Cultural events in South Tyrol

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.

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 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.

On october 11th the last load of grapes is brought to the Tannerhof in a tub. Once at the Tannerhof, the grapes are pressed in a historic wine press and the fresh grape must is offered to visitors for tasting.

“When Peter O’Toole’s gaze drifts across the sand dunes, when Clint Eastwood narrows his eyes to slits before drawing his Colt, when Harrison Ford maneuvers the Millennium Falcon through an asteroid field these are not just images that appear in our minds. The accompanying music also echoes in our inner ear. In our new program, we pay tribute to the great masters of film music from Bernard Herrmann to Erich Wolfgang Korngold, from Jerry Goldsmith to Vangelis, and from Ennio Morricone to John Williams. Experience the unmistakable sound of the Blasmusik Supergroup and let us take you on a journey to galaxies far away, to old and new worlds, both on this planet and beyond!” Thomas Gansch Featuring musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic, Egerländer Musikanten, Mnozil Brass, LaBrassBanda, Da Blechhauf’n, Carinthian Symphony Orchestra, and Vereinigte Bühnen Orchestra. Thomas Gansch – trumpet, flugelhorn, musical director Christoph Moschberger – trumpet, flugelhorn Franz Tröster – trumpet, flugelhorn Jörg Brohm – trumpet Christian Wieder – trumpet Christoph Haider-Kroiss – flugelhorn Sebastian Höglauer – flugelhorn Alexander Wurz – tenor horn Thomas Zsivkovits – tenor horn Dominik Stöger – tenor horn Alois Eberl – tenor horn Gerhard Füßl – trombone Philipp Fellner – trombone Bernhard Holl – trombone Matthias Schorn – clarinet Johann Hindler – clarinet Michael Gruber – clarinet Albert Wieder – tuba Stefan Huber – tuba Holger Müller – percussion Advance ticket sale: www.brassfestival.net FRI 10/10 and FRI 10/17 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM at the ticket office, Freiheitsstraße 29, Phone: +39 0473 496045 or online at: www.brassfestival.net Season pass: €50, Single ticket: €30, Youth and students with valid ID: €15 Remaining tickets available on the day of each concert from 6:00 PM at +39 0473 496045 and at the evening box office (Corso della Libertá entrance). Please collect reserved tickets at the box office no later than 30 minutes before the concert begins.

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.

As part of the “WineSounds on the South Tyrolean Wine Road”, we warmly invite you to the concert in the Von Braunbach wine cellar. Immerse yourself in the golden era of music – with Trio Chic, the charming ensemble that revives chansons and jazz classics from the 1920s and 30s. With stylish flair, musical sensitivity, and a touch of nostalgia, the trio transports its audience to a time full of glamour, dance, and emotion. Whether French chansons, German sound film hits, or American swing – Trio Chic lends each song a very special touch. The historic residence of the Teutonic Order is the perfect atmosphere for the concert. With exquisite wines and sparkling wine from Terlan wineries and the Terlan wine soup. Free entry (little parking options directly on site)

The “Cinquino Brass Quintet” invites you to the picturesque Sternbauer farmyard in Andrian to experience a special journey through the exquisite South Tyrolean brass music. In addition to the music, visitors can also look forward to the delicious wines of the Cantina Andriano Winery.

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?