All events in Bolzano/Bozen

In August 2025, the courtyard of the Rottenbuch manor house in A. Diazstraße in Bolzano will be transformed into an idyllic open-air cinema on four Thursday evenings. As darkness falls, extraordinary films will be shown in a relaxed atmosphere on August 7, 14, 21 and 28. Films for children and adults will be shown in German and Italian, some in the original language with subtitles. Admission is free and visitors can choose their seats. The screenings start at 9 pm, admission from 8 pm. Due to the high demand, we recommend arriving in good time. “Cinema in the Open Air” is a joint project of the Dr. Friedrich Teßmann State Library and the Film Club. The movie nights only take place in good weather.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

Find out more about Bolzano and its wine culture. A guided tour of the historic centre as an introduction to the wine-festival "Calici di Stelle" that starts at 18:00. In the price of 15€ are included 3 vouchers for the wine-tasting.

26th edition of Calici di Stelle - Lorenzinacht An event that no wine lover should miss. Bolzano Bozen wine producers pour their best wines. The opportunity to discover the versatility of wine!

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

Artistic Handicrafts Market organised by the Manuart Association in the Piazza della Mostra/Musterplatz. Opening and closing times vary depending on the day.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

Sayaka Shoji will perform with the Bolzano String Academy at Castel Mareccio in Bolzano at 8:30 p.m. The program features two violin masterpieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Symphony in G minor, Op. 6 No. 6 by Johann Christian Bach. Program: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Violin Concerto in D major K218 (1775) Johann Christian Bach – Symphony in G minor, Op. 6 No. 6 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major K219 "Türkisch" (1775) Sayaka Shoji is internationally acclaimed for her artistic versatility and detailed approach to repertoire, qualities that reflect her unique background, bridging European and Japanese cultures. Born in Tokyo and raised in Italy, Shoji rose to global prominence after winning the prestigious Paganini Competition in 1999 and has since collaborated with leading orchestras worldwide. The Bolzano String Academy was founded in 1987 under the artistic direction of Georg Egger. It consists primarily of South Tyrolean musicians with extensive orchestral and chamber music experience gained in major ensembles, both in Italy and abroad. An unmissable evening of exceptional music and outstanding performance.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

We are happy to invite all of the kids interested in making for a creative week in fablab full of technology, crafting and discovery! Date: Monday 18.08 Time: 9-16:00 What: We will explore the basics of three-dimensional modeling – working with clay. Aim: Children discover digital technologies in a playful way, learn to design, build and tinker – always with plenty of room for creativity. Meeting point at 8.30 main entrance of unibz/Universitätsplatz. Program starts at 9 a.m. in the BITZ unibz fablab, Rosministr. 9, BZ Participants: max 10 children Language: Italian/German/English Age: 9-11 years Food: in the canteen Speakers/supervisors: Katharina Gorbach Payment: €25 per child per day/workshop For registering your kid write us on: junioruni@unibz.it *It is possible to sign up for single workshops only.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

The orchestra, conducted by Ugo Orrigo and the only plectrum orchestra in the Euregio Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino, will offer a programme that draws on the tradition of the plectrum orchestra, including original music and transcriptions together with some new repertoire that intends to combine the mandolin as a multifaceted instrument, crossing the different musical seasons up to pieces by contemporary composers in a musical journey rich in colouring, styles and emotions.

Welcome to 14th-century South Tyrol – a time of upheaval, myths and power struggles. ‘The Knight of Rafenstain’ is a newly composed musical based on the medieval novel of the same name by Danish author and knight Charles von Rafenstain. Inspired by historical events and real personalities from the region, it tells a moving story of honour, guilt, love and loyalty. The focus is on Francisk von Rafenstain, born in 1321 at Auer Castle, whose extraordinary life between inner struggles and external challenges is both touching and thrilling. What began as a literary work of depth is now unfolding as a major stage event – powerful, emotional and visually stunning. Premiere: Saturday on 23.08.2025

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

Bolzano Slush’D ist eines der führenden italienischen Start-up-Events mit Fokus auf Unternehmertum – im Herzen der Dolomiten. Als einziges italienisches Spin-off der international renommierten Slush’D-Bewegung vernetzt es visionäre Gründerinnen und Gründer, Investorinnen, Unternehmen, Studierende und Innovationsakteure, um Fortschritt in aufstrebenden Ökosystemen wie Italien zu fördern. Die Veranstaltung findet in der Messe Bozen statt – einem wichtigen wirtschaftlichen und technologischen Knotenpunkt zwischen Italien und der DACH-Region – und bietet einen ganzen Tag voller Keynotes, Startup-Pitches, gezieltem Networking und einer lebendigen Expo-Fläche. Von EnergyTech über digitale Transformation bis hin zu AgTech und DeepTech: Bolzano Slush’D bringt 1.000 Menschen zusammen, die mit ihren Ideen die Zukunft gestalten.

The South Tyrolean capital of Bolzano, recently designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, is once again preparing to host one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural events in the summer of 2025: the Bolzano Festival Bozen. Each year, the festival brings together exceptional creative talents, as students from top international music academies collaborate with world-class soloists and conductors to present concerts of the highest artistic quality. Throughout the city, the air is filled with the energy of discovery and shared passion for classical music. Bolzano Festival Bozen is more than a series of concerts – it is a unique cultural platform that unites four key components of the city’s musical identity: the Antiqua Festival of Early Music, the Gustav Mahler Academy, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, and the two prestigious youth orchestras-in-residence, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra. Founded by Claudio Abbado, these ensembles symbolize a shared European vision and have found their summer home in Bolzano. The festival offers a rich and diverse program, where young talent and legendary musicians come together to rehearse, perform, and inspire. Among the highlights of the 2025 edition are the final rounds of the renowned Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition, a performance by Sir John Eliot Gardiner with the Mahler Academy Orchestra as they explore the authentic soundscapes of early 20th-century music, and the celebrated cellist Pablo Ferrández – often referred to as “the new Yo-Yo Ma” – performing with the European Union Youth Orchestra under the baton of Vasily Petrenko. Also appearing are violinist Sayaka Shoji with the Bolzano String Academy, and acclaimed performers Alina Ibragimova and Renaud Capuçon, who will join the EUYO and GMJO under Iván Fischer and Manfred Honeck, respectively. For a festival whose founding motto is “music and youth,” it’s only natural that children and young audiences are not just welcomed, but encouraged to attend. In 2025, the festival’s family-friendly offerings are being expanded even further. Children are often far more open to classical music than one might expect. In fact, during the so-called “open-eared” phase – typically the first ten years of life – they show remarkable receptiveness and curiosity, even toward complex or contemporary works. This makes it an ideal time to introduce them to the world of classical music in an engaging, meaningful way. On August 14 at 7:30 PM at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre, the European Union Youth Orchestra will perform with violinist Alina Ibragimova under the direction of Iván Fischer. Prior to the concert, there will be a special introduction to the evening's program, focusing on Stravinsky’s The Firebird. Audiences will explore the Russian folktale that inspired the famous ballet and, with help from the musicians, learn to recognize musical motifs that will reappear during the performance. This introduction will be presented bilingually in Italian and German. Another special opportunity will take place on September 6 at the Bolzano Municipal Theatre (time to be confirmed), when the public is invited to attend the orchestral rehearsal for the Busoni Competition’s grand final. Since the final performance, accompanied by the Haydn Orchestra, is traditionally sold out and broadcast live on Italian television and streamed worldwide, this rehearsal offers young music lovers a rare chance to experience the intensity and behind-the-scenes atmosphere of a major international event. The theatre will be abuzz with activity, as the RAI sets up its equipment and prepares for the live transmission. Broadcast professionals will be on hand to explain how a concert is brought to audiences across the globe.

An event dedicated to Santa Maddalena, the oldest and most versatile indigenous wine, taking place for the first time in the beautiful setting of Walther Square in the heart of the city, accompanied by live music on a flower-decorated stage. This extended aperitif offers tastings that allow guests to discover more about this wine, traditionally cultivated on the sun-drenched slopes north of Bolzano. The favorable exposure to sunlight, along with a small addition of Lagrein to the Schiava grape, gives the wine its fresh and stimulating character. Around twenty producers will take part in the event — all of them family-run wineries. The Magdalener Aperitif can be booked by calling +39 0471 307000.

Exploring Bolzano: a cultural journey with Speck tasting. A unique culinary experience to discover the historic center of Bolzano and South Tyrol’s Speck g.g.A., one of the region’s most renowned quality products. The Speck Safari is offered in collaboration with the South Tyrol Speck Consortium and provides a dual experience: First, a city guide takes the group through the old town of Bolzano, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the city’s history. Afterward, the participants meet with the Speck Ambassador, who introduces them to the world of South Tyrolean Speck. The ambassador explains the history, production methods, and quality guidelines of the famous Speck. The tour concludes with a tasting of South Tyrolean Speck g.g.A. and a fine glass of wine in a traditional tavern. » Departure: 3 p.m. from the information office in Piazza del Grano 11 » Duration: approx. 2 hours » Fee: 22€; children up to 6 years free, 6 to 14 years 12€ » Bilingual Italian/German » Min. 6, Max. 20 participants » Registration possible until 12:00 PM on the day of the tour

Transart is a multidisciplinary festival, which involves its audience in the exciting exploration of new contemporary frontiers, through a multiplicity of expressive languages and their innovations: from classical to electronic music, from figurative arts to performance, and from cinema to new digital technologies.

Welcome to the Altstadtfest (Old Town Festival)! Every two years the associations of Bolzano invite you to the Old Town Festival at "King Laurin". These are non-profit associations that work on a voluntary basis in the fields of sport, leisure, culture and customs. They want to use the proceeds from this festival to fill their coffers so that they can once again put on great events for young and old throughout the year. In order for this to succeed, this festival requires the commitment of around 850 volunteers!

To celebrate Museion’s 40th anniversary and Transart’s 25th edition, we unveil 24 HOURS - a celebration of art and time first announced during the Transart press conference on 9 July. From 14:00 on 13 September to 14:00 on 14 September the museum will remain open continuously, transforming every gallery, corridor and terrace into a stage for art, music and dialogue. Visit at any moment, day or night, and be part of this border crossing celebration.

The vocal ensemble AbAntiquo Visincanto accompanies the public opening of the treasures of these ancient churches in Bolzano. The architecture, frescoes, and furnishings of the churches can be admired while sacred music plays in the background, with a repertoire spanning the atmospheres of the centuries: Gregorian chant, Palestrina, Asola, Razzi, Busto, Donati, and more…

The vocal ensemble AbAntiquo Visincanto accompanies the public opening of the treasures of these ancient churches in Bolzano. The architecture, frescoes, and furnishings of the churches can be admired while sacred music plays in the background, with a repertoire spanning the atmospheres of the centuries: Gregorian chant, Palestrina, Asola, Razzi, Busto, Donati, and more…

The special exhibition "Grass and Teeth" at the Natural History Museum presents the cultural history of alpine pastoralism, the wild animals before human settlement, and the changes in the landscape caused by grazing animals and today’s shepherds. Guided tours and an easy-to-understand exhibition brochure are now available. What connects a bronze stag, a porphyry marmot, and an alpine pasture full of sheep? The special exhibition "Grass and Teeth - al pascolo - may safely graze" at the South Tyrol Natural History Museum tells the story of life on the alpine pasture through pictures and objects – from grazing and wild animals in the Alps, from old and new shepherds, to cheese and herbs, everyday knowledge, and tradition. Now the exhibition is also available in easy language: In cooperation with the OKAY Office for Easy Language of Lebenshilfe, the museum offers guided tours designed for people with learning difficulties, families, and anyone who wants clear, simple, and illustrative explanations. The guided tours last about 45 minutes, take place in German or Italian, and are suitable for children aged nine and up and adults. Participation costs five euros per person (including museum entry). Scheduled dates are September 26 and October 17, at 4:00 pm in German and 5:00 pm in Italian. Additional dates are available upon request. Registration is required by calling 0471 412975 or 0471 412064 or via the museum’s website.

Artistic Handicrafts Market organised by the Manuart Association Friday September 26th at Casagrande Square in Bolzano from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and Friday October 17th and December 5th at Casagrande Square in Bolzano from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (free entry)

Artistic Handicrafts Market organised by the Manuart Association in the Piazza Casagrande

Artistic Handicrafts Market organised by the Manuart Association in the via Santa Geltrude, Oltrisarco. From 9:00 to 22:00.

The Bolzano Concert Association is one of the oldest music organisers in Tyrol. It goes back to the Bolzano Music Society, which has been instrumental in the musical development of Bolzano since 1855. Since its foundation in 1855, its aim has been to organise an annual season of first-class classical music concerts in Bolzano almost without interruption.