What is the Ferrara Buskers Festival?
The Ferrara Buskers Festival is the world's first festival dedicated to street performance. Since 1988, it has taken place every year in late August in the heart of Ferrara's historic city centre, bringing together artists and audiences from all over the world.
Who are the buskers?
Buskers are street performers who entertain audiences through music, theatre, circus arts, dance, and many other forms of live performance.
At the Ferrara Buskers Festival, all performers are carefully selected by the Festival team. Each official artist is identified by a Festival pass and a sign displaying their name and country of origin.
You will also notice a hat or an instrument case placed in front of each performer. This is where spectators are invited to leave a voluntary donation. The "hat" is an essential part of busking culture and remains the artists' main form of direct support. Your Festival ticket does not replace this tradition.
Who is the Festival for?
The Ferrara Buskers Festival welcomes everyone: curious minds, travellers, music lovers, art enthusiasts, families, children, young people, and adults of all ages.
All Festival venues are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Dogs are welcome, although we recommend considering their comfort, as loud sounds and large crowds may cause them stress.
Where does the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 take place?
The 2026 Ferrara Buskers Festival will take place in Ferrara's historic city centre from 26 to 30 August 2026.
The traditional Festival Preview will be held in Comacchio on 23 August, starting at 9:00 PM.
Which areas of the city are included?
The Festival takes place across the historic centre, including:
Piazza Trento e Trieste
Corso Martiri della Libertà
Piazza Municipale
Piazza Savonarola
Piazza Castello
Part of Largo Castello
The Courtyard of the Estense Castle
When does the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 take place?
The Festival opens in Ferrara on Wednesday, 26 August, with performances, talks and special events from 7:00 PM until midnight.
On Sunday, 30 August, performances take place from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
From Wednesday to Saturday, the Festival continues after midnight with the After Festival, a free late-night programme held in the Courtyard of the Estense Castle.
Why has the Ferrara Buskers Festival introduced an admission ticket?
Over the years, the costs of producing a large-scale live public event have increased significantly, including artist hospitality, logistics, safety and event management, while sponsorship alone is no longer sufficient to support the Festival.
By purchasing a ticket, visitors actively contribute to making the Festival possible. Compared with similar international events, the ticket price remains affordable, with reduced rates and free admission available for several visitor categories.
Can I find out in advance where a specific artist will perform?
Yes. The full programme, including performance times and locations for every artist, is available on the Festival website and in the printed programme.
If there are any last-minute changes, the latest information will be available at the Festival Info Point.
What are the opening hours for the Festival Preview in Comacchio?
The traditional Festival Preview takes place in Comacchio on Sunday, 23 August, from 9:00 PM to midnight.
Admission is free.
What are the Festival's core values?
🎻🤹 Art and Music for Everyone
We believe culture should be accessible to all and promote it as a powerful tool for wellbeing, inclusion, and social connection.
💡 Positive Energy
The Festival encourages curiosity, discovery, and shared experiences. Every visitor is invited to explore new artistic languages and enjoy live performances in an atmosphere of openness and joy.
🌍 Social Responsibility
The Ferrara Buskers Festival is committed to creating a positive impact on people, the local community, and the environment.
Our commitment includes accessibility, inclusion, environmental sustainability, collaboration with local social organisations, and continuous support for arts and culture.
In short, we aim to create a Festival that benefits not only its audience, but the city as a whole.
🤝 Community and Volunteering
The Festival is made possible thanks to the dedication of dozens of volunteers who believe in our vision. In return, we provide meaningful training and hands-on experience in the organisation of live cultural events, helping participants develop valuable skills while contributing to the community.
Access & Event Information
How do I enter the Ferrara Buskers Festival?
Access to the Festival is available exclusively with a valid admission ticket.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Ferrara Buskers Festival website or via our authorised ticketing partners.
We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to guarantee entry and make the most of your Festival experience.
How is the Festival organised?
Every evening, visitors can enjoy around 60 live performances, together with exhibitions, workshops for adults and children, talks, themed readings, an arts and crafts market, and a dedicated Street Food area.
Most side activities are free of charge.
Performances are organised in hourly rotating slots across multiple performance areas. Two artists perform at each location, allowing visitors to experience a wide variety of shows throughout the evening.
The complete programme is available online and can also be accessed by scanning the QR code printed on the Festival map and programme.
Who can attend the Festival?
Anyone with a valid ticket, Festival pass, accreditation, or free-admission entitlement may enter the Festival.
The performances and activities are suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children.
Where are the Festival entrances?
Visitors can access the Festival through the official entrance gates, where tickets are checked.
The entrances are located at:
Corso Porta Reno
Via Canonica
Piazza Castello
Via Garibaldi
Are there parking spaces for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. Reserved parking spaces for visitors with disabilities are available near the Festival entrances, specifically in Corso Porta Reno.
I live or work within the Festival area: what should I do?
All residents will have free access to the Festival area, and workers operating within the area will be able to enter and exit without restrictions.
A dedicated wristband will be provided upon request to the organisation. Please send an email to biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org with your personal details to request access.
Organising an event in a historic city centre requires a great deal of teamwork, and we thank all residents, businesses, and workers for their cooperation and support.
Are there special offers with hotels and accommodation facilities during the Festival?
Yes. The Ferrara Buskers Festival has established partnerships with several accommodation facilities, including hotels and B&Bs, offering special conditions for visitors during the Festival period.
The list of participating facilities is available here.
Are there camper areas or affiliated campsites?
At present, the designated camper parking area is Rampari di San Rocco car park.
The cost is €2.00 per day on weekdays and free on public holidays.
For further information, please contact the Ferrara Tourist Information Office (IAT).The area is located in the eastern part of Ferrara, along the inner city walls. The historic city centre can be reached on foot in approximately 20 minutes.
Please note that this parking area is for parking only and is not equipped with camper services.
For further information, you can contact the Ferrara Tua Front Office, which manages city parking services:
Phone: 0532 230110
Email: parking@ferraratua.it
Are there toilets inside the Festival area?
Yes. The Ferrara Buskers Festival provides gender-neutral toilets and accessible toilets for visitors with disabilities located in Piazza Castello and Piazza Trento e Trieste.
Public facilities along the Festival route are also available.
Are there food & drink areas? Are vegan and gluten-free options available?
Yes. During the Ferrara Buskers Festival, visitors can find several food and drink options throughout the event area.
The Festival also features a dedicated Street Food Area in Piazza Castello, offering vegetarian and vegan options.
In Piazza Trento e Trieste, the Buskers Oasis offers aperitifs and cocktails.
Which items are not allowed inside the Festival area?
For safety reasons, the following items are not allowed:
Weapons and knives
Musical instruments
Umbrellas
Drugs
Work tools
Smoke devices
Explosive materials
Power banks over 300g
Drones
Spray cans
Glass containers
Bottles and cans
Plastic bottles
Helmets
Alcoholic beverages
Tents
Rigid poles
Bicycles
Scooters
Bags and luggage larger than 15 litres
As an exception, the following items are allowed:
Empty reusable water bottles in plastic or aluminium (maximum standard size: 0.75 litres), which can be refilled for free at the Festival water refill points
Hydration bladders, only if empty
Opened 0.50-litre water bottles
Food contained only in plastic or paper containers (NO GLASS)
Camera tripods only for accredited photographers with a PRESS PASS
Selfie sticks
The Festival is a shared celebration made possible by everyone's contribution. Support the event by purchasing official Festival products.
Can I bring food inside the Festival area?
Yes, visitors may bring food from home.
However, we also recommend exploring the Festival food areas, where you will find a wide selection of tasty options suitable for different tastes and dietary needs.
How does accessibility work for visitors with disabilities?
All Festival areas are accessible. Artists are asked to keep pavements and access routes clear to ensure easy movement for visitors with disabilities and families with strollers.
Are animals allowed inside the Festival area?
Yes, animals are welcome.
For safety reasons, dogs must be kept on a leash and, where necessary, owners should use a muzzle.
Please note that loud sounds and large crowds may cause discomfort or stress to animals, especially due to their sensitive hearing.
Is medical assistance available during the Festival?
Yes. The Festival provides a dedicated medical assistance service, with qualified staff operating both on foot and by bicycle, as well as an ambulance available on site throughout the event.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The Ferrara Buskers Festival is a unique and limited event designed to offer a special experience. If weather conditions do not allow the event to take place safely and regularly, the organisation reserves the right to cancel it.
However, in the event of moderate bad weather, the organisers will make every effort to hold the Festival as planned.
These measures are intended to protect the rights and safety of the audience while ensuring the overall sustainability of the event.
Any changes to the programme or temporary suspensions will be promptly communicated through the Festival’s official channels (website and social media).
In the event of a complete cancellation of a Festival day, specific instructions will be provided.
For further information, please contact: biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org
What should I do if I lose something?
Please write to info@ferrarabuskers.com or visit our Info Point in Piazza Trento e Trieste, where our staff will provide immediate assistance.
Where can I buy official Festival merchandise?
Official Festival gadgets and merchandise are available at our Info Point or, after the event, through the official website.
When do tickets for the Festival 2026 go on sale?
Tickets are available online through the official Festival website and on the following platforms:
Ticketmaster
Vivaticket
Dice
TicketOne
How can I purchase tickets for Festival 2026?
To purchase tickets, you need to register on one of the authorised ticketing platforms:
Vivaticket
Dice
TicketOne
Is there a physical ticket office?
Yes. A physical ticket office will be available at Corso Porta Reno, before the entrance area, and at Largo Castello.
The ticket office dedicated to collecting free admission tickets is located in Corso Porta Reno.
How many tickets can I purchase?
Each account can purchase a maximum of 10 tickets per transaction.
Are Festival 2026 tickets nominative?
No. Tickets are not nominative, therefore no participant name is required during the purchase process.
What types of tickets are available?
Available ticket options include:
Full-price or reduced-price tickets for individual Festival days
5-day Festival pass (available only until the beginning of the event)
OPEN ticket with flexible date (available only until the beginning of the event)
What types of accreditation are available?
Professional journalists can request press accreditation exclusively by completing the online form available on the official website and waiting for confirmation and collection instructions by email.
Other accreditation requests will be reviewed and considered individually.
Which categories have free admission?
Children: all children born from 1 January 2013 onwards, when accompanied by at least one adult holding a valid ticket or Festival pass.
Visitors with disabilities: free admission is available. For further information, please contact biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org.
Which categories are eligible for reduced-price admission?
Companions of people with disabilities
Under 18 (Young people born on or after 1 January 2013 and up to 18 years of age)
Over 65
Partner organizations (UNIFE students, UNIFE employees, TPER season pass holders or holders of TPER tickets valid on the event date, TPER employees, La Meccanica employees, Circi members, Gym&Tonic members, anyone arriving with the Pride Comacchio 2026 fan, and anyone wearing the Runner School – Ogni passo è musica T-shirt)
Eligibility will be verified at the entrance.
How can I report that I am entitled to a reduced-price ticket because I am accompanying a person with a disability?
To purchase tickets for companions of persons with disabilities, proceed with the purchase and then send us an email at biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org indicating the names to be linked to the tickets.
◦ What payment methods are accepted to purchase tickets for the Festival 2026?
You can purchase tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival using one of the following payment methods:
PayPal
Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
Carta della cultura giovani (Youth Culture Card)
Carta del merito (Merit Card)
Carta del Docente (Teacher's Card)
◦ Are card payments accepted at the stands?
Yes, every stand at the Festival is equipped with systems for credit card or debit card payments.
◦ I purchased my tickets, when will I receive them?
Only eTickets (PDF) are provided for this event. Once the purchase is complete, the eTicket will be available as an attachment to the order confirmation email sent to the email address used during purchase. Additionally, the eTicket can be downloaded from your account in the “My Orders” or “Upcoming Events” section.
◦ I haven't received the email with my ticket: who can I contact?
If you have not received the order confirmation email with your ticket, please contact us by filling out the online form.
◦ I purchased tickets but can no longer attend the event, is it possible to request a refund?
Ticket refunds are not provided in case of inability to attend the event.
◦ Is there any other useful information to know before attending the Festival?
For all useful information, you can consult the regulations on the official Ferrara Buskers Festival website.
◦ Where do I pick up my pass or complimentary ticket?
Complimentary tickets or passes can be collected at Ticket Office No. 1 of the Festival located in Corso Porta Reno, by following the designated lane.
Tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival are non-refundable, except in the case of official cancellation of the event by the organization. In the event of a postponement or program changes, any instructions for refunds or ticket use on an alternative date will be communicated promptly.
AFTERFESTIVAL
From Midnight (FREE ADMISSION)
For safety reasons, bringing your own drinks to the Afterfestival is not allowed.
Out of respect for the location and the city, we kindly ask all participants not to leave cigarette butts on the ground and to use the recycling stations for waste separation.
VIDEO RECORDINGS AND PHOTOS FOR PUBLIC EVENTS
◦ Are there rules for taking photos or recording videos during performances?
There are no restrictions for the public taking photos and videos during performances.
During events, the organization reserves the right to record videos and take photos of the public, either through its own staff or third parties (press outlets, bloggers, and influencers), in compliance with Italian Law 633/41, Art. 97.
Consent from the person portrayed is not required when the reproduction of the image is justified by their notoriety or public office held, by legal or police necessity, for scientific, educational, or cultural purposes, or when the reproduction is linked to facts, events, or ceremonies of public interest or held in public. However, the portrait may not be displayed or sold if doing so prejudices the honor, reputation, or dignity of the person portrayed.
Rights of the Data Subject:
Individuals to whom personal data refer have the right at any time to obtain confirmation of the existence or non-existence of such data, to know its content and origin, verify its accuracy, or request its integration, updating, or rectification (Art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/2003).
Pursuant to the same article, individuals have the right to request the erasure, anonymization, or blocking of data processed unlawfully, as well as to object in any case, for legitimate reasons, to its processing.
For any clarification regarding privacy and admission, you can contact the Ferrara Buskers Festival by email at biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org or by calling +39 0532-249337.
The daily schedule is available on the official website.
PRESS AREA
◦ How can I get press accreditation?
Reserved for journalists with a press ID or assignment letter, accreditation can be requested by filling out the online form available in the “Press Area” section of the website: https://www.ferrarabuskers.com/pages/area-stampa
◦ Is press accreditation free?
Yes, for professional journalists with a press ID or assignment letter who are officially accredited. Passes are strictly personal and non-transferable.
◦ Where and when can I pick up my press pass?
At the festival ticket office located in Corso Porta Reno at the dedicated counter for pass/accreditation pickup.
◦ Does accreditation grant me access to all areas?
The press pass allows access to festival spaces and backstage areas, subject to staff instructions.
◦ How can I receive the press kit and official photos?
The digital press kit, containing press releases, photos, and logos, will be sent via email upon request to media@ferrarabuskers.org.
◦ Who can I contact for information during the festival?
At the Info Point located in Piazza Trento Trieste.
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS OWNERS
◦ What time do performances start, and what are the Festival hours?
In Ferrara, the Festival opens at 7:00 PM.
Sunday, August 30th from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Ticket entry procedures will be progressive and selective to allow business customers to finish their purchases before the shows begin.
By municipal order, only ticket holders will be allowed to remain in or enter the Festival area.
The Afterfestival is free (inside the Estense Castle) starting from midnight.
◦ What are the access hours to the historic center?
Ticketed access begins at 7:00 PM, starting from the central area of Piazza Trento Trieste and progressing up to Corso della Giovecca.
Worshipers wishing to attend Mass at the Cathedral can easily access via Via Adelardi.
◦ What time do the performances end?
Performances end at midnight, but the Festival continues with the AfterFestival until late.
◦ How does access work for BUSINESS OWNERS, employees, and staff?
An identification wristband will be provided to enter and exit the Festival area.
◦ How does it work if I am a RESIDENT in the Festival area?
Residents will receive a wristband to move around freely on foot. For any special work-related or caregiver assistance needs, please contact the secretariat.
◦ Can I give my wristband to a friend?
NO. Wristbands are strictly personal and tied to a specific name.
Therefore, they cannot be transferred and must always be worn and clearly visible.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION