Zelbio Cult
Author encounters on that other branch of Lake Como
About Zelbio Cult
Culture climbs the mountain
Zelbio is a village of a few hundred inhabitants perched at 800 meters above the eastern branch of Lake Como. Every summer, for almost twenty years, it has become the venue for Zelbio Cult, a series of author encounters conceived and curated by journalist Armando Besio, who was long in charge of the cultural pages of the Milan edition of Repubblica. The subtitle — Author encounters on that other branch of Lake Como — plays on the village's identity, far from the most tourist routes.
A programme that blends genres
The format combines book presentations, musical conversations, travelogues, theatre, and current affairs. On the stage of the small Teatro di Zelbio, in Piazza Rimembranza, writers, authors, musicians, and journalists take turns, in free admission evenings spread throughout the summer. The series has become a cultural reference point for the entire Larian area.
Zelbio and the Larian Triangle
Zelbio is located in the heart of the Larian Triangle, in the province of Como and in Lombardy. The summer festival, on weekends, complements the village's gastronomic tradition, particularly the Sagra dei Sapori e del Pizzocchero (Festival of Flavours and Pizzocchero), creating an intertwining of culture and local identity.
Zelbio Cult — edition 2026
The twentieth edition of Zelbio Cult is scheduled for the summer of 2026, following the annual pattern that has brought the festival to the Teatro di Zelbio since 2007. The detailed programme, with dates and guests for the evenings, will be announced by the curatorial team of Armando Besio on the official website and channels of the festival. The established formula is confirmed: free admission author encounters that blend literature, music, reportage, and current affairs.
Programme Zelbio Cult 2026
The detailed programme for the 2026 edition (dates and guests) will be announced by the festival curators on the zelbiocult.it website closer to the start of the festival. Based on previous editions, the programme consists of a series of summer evenings at the Teatro di Zelbio, featuring book presentations, musical conversations, travelogues, and current affairs discussions, all with free admission.
Highlights Zelbio Cult 2026
Twentieth edition of author encounters curated by Armando Besio, with free admission.
Prices Zelbio Cult 2026
Practical information — Zelbio Cult
When
In the summer, typically between July and August (in 2025 from July 12 to August 23). The 2026 calendar will be published on the official website.
Where
Teatro di Zelbio, Piazza Rimembranza 1, Zelbio (CO).
Admission
Free admission. Programme on zelbiocult.it.
How to get there
Zelbio can be reached by car from the eastern shore of Lake Como, heading up towards the Larian Triangle; the village is located at about 800 meters above sea level.
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Where does it take place — Zelbio Cult
Teatro di Zelbio
Piazza Rimembranza 1, 22020 Zelbio