From 4 to 6 September 2026, Sammichele di Bari will host the 18th edition of the National Festival of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The event brings together local administrations, professionals and communities to explore strategies for enhancing heritage, sustainability and economic development of small historic towns, alongside cultural events and showcases of local products.
What to expect
The Festival functions both as a forum for exchanging experiences and as a showcase for local excellence. Exhibitions, artisan markets and areas dedicated to territorial promotion and community regeneration will be active throughout the event.
Villaggio dei Borghi: exhibition stands open all three days;
MIB – Italian Market of Villages: area focused on local projects and productions;
Conferences and roundtables on mobility, tourism, innovation and land protection;
Music and performances: concerts, folk shows and evening events;
Workshops and live demonstrations featuring artisans and showcooking sessions.
Program overview
Friday 4 September – delegation welcome at 16:00; opening ceremony at 18:00 with institutional greetings; evening concert by the Metropolitan City of Bari Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday 5 September – stands open from 10:00; 11:00 conference “The 100 Most Beautiful Roads in Italy” (Chiesa della Maddalena); 11:45 session on MIB; 12:30 institutional meetings; 13:30 showcooking; 16:00 BorgoLab; 17:30 panel on community resilience; evening with performances and folk groups.
Sunday 6 September – 10:30 BorgoGrafie (authors’ conversations); 11:30 BorgoVisioni (cinema and theatres in small towns); 13:30 showcooking; conference-performance on Southern dances; 19:30 handover to the Municipality of Dozza for the 2027 edition; final evening shows.
Who should attend
The Festival is aimed at local administrators, cultural operators, businesses and the general public interested in discovering the cultural and productive assets of Italy’s small towns. Many activities are open to visitors; check local official channels for information on registrations and schedules for specific events.
Practical tips
Plan travel in advance: the town center can be busy during the Festival;
Visit the Villaggio dei Borghi to sample local products and crafts;
Check the timetable for conferences and performances to ensure you attend events of interest.
The Festival is a practical opportunity to learn how small towns can combine heritage protection with new development opportunities while keeping cultural identity alive.
Where it is
Location: Bari BA, Italia
Coordinates: 41.1171432, 16.8718715