Vasto d'Autore Festival
Vasto's literary festival featuring books, talks, and leading cultural voices
About Vasto d'Autore
A literary festival in the heart of Vasto
The Vasto d'Autore Festival was founded in 2022 as a celebration of books and the written word, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Abruzzo summer. The festival takes place in Vasto, an elegant town on the Trabocchi Coast in the province of Chieti. Its primary stage is the Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos, historic 18th-century Neapolitan-style gardens overlooking the gulf, alongside the alleys and squares of the old town.
Leading voices of Italian culture
Each year, the festival brings some of the most prominent writers, journalists, philosophers, economists, and public intellectuals in Italy to Vasto. Author talks are interspersed with lectio magistralis, debates, readings, and book presentations, often featuring the active participation of local students. Each edition centers on a theme that serves as a common thread: for 2026, the chosen theme is "Inside", an invitation to look beyond the surface and delve into people's stories.
More than just talks
Alongside the evening events, the program includes a rich array of side activities that keep the festival vibrant throughout the day:
- Writing and publishing workshops, hosted at the Vasto Municipal Library
- Literary aperitifs at partner venues in the historic center
- Children's section "Figuriamoci!", a picture book festival dedicated to younger readers
- Literary awards presented during the evenings, including the Cantina Tollo Prize and the Metamer Prize for students
A project growing with the city
Organized by the Angelozzi Comunicazione ETS association under the artistic direction of Patrizia Angelozzi, the Vasto d'Autore Festival is supported by the Municipality of Vasto, the Province of Chieti, and the Abruzzo Region. While the main events are concentrated in early July, the schedule extends with special appointments at the Arena Ennio Morricone and Vasto Marina, accompanying the public throughout the summer and confirming the event as a cornerstone of the Adriatic Abruzzo cultural scene.
Vasto d'Autore — edition 2026
The 5th edition: "Inside"
The 2026 edition of the Vasto d'Autore Festival runs from July 2 to 5 in the Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos, featuring thematic evenings with free admission until capacity is reached. The theme "Inside" invites the audience to explore the stories and vulnerabilities of individuals, while the entire edition pays homage to Giangiacomo Feltrinelli on the centenary of his birth.
Guests and program
Participants include Monica Maggioni, Michela Marzano, Marco Travaglio, Walter Veltroni, Gianni Riotta, Matteo Porru, and Wanda Marasco, winner of the 2025 Campiello Prize. The evening of Saturday, July 4, is dedicated to science and popularization, featuring Michela Marzano and the Metamer Prize ceremony for students; Sunday, July 5, focuses on philosophy and storytelling. The program also includes writing workshops at the Mattioli Library and the "Figuriamoci!" children's section (ages 4-10), curated with the publisher Topipittori.
Summer events
The schedule continues at the Arena Ennio Morricone with Walter Veltroni (July 20), Marco Travaglio (July 22), and, in September, Gianni Riotta (September 6) and Monica Maggioni.
Programme Vasto d'Autore 2026
Evenings at the Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos (July 2–5)
- Thursday, July 2 — Literature Night and Cantina Tollo Prize; Monica Maggioni presents "L'avversario leale"; Wanda Marasco (2025 Campiello Prize winner)
- Saturday, July 4 — Science and popularization: Michela Marzano presents "Qualcosa che brilla" (interviewed by Carola Carulli); Metamer Prize ceremony; Matteo Porru presents "Il dolore crea l'inverno"
- Sunday, July 5 — Philosophy and storytelling: Giuseppe de Alteriis with Paola Battista ("Non dormire e sogna"); Erica Cassano ("Duramadre"); Giorgio Calcara ("Battiato svelato")
Children's section "Figuriamoci!"
July 3–5, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, for children aged 4 to 10: readings, workshops, and meetings with picture book authors, curated by Luana Ciffolilli with Topipittori.
Writing and publishing workshops
Mattioli Library, July 3 and 4, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (max 15 participants, ages 16+).
Extra events — Arena Ennio Morricone
- July 20 — Walter Veltroni, "Le emozioni che abbiamo vissuto"
- July 22 — Marco Travaglio, "Stragi del 1992"
- September 6 — Gianni Riotta with magistrate Bruno Giangiacomo, "Generose anime di eroi"
- September — Monica Maggioni, "L'avversario leale"
Highlights Vasto d'Autore 2026
Prices Vasto d'Autore 2026
Practical information — Vasto d'Autore
Getting there
Vasto can be reached by car via the A14 motorway (Vasto Nord or Vasto Sud exits). By train, the reference station is Vasto-San Salvo, connected to the historic center by a shuttle service. The nearest airport is Pescara (Abruzzo Airport), approximately 70 km away.
Venues
The main meetings are held at the Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos in the historic center of Vasto. Other events take place at the Arena Ennio Morricone, the Municipal Library, and Vasto Marina.
Admission
Evenings at the Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos are free to attend until capacity is reached. Special events at the Arena Ennio Morricone may require a ticket. Updated information is available on the official website vastodautorefestival.it.
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Where does it take place — Vasto d'Autore
Giardini di Palazzo d'Avalos
Piazza Lucio Valerio Pudente, 66054 Vasto