Cultural events in South Tyrol

For the 13th time, LANA MEETS JAZZ will take place in the form of a one-week festival in 2022. As usual, in the spirit of South Tyrol's musical youth, it is characterized by the joint performances of large and small artists and is probably unique in South Tyrol in its kind. The festival is organized by the association Sweet Alps under the artistic direction of Helga Plankensteiner and Michael Lösch.

From game to game: Galloping into the Middle Ages is every spring the returning motto in the Dolomites region Seiser Alm. After the start at the Trostburg Castel in Waidbruck/Ponte Gardena the tournament goes on with four stages: at the Kofel/Mount Calvary in Kastelruth takes place the traditional ring jousting. The second game, the labyrinth, is on program at the Matzlbödele in Seis.The third of four stages takes place at the Völser Weiher lake with its gallop. The tournament concludes with the game at Prösels Castle, the ride through posts. Program on Friday, June 13 From 17:30 Beginning of the village festival in Völs am Schlern Program on Saturday, June 14 From 14:30 Big opening parade in the village center of Völs am Schlern From 15:30 Opening ceremony and start of the festival followed by concerts of different bands and live music Program on Sunday, June 25 7:00 am - Start of the "40th Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride" at the medieval Trostburg in Waidbruck 9:30 am - 1st tournament game: "Ringstechen" at the Kofel in Kastelruth 11:00 a.m. - 2nd tournament game: "Labyrinth" at Matzlbödele in Siusi allo Sciliar 12:40 p.m. - 3rd tournament game: "Obstacle gallop" at the Völser Weiher in Völs am Schlern 2:20 p.m. - 4th tournament game: "Tor-Ritt" Heinz "Bummi" Tschugguel at Prösels Castle, followed by the award ceremony and closing party. Entrance Price: 15,00€

The family seat of the Counts of Meran in Tyrol is still owned and occupied by the same family today. Historically entwined in the history and fortunes of South Tyrol, Schenna Castle is one of the finest of its many forts and castles. Information and reservation: www.schloss-schenna.com Further dates: Tuesday to Friday: at 11.30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Soirées at Tyrol Castle are held every year in June and July, on five Thursdays. Now for the 35th year, top international ensembles give impressive concerts in the Great Hall of Tyrol Castle, presenting music from different countries and cultures. During the interval you will be able to taste some culinary specialities, prepared according to original medieval recipes. After the concert you can look forward to the next highlight: The walk back to the centre of the village will be illuminated by more than a hundred torches. PROGRAMME 19 June 2025 Ensemble GITANES BLONDES & MISCHA LEONTCHIK Klezmer, Balkan-Folk & Jazz forever 26 June 2025 Ensemble DREAMERS' CIRCUS Blue White Gold & The Lost Swans. Nordic Folk from Denmark, Sweden and Iceland 03 July 2025 Ensemble BREINSCHMID, SCHMID & DONCHEV Classical Impro: jazz & groove 10 July 2025 Ensemble LYYRA Golden Hour: classic, pop, jazz & traditional songs 17 July 2025 Ensemble BOZEN BRASS Jubilæum: chanson, musical, country, alpine folk, pop, barock & rock Online booking at ticket.dorf-tirol.it, advance ticket sales at the tourist office. Purchased tickets are non-refundable.

The Südtirol Classic Schenna is a must for connoisseurs who drive a vintage car. The Südtirol Classic Rally takes place from July 6th to July 13th, 2025. This sympathy rally will enchant those who appreciate breathtaking panoramic views, gracious support services, and fine cuisine. However, it’s not only the participants who enjoy this international event. Every morning and evening, the village centre turns into a backdrop for all kinds of brilliant chromes and beautiful classic vehicles. Of course, our holiday guests are right in the middle of it!

Karthaus 700 - Unteroberwasser A central element of the anniversary year will be the biennial exhibition as part of the ‘Art in the Charterhouse’ programme. Curated by Simone Mair and Lisa Mazza, BAU Institute for Contemporary Art and Ecology. Further information will follow at a later date.

After the success of the last years, San Candido is also this year partner of the 34th International Festival of street art "OLALA". Groups of different countries will delight the audience with their extraordinary, funny and colorful performances. We offer you a colorful and diversified Program with artistry, acrobatics, comedy and street music.

Together with the Ladin language and craftsmanship, the local folk costume is at the very heart of Val Gardena culture. Its lavish decorations make it one of the most beautiful costumes in the Alps. The costume is particularly important as it identifies the social status of the person wearing it. The traditional costume parade starts at the community square of St. Christina and leads to the Center Iman. Where afterwards the Gardena traditional costume will be explained.

The Sarner people – unique in character and language “Aa söü!” (ach so! - meaning “oh, really?”) is the Sarner way of expressing interest or wonder, and with this they usually evoke bewilderment and curiosity among outsiders. For a typical Sarner is inimitable. They are well-known throughout South Tyrol for their sharp wit, and their instinctive astuteness is celebrated in countless ‘Sarner jokes’. They love their valley and its cultural treasure trove. The Sarner dialect has survived in its original, distinctive form with melodious, sonorous endings, usually finishing with an ‘a’ or ‘aar’. The dialect is a much satirised characteristic beyond the valley’s borders and appears to others at the same time coarse and sublime. In addition, the vowel sounds and words vary considerably from place to place. Church-goers on the village squares of Sarnthein, Pens and Durnholz meet together after Sunday Mass and ‘hoangartn’, or ‘chat’. One of the best occasions to become familiar with the Sarner dialect is at South Tyrol’s best known and largest annual fair, the ‘Sarner Kirchtag’ which takes place each year on the first weekend in September.

Since 1994, UNIKA has served as a premier platform for sculpture, painting, and photography by local and regional artists. Each year, UNIKA artists present their works at a variety of events, fairs, and exhibitions – most notably the acclaimed UNIKA Art Fair and the biennial Idea Unika – Art in the Centre. The UNIKA Art Fair proudly looks back on 31 successful years. During this time, over a hundred artists have showcased their work to a discerning and art-loving audience. A particular highlight was the anniversary edition in 2019, which featured internationally renowned artists such as Aron Demetz, Peter Demetz, Bruno Walpoth, Gregor Prugger, and Wilhelm Senoner. From September 11 to 14, 2025, the 31st edition of the UNIKA Art Fair will take place in the tennis hall of Ortisei-Runggaditsch. Sculptors, painters, photographers, and woodturners will present more than 200 unique and diverse artworks. The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The fair will be officially opened with a vernissage on September 10, 2025, while Unika’s Long Night will take place on September 13 – an inspiring evening celebrating art, atmosphere, and human connection.

Traditional farmer and handscraft market in the town center! As one of the oldest market villages of South Tyrol, San Candido will follow the tradition of the farmer's market with a demanding and innovative program. The project is called "Heugabel" and describes the farmer market and the farmer life.

On Saturday, 13 September: On this day, about 1000 sheep return from the mountain meadows to the valley. The successful return of the animals is celebrated by farmers and guests. Tasty, typical dishes such as "Schöpsernes" are served. Sunday, 14 September: The goats return from the mountain pastures to the valley on this day and their arrival is celebrated with delicacies such as "Kitzbratl" as well as lots of good humour at the festival site.

For centuries, each June shepherds have been driving their sheep from the Schnalstal Valley across the still snow-mantled saddles to graze in the pasturelands belonging to the farmers in Venter Valley in Austria. They return in mid September. About 1,500 sheep leave from the “Rofenberg-Alm“ in the early morning, reaching Hochjoch near the Bella Vista lodge (2845m) at about 11:30 a. m. The sheep arrive in Maso Corto between 3:00 p. m. The Bella Vista hut (2845 m) can be reached in about 1 hour on foot from the top station of the Roter Kofel chairlift (2543 m), follow the signs and trail number 3.

33 artists from Val Gardena will exhibit in different stores of Ortisei their piece of art from September 20 to November 2, 2025. The respective works will be on display in the shop windows or in the stores. A jury of experts will award prizes for the best design. In addition, a public prize will also be awarded for the most beautiful installation and all customers of the participating stores may participate in a raffle with great value vouchers. The prizes are kindly sponsored by Raiffeisen Gherdëina. "Shop & Art Urtijëi" should be seen above all as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and networking between these two traditional economy branches. Through this project, the aim is to make Ortisei better known as an open-air shopping center and as an artists' village.

Blasmusik Supergroup by Thomas Gansch Restkarten am Tag des jeweiligen Konzertes ab 18:00 unter 0473 496045 und an der Abendkasse, Eingang Freiheitsstraße.

Experience the Mystical Romanesque at St. James Church in Grissian – with Free Guided Tours No registration required. Every visitor will receive a small welcome gift: a South Tyrolean apple. Children can test their knowledge with fun quiz questions and win a small prize. The church is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours on Saturday, October 11: In German: 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM In Italian: 12:00 PM Guided tours on Sunday, October 12: In Italian: 1:00 PM In German: 3:30 PM Children’s tour (in German and Italian): 2:30 PM The church is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

A rich supporting program: performances by folk and musical groups, all accompanied by typical local gastronomy.

The multi-coloured autumn leaves and trees invites you with sweet ripe apples, beckon visitors to visit the Natz-Schabs High Apple Plateau. For a week in autumn, everything revolves around the apple, giving rise to a series of events. The Apple Festival is held on the second Sunday in October and is the climax of the autumn celebrations in Natz. The highlight is a big parade and the awarding of the Apple Queen title.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of one of the most important cultural events in the Ladin valleys – the Leonardiritt in Badia, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. You can look forward to a special experience with the traditional horse parade, where participants in traditional costumes from all the Ladin valleys and across South Tyrol will take part. Of course, various musical bands will also be there. The Oswald von Wolkenstein Ritt Show will offer you unforgettable moments with riders, impressive equestrian skills, and legends from the past. Performances by Ladin musical groups will make the experience even more authentic and captivating. The Leonardiritt is a tribute to the history, identity, and timeless beauty of the Ladin valleys. Join us in celebrating the 25th edition of the Leonardiritt, an event that is sure to stay in your heart. The event will take place in all weather conditions. During the event photos or video footage may be taken for the purpose of documentation and promotion of the event and the region. The footage may be used and published on websites, on social networks and on media in compliance with the data protection regulations.

Oops – The Light and Music Show That Enchants When a little dreamer loses their balloon, a magical journey begins—through light, music, and boundless imagination. Oops is an immersive spectacle that transforms the façade of the Hofburg Brixen into a living canvas, brought to life by 10 powerful projectors. Accompanied by an original soundtrack from electronic music legend Giorgio Moroder, this visual journey invites audiences into fantastical worlds full of wonder and delight. A show that amazes all ages—and supports a good cause: for every ticket sold, a donation of €1 goes to UNICEF. Follow your balloon. And prepare to be enchanted.

The Tyrolean Advent in the Castle will be taking place in the historic ambience of Tyrol Castle. Tyrol Castle provides an atmospheric backdrop for a genuine South Tyrolean Christmas experience. Local exhibitors will present traditional handicrafts such as felting, pottery, turning, spinning, braiding, dyeing and the production of ceramics or jewelry in the castle's rooms. There will be a well-balanced program of events for visitors every day during Advent in the Castle: whilst crackling fires make for a cozy atmosphere, food stands will offer traditional dishes, baked goods and drinks. The Christmas market will also be attended by choirs and music groups, and there will also be all kinds of entertainment for children.

The charming historic center of Kastelruth will once again provide the festive backdrop for the traditional Christmas market this year. Lovingly decorated stalls offer a wide range of gift ideas: handcrafted items, nativity figurines, South Tyrolean specialties, aromatic herbs, candles, and much more invite visitors to stroll and browse in a cozy atmosphere. With a warming mulled wine, fragrant Christmas cookies, or the popular homemade "Kastelruther Krapfen," guests can enjoy the sounds of Christmas music, escape the hustle and bustle of the season, and take in some peaceful, reflective moments. The musical program features alpine horn players, brass ensembles, choirs, and singing groups from the region. Highlights: On Saturday, December 13, the traditional Krampus Run will take place starting at 5:00 PM. On Friday, December 19, 2025, the Kastelruther Spatzen will give their traditional Christmas concert in the tennis hall in Telfen/Kastelruth. Before the concert, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, there will be an autograph session with the band at the Christmas market – accompanied by musical performances from the Alhorn players Seiser Alm and the Kastelruther „Turmbläser“. More information to follow.

Local and international artists transform fountains and cultural-historical treasures into an open-air gallery with their creative ideas. Reflections on ecological, economic and social aspects related to water and light are the basis of the artistic works. Under the motto "Water is life - light is art", an art trail is being created in Brixen's old town. The Brixen Water Light Festival takes place every two years in May. The idea for the festival was born in 2015 after the premiere of the light and music show at the Hofburg in Brixen. The first edition of the festival was held in May 2017. Art, light and water and a head full of dreams and thoughts. Being free and letting oneself fall, floating on the surface of the water, submerging, and carrying the light within. Being critical and playful, a rollercoaster of emotions. Screaming, standing still, having fun, seeing the world. And figure it out?