World Music Festival at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

The World Music Festival at the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff

The World Music Festival, also known as Garden Nights, is one of the most evocative summer music series in South Tyrol. It takes place in the renowned Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the Maia Alta district of Merano, in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region). On select evenings between July and August, the Water Lily Pond at the foot of the castle becomes a floating stage, while the audience enjoys the concerts immersed in a natural amphitheater of exotic flora.

A South Tyrolean Summer Tradition

Running for over a decade, the festival is organized by The Showtime Agency in collaboration with the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. It has become a must-attend event for music lovers, who eagerly await the announcement of the new lineup each year. Throughout its history, the festival has hosted major international names, including Sportfreunde Stiller, John Butler, Passenger, Shaggy, the Herbert Pixner Projekt, and the Haydn Orchestra of Bolzano and Trento, spanning genres from pop and world music to singer-songwriter and Austro-German sounds.

A Stage on the Water

The formula that made the event famous remains unchanged: during the day, the pond area features bistros and lounge chairs, while at night, the lights come up for the concert. Spectators can enjoy the music while relaxing on the lawn, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the botanical gardens and the backdrop of the castle. Evenings typically begin at 9:00 PM, with gates opening earlier in the evening to allow for a stroll through the flowerbeds before the music starts.

Useful Information

• Where: Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Merano (BZ), Trentino-Alto Adige
• When: Select evenings between July and August
• Times: Gates open in the early evening, concerts start at 9:00 PM
• Genre: Pop, world music, singer-songwriter, Austro-German music
• Setting: Stage on the Water Lily Pond, outdoor lawn seating

Concerts are held outdoors and take place regardless of weather conditions; seating is not covered. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a visit to one of Italy's most famous botanical gardens with an evening of great music in the heart of South Tyrol.