Villa in Fermento

Villa in Fermento: The craft beer festival of the Alto Sangro

Villa in Fermento is the summer festival of craft beers, street food, and live music that brings Villa Scontrone to life every August. Located in the municipality of Scontrone, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains, the village is nestled in the Alto Sangro area, bordering the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. For two nights, the small town fills with beer taps, food stalls, and stages for a celebration of conviviality and fun.

An event born from the village youth

The festival has been organized since 2016 by the ConGiovani Association, a local youth group, with the support of the Municipality of Scontrone. In just a few years, Villa in Fermento has become one of the most anticipated summer events in the Alto Sangro, attracting hundreds of visitors from across Abruzzo and neighboring regions like Molise and Lazio, thanks to a simple and winning formula that combines great beer, authentic cuisine, and excellent music.

Craft beers and street food

The heart of the festival is the selection of guest craft breweries, which serve their creations on tap along the village streets. Past editions have featured Abruzzo-based producers such as Birrificio Abruzzese from Castel di Sangro, Donkey Beer from Atri, and La Monna from Pizzoli. The tastings are paired with street food, featuring local gastronomic specialties ranging from traditional Abruzzo dishes to more contemporary offerings.

Live music and nocturnal atmosphere

Each evening offers a rich program of free concerts, with bands and artists ranging from singer-songwriters to reggae, punk-rock to swing, and DJ sets that close out the night. Over the years, the stage has hosted names like Setak, Meganoidi, Piotta, Gattamolesta, Shakalab, and many others, in a lineup that mixes local artists with nationally recognized groups.

Services and sustainability

• Free admission to all evenings and concerts
• Free shuttle service running hourly until late at night from neighboring towns, including Castel di Sangro and Alfedena, for safe and responsible fun
• Workshops and entertainment for children in the early afternoon
• Commitment to environmental awareness and event sustainability

Villa in Fermento is much more than just a beer festival: it is an opportunity to discover Villa Scontrone and the Alto Sangro, an authentic corner of Abruzzo made of mountains, villages, and traditions, enhanced by the enthusiasm of the young people who bring this summer event to life every year.