Faenza Rock 1986-2026: the contest turns 40 and returns to the city districts
A major milestone for Faenza Rock, the historic music contest from Romagna, which in 2026 celebrates 40 years of activity. From May 16 to June 23, the event will unfold across 7 live stages, the release of a vinyl record, and a charity concert. A total of 42 young artists and bands will compete with original and unreleased songs.
This special edition marks a return to its roots, with the event moving back into the historic city districts (Rioni) during the Palio Weeks. The 2026 edition is entirely dedicated to the “rock friar” Padre Albino Varotti, a Franciscan and composer of sacred music who taught music for free to generations of young people from Faenza.
The first live battles: double event at the Faenza Brewery
The competition heats up with the first 22 artists and bands from across Romagna, ready to perform on stage and be voted on by both the technical jury, which also includes singer-songwriter Hernandez, and the public vote.
- Friday, May 16 (9:00 PM): Bloody Watermelon, Veronica Rambelli, Willer Pain, Joy Mse, Mattia Senese, Luca Raggi, Amarti, Elena Faggi, The Smash, Wave and Tuned compete.
- Friday, May 30 (9:00 PM): Davide Amati, Seveneven, Sofia Giardina, Rain Taylor, Duedinotte, Diego Casadei, Altroego, Samu, Afterglow, La Riva and Age take the stage.
The winners of these first two rounds will have the opportunity to perform on the prestigious stage of the MEI 2026 (Meeting of Independent Labels), scheduled from October 1 to 4 in Faenza. The overall best acts will instead qualify for MEI 2027.
Special events and charity concerts
The Faenza Rock program also includes three special non-competition events:
- Thursday, June 4 (7:00 PM): Vinyl listening aperitif at Corona in Faenza (Piazza della Libertà) for the Listening Party Tour of the album Shy-Fi by Le Medie with Leo Pari, in collaboration with Lega HI FI.
- Friday, June 5: Charity concert at Villa Emaldi for the 10th anniversary of Fiori d’Acciaio featuring music by Santa Balera, Matilde Montanari, and DJ Fabrizio Cimatti.
- Wednesday, June 10: Evening at Monte Brullo with a live performance by Giulia Ricci (winner of Pavone d’Oro), opening for Bobby Solo.
The district schedule during the Palio Weeks
The summer journey through the stables of the Palio del Niballo will determine the finalists who will compete in the grand final scheduled at the Nott de Bisò on January 5, 2027. During each evening, a Faenza-based writer will be part of the jury to evaluate the quality of the song lyrics.
- June 9 (Yellow District): Whimisticalbeees, Nomedarte, Blue Visions and 4 Reasons. Jury member: writer Omar Fabbri.
- June 15 (Green District): Sara Ghinassi, Metamorfeo, Moleste Frequenze and Buoni Motivi. Jury member: writer Fabio Mongardi.
- June 16 (Black District): Granarolo Middle School (with the Electric Bass Group of Prof. Riccardo Trasselli of Ass. La Corelli and students’ songs), The Firefox and Bubba’s Brigada. Jury member: writer Gionata Zarbo.
- June 22 (Red District): Robin, Filo, The Wimb and New Drops. Jury member: writer Mirko Francesconi.
- June 23 (Durbecco Village): Four Chette, Lore’, Anna Sole Dal Monte and Purple People. Jury member: writer Mauro Gurioli together with dialect authors.
History, partners and special dedications
Founded by an idea of Giordano Sangiorgi together with singer Danilo Pittola and writer Fabio Mongardi within ARCI, the contest celebrates forty years of music. This year’s edition is supported by Materiali Musicali with the Municipality of Faenza, the Union of Municipalities, Studio 52, and Casa della Musica. The program is also included in the previews of Notte Rosa, thanks to the support of Deputy Mayor Andrea Fabbri and Tourism Councillor Simona Sangiorgi.
In addition to remembering Padre Varotti, each evening will open with a tribute to a great musician or composer from Faenza’s history, including: Giuseppe Sarti, Lamberto Caffarelli, Luigi Mozzani, Nilo Ossani, Arte Tamburini, Lina Lama, Giuliano Todeschini, and Ino Savini.
Useful information and contacts
All Faenza Rock 40 – Rockmagna Mia competition nights will begin at 9:00 PM and are completely free to attend. Finalists will receive a copy of the book “Faenza, Tieni Botta” published by Tempo al Libro.
For information and program updates:
Info line: 349 4461825
Email: segreteria@materialimusicali.it
Official website: www.meiweb.it
