◦ GENERAL INFORMATION

◦ WHAT is the Ferrara Buskers Festival?
The Ferrara Buskers Festival is the world’s first event dedicated to street art and has taken place every year since 1988, at the end of August, in the heart of the historic centre of the city of Ferrara.

◦ WHO are the buskers?
Buskers are street performers who entertain the public. At the Festival, the performers are artists selected through a careful selection process; they carry a pass and a sign indicating their name and nationality. In front of them there is always a hat or instrument case to collect voluntary donations from the public. Please note that the hat is an essential distinguishing feature and that the admission ticket is not their hat.

◦ WHO is the Festival for?
For the curious, travellers, and lovers of art, music and the unexpected. It is suitable for families, children, young people and older audiences alike, and all locations are accessible to people with any type of disability. Dogs are also permitted; however, please note that loud sounds and large crowds may cause them discomfort.

◦ WHERE does the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 take place?
The Ferrara Buskers Festival takes place in the historic centre of the city of Ferrara from 26 to 30 August 2026.
The traditional preview in Comacchio takes place on 23 August from 9:00 pm.

◦ WHEN does the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 take place?
In Ferrara, the Festival opens with performances, talks and special shows on Wednesday 26 August from 7:00 pm until midnight.
On Sunday 30 August, performances run from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm.

From Wednesday to Saturday, the free Dopofestival (after-festival event) takes place from midnight (location to be confirmed), with free admission.

◦ WHY has the Ferrara Buskers Festival introduced an admission ticket?
Because organisational costs for public entertainment events have increased, as have hospitality costs, while sponsorship has not been sufficient for several years. We therefore ask the public to contribute concretely to the creation of the event through a ticket which, compared with other events and festivals, is symbolically priced and inclusive for different categories.

◦ Can I find out in advance where a specific artist will perform?
Yes. The programme (times and locations of each performance) is available on the website and in the printed programme. For any last-minute changes, please enquire at the Festival InfoPoint.

◦ What are the Festival hours in Comacchio?
In Comacchio, the Festival Preview takes place on Sunday 23 August from 9:00 pm to midnight. Free admission.

◦ What are the Festival VALUES?
Art and Music for All – We promote culture as a tool for wellbeing and social inclusion.
Positive Energy – Every spectator experiences the event with a smile, driven by intellectual curiosity and the discovery of artistic genres they may never have encountered before.
Social Responsibility – The Ferrara Buskers Festival is committed to creating a positive impact on the community, people and the environment, not only through active collaborations with local organisations but also through cross-cutting initiatives. This includes attention to inclusion, access for all, sustainability, collaboration with social organisations and support for culture. In short: a festival that benefits the city, not only the audience.
Volunteering and Community – Each event is made possible thanks to dozens of volunteers who believe in the project and share our vision. We provide them with real training in live event organisation, giving back tangible value.

EVENT ACCESS AND REGULATIONS

◦ How do I access the Ferrara Buskers Festival?
Access to the Ferrara Buskers Festival is permitted exclusively upon purchase of an admission ticket. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ferrarabuskers.com and on the Vivaticket, Ticketmaster and Ticketone platforms. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance in order to secure entry and fully enjoy the event.

◦ How is the event structured?
Each evening there are approximately 60 performances, in addition to exhibitions, workshops for adults and children, and free fringe activities. The Festival also features the Mercatino dell’Artigianato Artistico (Artisan Craft Market), Street Food areas, and themed Talks and Readings. The programme runs in repeating 1-hour slots for each performance point. Two artists perform at each point. The programme can be downloaded or viewed via the QR code on the map and in the printed programme.

◦ Who can access the event?
Anyone who has purchased a ticket or season pass, or who falls within the free/admitted categories. Performances are suitable for both adults and children.

◦ Where can I access the Festival?
There are designated entrances where admission tickets will be validated (please note that you may exit and re-enter with a stamp):
Corso Porta Reno
Via Canonica
Largo Castello
Via Mazzini

◦ Are there age restrictions for entry to the Festival?
There are no age restrictions. The Festival is open, inclusive and suitable for the whole family. Every area is accessible to people with disabilities. The Ferrara Buskers Festival condemns all forms of discrimination.

◦ How can I reach the Festival?
The Festival can be reached by car, train, bus, bicycle or on foot. We encourage the use of sustainable and shared transport. We are located in the very heart of the city, best explored on foot with comfortable shoes.

◦ Where can I park?
Cars are not permitted within the historic centre, but several nearby parking areas are available, including specially designated ones:
Parcheggio Centro Storico, via Darsena, 66
Parcheggio San Guglielmo, via S. Guglielmo, 1
Parcheggio Rampari San Paolo (Ex Brunelli), via Darsena, 140
Parcheggio Diamanti, via Arianuova, 25
Parcheggio Multipiano Borgoricco, Contrada di Borgoricco, 16
Parcheggio Piazza Sacrati
Extraordinary parking along the carriageways in viale Cavour

◦ Accessible parking
Yes. Reserved parking spaces are available in the areas adjacent to the entrances, specifically in the Largo Castello and Corso Porta Reno areas.

◦ I live or work in the Festival area: what should I do?
All residents will have free access and anyone working in the area may enter and exit without difficulty. Access wristbands will be issued upon request. Please kindly email biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org indicating your details. Organising an event in the historic centre requires significant teamwork and we thank everyone for their cooperation.

◦ Are there agreements with hotels and accommodation during the event days?
Yes. The Ferrara Buskers Festival has arranged agreements with numerous accommodation providers, including hotels and B&Bs, to offer participants preferential rates during the Festival period.

◦ Are there camper areas or affiliated campsites?
Currently, the designated camper parking area is Parcheggio Rampari di San Rocco, at a cost of €2.00 per day on weekdays and free on public holidays (for information: IAT Ferrara – tourist information and reception service). The street is located in the eastern area of Ferrara, along the inner city walls; the walking distance to the historic centre is approximately 20 minutes. Please note that the parking area is for parking only and is not equipped. For further information, please contact the Front Office of Ferrara Tua, which manages city parking: tel. 0532 230110 – email: parking@ferraratua.it

◦ Are there toilets inside the Festival area?
Yes. The Ferrara Buskers Festival provides gender-neutral toilet facilities and facilities dedicated to people with disabilities located in Piazza Municipale and Piazza Trento Trieste. All services of the public venues along the route are also available.

◦ Are there food & drink areas? Including vegan and gluten-free options?
Yes. Within the Ferrara Buskers Festival there are various public venues for food and drink. The event also offers a high-quality Street Food Area along the entire festival route with options suitable for different dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan alternatives. In Piazza Trento Trieste, the Oasi Buskers area is set up for aperitifs and cocktails.

◦ Which items are prohibited inside the Festival?
For safety reasons, the following items are prohibited: weapons and knives, musical instruments, parasols, drugs, work tools, smoke bombs, explosive materials, power banks over 300 g, drones, spray cans, glass, bottles and cans, plastic bottles, helmets, alcoholic beverages, tents, rigid poles, bicycles, scooters, bags and luggage over 15 litres.

By courtesy, the following are permitted: empty plastic or aluminium reusable bottles (standard size max 0.75 L) which may be filled at the free water refill points inside the Festival; hydration bladders only if empty; 0.50 L water bottles if already opened; food only in plastic or paper containers (NO GLASS); camera tripods only for accredited photographers (PRESS PASS); and selfie sticks.

The Festival is a shared celebration sustained by everyone’s work. Support the event by purchasing official Festival products.

◦ Can I bring food into the Festival?
Yes, it is possible to bring food from home; however, we also recommend exploring the Festival food area, where you will find a selection of tasty options for all preferences.

◦ Can I leave and re-enter the Festival during the evening?
Yes. You may exit and re-enter the performance area; simply ask for guidance at the entrances.

◦ How does accessibility work for people with disabilities?
Many Festival areas are accessible. We kindly ask for everyone’s cooperation in keeping pavements and passageways clear in order to guarantee access for people with reduced mobility and for pushchairs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

◦ Are pet allowed?
Yes, pets are permitted. For safety reasons, dogs must be kept on a lead and, if necessary, wear a muzzle. Please also note that certain sound levels may be uncomfortable for animals.

◦ Is there a medical assistance service?
Yes. The Festival provides a medical assistance service with qualified staff on foot and by bicycle, as well as an ambulance on site.

◦ What happens in case of bad weather?
As this is a unique and limited event with a specific experience, if weather conditions do not allow the event to take place regularly, the organisation reserves the right to cancel it. However, in the case of non-severe bad weather, the organisers will endeavour to proceed as planned. These measures are intended to protect the rights of the public while safeguarding the overall economic sustainability of the event. Any programme changes or temporary suspensions will be promptly communicated through the Festival’s official channels (website and social media). In the event of full-day cancellation, specific instructions will be provided. For further information, please write to biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org.

◦ What should I do if I lose something?
Please write to info@ferrarabuskers.com or visit our InfoPoint in Piazza Trento Trieste, where our staff will provide immediate assistance.

◦ Where can I purchase official Festival gadgets or merchandise?
At our InfoPoint or, after the event, via the website www.ferrarabuskers.com.

TICKETS AND PURCHASES

◦ When are tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 on sale?
Tickets are available online via our website and on the Ticketmaster, Vivaticket and Ticketone platforms.

◦ How can I purchase tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026?
To purchase tickets, you must be registered on Ticketmaster.it, Vivaticket or Ticketone.

◦ Is there a physical ticket office?
Yes. A ticket office will be located in Corso Porta Reno, under the Clock Tower, before the entrance gate.

◦ How many tickets can I purchase?
You may purchase a maximum of 10 tickets per account per transaction.

◦ Are tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival 2026 nominal?
No. Tickets are not nominal; therefore, no participant names are required during purchase.

◦ What types of tickets are available?
The following ticket types are available:
Full-price or reduced tickets for individual Festival days
5-day pass
OPEN (open date)

◦ What types of accreditation are available?
Professional journalists may request accreditation — subject to limited availability — exclusively via the form on the official website and must await collection instructions by email. Other requests will be reviewed and considered.

Free admission categories
Children: all those born from 1 January 2013 onwards, if accompanied by at least one adult holding a valid ticket or pass.
People with disabilities (for information contact biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org)

Reduced-price categories
Companions of people with disabilities
Young people born by 31 December 2012 up to 18 years of age
Over 65s
Affiliated partners (list to be defined)

Checks will be carried out at the entrance.

◦ How can I indicate that I am entitled to a reduced ticket as a companion of a person with disabilities?
Please proceed with the purchase and then email biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org indicating the names to be associated.

◦ Which payment methods are accepted to purchase tickets?
Tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival may be purchased using the following payment methods:
PayPal
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express)
Carta della cultura giovani (Italian Youth Culture Card)
Carta del merito (Italian Merit Card)
Carta del Docente (Italian Teacher’s Card)
18app (Italian Culture Bonus for 18-year-olds)

◦ Are card payments accepted at the stands?
Yes. Every Festival stand is equipped to accept card or debit payments.

I have purchased tickets — when will I receive them?
For this event only the eTicket (PDF) is issued. After purchase, the eTicket will be attached to the order confirmation email sent to the address used during purchase. The eTicket can also be downloaded from your account under “My Orders” or “Upcoming Events”.

◦ I have not received the ticket email — who can I contact?
If you have not received the order confirmation email with your ticket, please contact us by completing the online form.

◦ I purchased tickets but can no longer attend — can I request a refund?
Ticket refunds are not provided in the event that you are unable to attend.

◦ Is there any other useful information I should know before attending the Festival?
For all useful information, please consult the official regulations on the Ferrara Buskers Festival website.

◦ Where do I collect accreditation or complimentary tickets?
Complimentary tickets and accreditations may be collected at the Festival ticket office located in Corso Porta Reno, following the dedicated lane.

Tickets for the Ferrara Buskers Festival are non-refundable, except in the event of official cancellation by the organisers. In the case of postponement or programme changes, any refund procedures or alternative date options will be communicated promptly.

AFTERPARTY

From midnight (FREE ENTRY)
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to bring your own beverages into the Dopofestival.
In respect of the venue and the city, we kindly ask all participants not to leave cigarette butts on the ground and to use the recycling stations provided.

VIDEO AND PHOTO RECORDING AT PUBLIC EVENTS

Are there rules for taking photos or recording videos during performances?
There are no restrictions for the public on taking photos or videos during performances.
During the events, the organisation reserves the right to film and photograph the audience, either through its own staff or through third parties (press outlets, bloggers and influencers), in compliance with Italian Law 633/41, Art. 97.

The consent of the person portrayed is not required when the reproduction of the image is justified by the subject’s notoriety or public role, by judicial or police requirements, by scientific, educational or cultural purposes, or when the reproduction is connected to events, occurrences or ceremonies of public interest or held in public. However, the image may not be displayed or commercially used if such use is detrimental to the honour, reputation or dignity of the person portrayed.

Data subject rights:
Individuals to whom the personal data refer have the right at any time to obtain confirmation of the existence of such data and to know their content and origin, verify their accuracy, or request their integration, updating or rectification (Art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/2003).
Under the same article, they also have the right to request the deletion, anonymisation or blocking of data processed unlawfully, and to object in any case, on legitimate grounds, to their processing.

For any clarification regarding privacy and access, you may contact the Ferrara Buskers Festival by email at biglietti@ferrarabuskers.org or by calling +39 0532 249337.
The daily programme is available on the official website.

PRESS AREA

◦ How can I obtain press accreditation?
Reserved for journalists holding a valid press card or assignment letter. Applications must be submitted via the online form available in the “Press Area” section of the website.

◦ Is press accreditation free of charge?
Yes, for professional journalists holding a press card or assignment letter and officially accredited. Accreditations are strictly personal and non-transferable.

◦ Where and when can I collect my press pass?
At the Festival ticket office located in Corso Porta Reno. A dedicated desk is available for pass/accreditation collection.

◦ Does accreditation grant access to all areas?
The press pass allows access to Festival areas and backstage, in accordance with staff instructions.

◦ How can I receive the press kit and official photos?
The digital press kit, including press releases, photos and logos, will be sent by 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 BUSINESSES

What time do performances start and what are the Festival opening hours?
In Ferrara the Festival opens at 7:00 pm.
On Sunday 30 August, performances run from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ticketed access operations will be gradual and selective to allow customers of local businesses to complete their purchases before the shows begin.
By municipal order, only persons holding a valid ticket may remain in or access the Festival area.

AFTERPARTY is free of charge (location to be confirmed) from midnight.

What are the access times to the historic centre?
Ticketed access begins at 7:00 pm, starting from the central area of Piazza Trento Trieste and then progressively extending towards Corso della Giovecca.
Worshippers wishing to attend Mass at the Cathedral may enter freely via Via Adelardi.

What time do performances end?
Performances end at midnight, but the Festival continues with the Dopofestival until late.

How does access work for BUSINESS OWNERS, employees and collaborators?
Identification wristbands will be provided to allow entry to and exit from the Festival area.

How does it work if I am a RESIDENT in the Festival area?
Residents will receive a wristband to allow free pedestrian movement. For any specific work or assistance needs (e.g. caregivers), please contact the Secretariat.

How and when do I collect resident or business wristbands?
From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm by 22 August at our headquarters in Via Mentessi, 4.

Can I give my wristband to a friend?
NO. Wristbands are strictly personal and linked to a specific name.
They are non-transferable and must always be worn and clearly visible.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION