Palermo is getting ready to make music in every corner of its historic centre. From Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026 Palermo Sound makes its debut, a diffuse festival that does without a main stage and brings over 60 artists and more than 30 events to the city’s clubs, bars, live music venues and little-known spaces. Participants choose their own route, moving from one venue to the next.
The announced programme
According to the programme presented at the end of July, the festival alternates concerts, DJ sets, listening sessions, sound installations and exhibitions:
- Thursday 3 September: Cuban pianist Jorge Luis Pacheco at Casa Professa.
- Friday 4 September: Chris Obehi with his full band at Palazzo Bonocore; at the Candelai the late hours belong to Munir Nadir and Paul Lution.
- Saturday 5 September: Alessio Masi at the Noviziato dei Crociferi.
- Friday and Saturday at Kalhesa: Sassy J, Massimo Napoli, CSS, Bobby, Christian AB and Camallo.
The bill also features Alessandro Presti with the project Music for Voice, Winds and Strings, Niveo and, on the jazz and live side, Gianni Gebbia, Carla Restivo, Arabella Rustico, Jerusa Barros, Giorgia Meli and Qanat Trio.
Why this event is not to be missed
Palermo Sound grows out of the digital project of the same name and Palermo Sound Radio, which in recent years have filmed performances, live shows and DJ sets in locations across the city. The festival takes that idea live: electronic music, jazz and club culture enter into dialogue with churches, historic palazzi and seafront spaces, turning the historic centre into a single sonic route. The event is under the patronage of the City of Palermo and its Department of Culture.
Practical info
- When: from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 September 2026.
- Where: Palermo’s historic centre, in more than 20 spaces across clubs, bars and historic sites.
- Hub: Giardino dei Giusti, via Alloro 90, the festival’s information point and meeting place.
- Entrance: the listening sessions in bars have free entrance; concerts and club events are ticketed, with tickets on the official channels indicated by the organizers.
- Official website: palermosound.it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a main stage?
No: Palermo Sound is a diffuse festival, with no main stage. Each event takes place in a different location in the historic centre.
Do I need a ticket for the whole festival?
It depends on the event: the listening sessions in bars are free, while concerts and club events require a ticket.
Where can I find information during the festival?
At the Giardino dei Giusti, the festival hub, and on the official website, where the updated programme is published.