For three days in June, the spa town belongs to Merano To the street performers: At the ASFALTART, At the international street art festival, acrobats, clowns, fire performers, and musicians from all over the world transform alleys, squares, and promenades into one big stage. Around 200 free shows will amaze and entertain you—all amidst Merano’s Mediterranean-Alpine charm. This guide will show you how the festival unfolds and how you can combine it with a spring weekend in South Tyrol.
ASFALTART at a Glance
- What: International Street Arts Festival – Acrobatics, Clowning, Music, and Walking Acts
- Where: Merano (South Tyrol), in the Old Town, in the squares, and along the promenades
- When: in each case in the June (three days, Fri–Sun; 2026: June 12–14)
- Program: Over 30 performing groups, about 100 performers, and roughly 200 shows
- Recommended length of stay: 2–3 days
- Nearest airport: Bolzano ~30 km; Innsbruck/Verona ~1.5–2 hours each.
- Your advantage: All performances are free and take place in public spaces
- Insider tip: Be there for the opening parade on Friday evening—it will lead artists and the audience through the city together
Why is ASFALTART worth it?
It’s a feast for all the senses: at every turn, an artist is balancing, a clown is juggling, or a band is playing, while the audience stops in amazement. For one weekend, ASFALTART transforms Merano into one giant open-air stage—relaxed, family-friendly, and right in the thick of the action rather than just on the sidelines.
What makes it so appealing: The art comes to you. You don't need a ticket or a seat—just stroll from show to show through the Arbors and throughout the squares. Between performances, the spa town’s Mediterranean lifestyle beckons with palm trees, promenades, and panoramic mountain views.
For travelers, the festival is the perfect opportunity to discover Merano in early summer and combine it with excursions to South Tyrolean Connecting the surrounding area. Read on to find out exactly what happens and how to plan your visit.
How does ASFALTART work?
A packed program runs throughout the city over three days. Here are the highlights you should know about:
The Opening Parade
The event kicks off on Friday evening with the traditional Opening Parade, which leads the artists and the audience together through the streets of Merano—a colorful, boisterous parade that sets the tone for the entire weekend.
About 200 shows
Over the course of the three days, more than 30 international groups featuring around 100 artists will perform, presenting approximately 200 performances In the city: acrobatics, fire shows, street performers, puppet shows, comedy, and live music.
The Locations
Performances take place throughout the city center—in the winding alleys, in the historic squares, and along the Passer and Kurpromenade. Anywhere there’s room for an audience, there’s a stage.
Free for everyone
All performances are free and open to the public in public spaces. If you’d like, you can show your appreciation to the artists by putting a contribution in the hat—art to take home, with no admission fee.
Insider tip: Saturday has the most events, but it’s also the most crowded. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, come on Sunday morning—that’s when you’ll get the best spots right in front of the stages.
How do you get to Merano?
Merano is located in western South Tyrol and is easily accessible. By Train If you’re arriving via Bolzano, transfer there to the Vinschgerbahn or the line to Merano; the train station is near the city center. What’s the best way to get to the festival? On foot—the venues are spread throughout the compact old town.
With the Car You can reach Merano via the A22 Brenner Highway (Bolzano South exit) and the MeBo Expressway. The nearest Airports include Bolzano (~30 km) as well as Innsbruck and Verona (about 1.5–2 hours each).
Where is the best place to park in Merano?
There are several parking garages in the city center (for example, near the thermal baths or the Kurhaus). During the festival, parts of the old town are closed off and the crowds are large—if possible, travel by train or use the parking garages on the outskirts and walk.
Discover Merano – the City Centered Around the Festival
Merano combines the elegance of a spa town with Alpine charm. At its heart lies the magnificent Spa house in Art Nouveau style on the Passer Promenade. From there, the shaded Tappeiner Promenade High above the city—a stroll lined with palm trees, Mediterranean flora, and mountain views.
Must-sees include the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, an award-winning botanical garden on the outskirts of the city, as well as the modern Terme Merano right in the heart of the city. Thanks to the Arbors, the historic Arkadenstraße, you'll stroll past shops and cafés all the way to the Gothic parish church of St. Nikolaus.
Merano is also an ideal base: day trips take you to the Passeier Valley, to the farms along the Merano High Trail, or to the autumnal Merano Grape Festival. That way, a trip to the festival turns into a well-rounded weekend in South Tyrol.
Where's the best place to stay in Merano?
Merano is the place to be for ASFALTART—if you stay in the city center, you’ll be right in the thick of things and can reach all the stages on foot. These six hotels cater to a variety of needs:
Read more about theTopic
- Hotel Terme Merano – right next to the thermal spa in the city center, 5 stars · €€€€ · modern design with wellness facilities
- Hotel Meranerhof – Near the promenade, 4 stars · €€€ · Classic hotel set in English gardens
- Hotel Adria – Quiet location near the Tappeiner Promenade, 4 stars · €€€ · Well-maintained with a garden and pool
- Hotel Aurora – on the Passer Promenade across from the thermal baths · €€ · family-run, very central
- Hotel Palma – near the spa promenade · €€ · solid mid-range hotel in a prime location
- Sonnenburg Hotel – in the Obermais residential neighborhood · € · affordable, quiet, with city bus access
Want to compare the location of the hotels directly or see more options? Here is an interactive map with live availability and price comparison:
Top Accommodations in and Around Merano
Where's the best place to eat in Merano?
Merano's cuisine combines Alpine tradition with Mediterranean lightness. Try Bacon Dumplings, Schlutzkrapfen and onion-crusted roast beef, paired with a Vernatsch, and Strauben for dessert. These three restaurants represent three price ranges:
- Kallmünz Restaurant – am Sandplatz · €€€ · upscale cuisine with dining rooms and a garden
- Trattoria Henkerhaus – Under the Passeirer Tor · €€ · regional dishes in a historic building
- Forsterbräu Merano – in the arbors · € · rustic brewery restaurant serving hearty home-style cooking
Restaurant and hotel recommendations are based on current reviews and market research (as of June 2026). Prices, hours, and availability are subject to change—please check the current situation before your visit.
When is the best time to visit Merano?
ASFALTART falls under the June – An ideal time to visit Merano: mild early-summer weather, gardens in bloom, and long, balmy evenings—perfect for an open-air festival. Even spring is wonderful thanks to the mild climate, when the orchards all around are in bloom.
Also Late summer and Autumn are charming: That’s when the grape harvest, Törggelen, and the Merano Grape Festival beckon. Winter brings a quieter, cozier side to the city with the Merano Christmas celebrations and the thermal baths. For ASFALTART itself, however, June is the set time—and the best opportunity to experience the city in festive mode.
What You Should Know About ASFALTART
To make sure your festival experience stays stress-free, here are some honest tips:
- It's getting crowded. On Saturday evenings in particular, crowds gather at the popular stages—arrive early or go during off-peak hours.
- Check the program in advance. With around 200 shows, it's worth checking out the schedule so you don't miss your favorites.
- Plan for tips. The performances are free, but the artists appreciate a contribution to the hat—so be sure to bring some loose change.
- Check the weather. The festival is an open-air event; in case of rain, the schedule may be changed. It's a good idea to check the forecast.
- Important: Accommodations in the city center book up quickly for the festival weekend—it’s worth booking early.
Acrobatics, curving charm, and mountain scenery: Is ASFALTART worth it?
Yes—especially for families and anyone who loves unpretentious, vibrant art. Few festivals transform an entire city into a stage in such a playful way, and the whole thing is free and right in the heart of it all. Who might find it less appealing? Anyone looking for peace and quiet and empty streets—the weekend is bustling. But if you’re looking for good vibes, wonder, and South Tyrolean charm, this is the place for you. Combined with the Tappeiner Promenade, the Trauttmansdorff Gardens, and a trip to the surrounding countryside, the festival makes for an all-around wonderful early summer weekend in Merano.
Map: Merano, South Tyrol
Merano Grape Festival: Parade, Dates, and Program
The Merano Grape Festival will celebrate its 140th edition from October 16 to 18, 2026—with free admission and a grand parade on Sunday at 2:15 p.m.
Experiences & sights
Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the attractions, accommodations, and events listed here and is therefore not responsible for changes to the program, event cancellations, or any incorrect information. The editorial team at Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.
Please also check the websites or social media accounts of the attractions and events for updates before you travel! Our blog posts contain our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links—or even just click on them—we receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay in any way. Content and text © Italien.news & KI / Photos © Canva.com / shutterstock.com / Unsplash.com / Pixabay.com / Pexels.com / Others. Be sure to also visit our Italy Shop!
