 2026
Special evenings: July 14, Castle of Stenico — Corrado d'Elia, «Galileo, oltre le stelle»; July 28, Museum of Lake Dwelling of Fiavè — «Dante, Purgatorio»; August 6, Dos de Benc — musical event with readings.
Meetings with authors (Thermal Park, 5:30 PM):
- July 17 — Giorgio Zanchini, «Lockerbie»
- July 24 — Tiziana Ferrario, «Anna K.»
- July 28 — Jacques Charmelot and Lilli Gruber, «La guerra è merda»
- July 30 — Mario Giordano, «I re di denari»
- July 31 — Lorenzo Martinelli, «La scomparsa della comparsa»
- August 1 — Francesco Costa and Giada Messetti, «L'America, la Cina e noi»
- August 3 — Piero Badaloni, «La RAI che ho vissuto»
- August 4 — Trentino d'Autore Kids with Annalisa Strada (ages 7+)
- August 5 — Michela Marzano, «Qualcosa che brilla»
- August 7 — Riccardo Nencini, «Mai stanca di vivere»
- August 8 — Maria Rosa Quario, «Due Vite»
- August 11 — Antonella Viola, «La rivoluzione della cura»
- August 14 — Marco Forni, «Zeitgeist»
- August 18 — Antonella Pergol, «La colpa di Carla»
- August 21 — Igor Sibaldi, «Vuoi»
- August 25 — Carlalberto Corneliani, «Questione di stoffa»
- August 28 — Giacomo Sartori, «Sillabario della Terra»
- September 4 — Luca Bonacina, «Amazzonia»
- September 11 — Mauro Corona, «Il sentiero degli aghi di pino»
Highlights Trentino d'Autore 2026
Prices Trentino d'Autore 2026
Practical information — Trentino d'Autore
How to get there
Comano Terme can be reached by car via the SS237 del Caffaro road, about 30 km from Trento and 25 km from Riva del Garda. The nearest train station is Trento, which is connected by bus lines to the Giudicarie area.
Venue and times
The main meetings are held in the Comano Thermal Park at 5:30 PM; in case of bad weather, they take place in the thermal spa auditoriums. Special evenings are held at external venues (Castle of Stenico, Museum of Lake Dwelling of Fiavè), with transfers available from Ponte Arche.
Admission
Free admission to author meetings in the Thermal Park.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Trentino d'Autore
Parco Termale di Comano