Eufonica 2026: in Bologna music really is for everyone

There's a phrase that perfectly sums up the spirit of Eufonica 2026, and it's worth starting there: "Music is in everyone". It's the perfect slogan for a spectacular and inclusive event like this. From May 15 to 17, Bologna transforms into the Italian capital of live music and the independent music industry. And the best part is that entry is free!

What is Eufonica?

Eufonica is the national music trade show, held every year at BolognaFiere, in the pavilions overlooking Piazza della Costituzione. It's not a trade fair for insiders in the traditional sense, although there are exhibitors, conferences, masterclasses and professional panels, but above all it offers a huge amount for anyone who simply loves music and wants to dive into an out-of-the-ordinary weekend. Bologna, not coincidentally, is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Music, and that says it all.

This year the numbers are impressive: 21,000 square metres of exhibition space, over 300 exhibitors and more than 300 events planned across three days. The previous edition attracted over 13,000 visitors, and 2026 is aiming to do even better, also thanks to an international exhibitor presence that has now reached 47%.

This year's highlights

If you're passionate about drums and percussion, Eufonica 2026 has a surprise made just for you: the Drum Show makes its debut, a brand new international exhibition area entirely dedicated to this world. The main highlight is the Dom Famularo Memorial Day, with exclusive masterclasses, a competition and a closing show that promises plenty of spectacle for enthusiasts.

There's also plenty of space for vinyl, with the Vinyl Experience, a journey celebrating the historical and artistic value of the vinyl record through collecting, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend among young people. The most anticipated novelty in this area is the presence of the Vinyl Market Berlin, an international format that blends musical research with the thrill of finding something truly unique. And on Sunday 17 May, the Vinyl Market Berlin brings everything to a close with the Memento 20 Years Block Party, an open-air DJ set running all the way to 11pm. In short, it ends in style. There are also two new international lutherie competitions, for bowed and plucked string instruments, designed to shine a spotlight on young craftspeople and the excellence of Italian craftsmanship in the sector.

Guitar Week, MEI and much more

Eufonica doesn't perform alone. Running alongside it is the Guitar Show, one of the most important European events dedicated to the guitar, with live stages, instruments to try out and international artists. The G.B. Martini Conservatory of Bologna has confirmed its Guitar Week, with classical and jazz guitar concerts performed by students, both inside BolognaFiere and in historic city venues such as Palazzo Poggi and Sala Fugazza.

Also returning is the partnership with the MEI, Meeting of Independent Labels, which brings the entire Italian independent music scene to Bologna: emerging artists, labels, producers and creators. The ESTA International Conference of the European String Teachers Association, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will be the highlight moment for the world of string instrument education.

Off events around the city

Eufonica doesn't stop at BolognaFiere. Thanks to the Eufonica OFF programme, the whole of Bologna becomes one big stage. On 15 May, the world premiere of Olympia by Nicola Campogrande takes place at the Teatro Comunale Nouveau. At the Museo San Colombano, concerts are held using the experimental technologies of the ERC NEMUS project. Fonoprint Studios in Via Bocca di Lupo open their doors for guided tours and talks on the world of Lucio Dalla. And there's more: jazz concerts at the Camera Jazz & Music Club, open-air concert lectures at the Goethe Zentrum, and shows at the Teatro del Baraccano. Bologna never stops when it comes to music.

How to take part

Entry is free, but registration is required on the official website www.eufonica.it. The fair is open all three days from 10:00 to 19:00, with evening events around the city for younger audiences. If you're in Bologna that weekend, or thinking of making a trip there specially, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better.