June 18-20, 2026 · Rovigo, Italy · Free admission

Drum Galà

The Italian Drum and Percussion Festival returns to the heart of Rovigo to celebrate groove, live energy and the memory of Beppe Lupo. One historic square, one authentic story, one international line-up.

Discover the line-up The Memorial story

Memorial Beppe Lupo

A story born in the heart of Rovigo

Drum Galà was born in 2015 as a national festival dedicated to drums and percussion and as a tribute to Giuseppe “Beppe” Lupo, a drummer from Rovigo deeply connected to the local music scene. Since then, the festival has brought outstanding performers to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II while keeping Beppe’s dream alive: sharing high-quality music with his city.

More than a show: a shared story made of memory, talent, education, audience, tourism and international culture.

Line-up 2026

The stage goes international

A line-up that brings together rock, metal, progressive, fusion, extreme technique and unforgettable live performance.

Special Live Guest

Christoph Schneider

Power, precision and a legendary rock identity at the centre of the 2026 edition.

Leprous

Baard Kolstad

Progressive energy, timing and theatrical intensity from one of today’s most distinctive drummers.

Donati · Braguinha · Nieri

Virgil Donati Band

Advanced musical language, world-class technique and a powerful band experience.

Drumzilla

Riccardo Merlini

International education, showmanship and extreme speed.

Better Strangers

Nic Collins

Rock heritage, international stages and a new generation of drumming.

Nightwish

Kai Hahto

Nordic power, metal precision and huge live experience.

International groove

Alex Cohen

Modern groove, musical versatility and international experience from one of the most respected contemporary drummers.

Furian · Malaman · Bonacasa

Timelin3

Three Italian masters of groove, interplay and instrumental excellence.

Italian Pop Legend

Paolo Valli

Elegant groove, huge live experience and one of the most recognizable drumming identities in the Italian pop scene.

Drum Educator

Bruno Farinelli

Italian drummer and educator appreciated for his musical sensitivity, refined groove and modern drumming approach.

Italian Drum Legacy

Eric Solieri

Modern groove, live energy and a strong musical heritage connected to one of Italy’s most iconic rock families.

Special Host

Dario Capacci

Presenter, drummer and content creator bringing energy and audience interaction to the festival.

Festival timeline

A festival that never stopped

From its first edition to today, Drum Galà has continued every year, including during the pandemic period, when it remained active while respecting safety regulations.

2015

The Memorial begins

The festival is born in memory of Beppe Lupo and his deep connection with music and Rovigo.

2016

The festival grows

The event establishes itself as a meeting point for drummers, musicians and the general public.

2017

National recognition

The stage welcomes increasingly important artists and strengthens its role in the Italian drum scene.

2018

A wider audience

Drum Galà becomes a city event capable of attracting music lovers, families and visitors.

2019

Before the challenge

The festival consolidates its identity as a free cultural event in the heart of Rovigo.

2020

Still on stage

Even during the pandemic, Drum Galà continues in compliance with safety rules, preserving its commitment to music and community.

2021

Resilience and culture

The festival confirms its cultural and social value after one of the most difficult periods for live events.

2022

New energy

The programme expands, combining live performance, musical culture and public participation.

2023

Education and international links

Masterclasses and related activities increase the festival’s impact on students and musicians.

2024

A stronger platform

The festival’s network of artists, partners and audience continues to grow.

2025

Expo and streaming

The format expands with live shows, music brands, online visibility and a broader festival experience.

2026

A new international scale

Three nights, world-class names and a stronger focus on tourism, culture and international reach.

Hall of Fame

Artists who shaped our stage

A visual archive celebrating some of the most important guests who helped build the identity of Drum Galà over the years.

Alex Cohen

Alfredo Golino

Art Cruz

Brandon Toews

Christian Meyer

Ellade Bandini

Gergo Borlai

Riccardo Merlini

Thomas Lang

Tullio De Piscopo

Virgil Donati

Partners & institutions

A network supporting culture

Drum Galà is made possible thanks to institutions, sponsors, technical partners and media partners who believe in the cultural value of music.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Drum Galà is a free open-air event designed for music lovers, musicians, families, visitors and the whole city.

The main venue is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the historic centre of Rovigo, Italy.

The website can be updated with schedules, running order, side activities and official announcements as they are confirmed.

If streaming is confirmed, it can be integrated directly into the homepage or into a dedicated section.

Drum Galà official hospitality partner is La Bordeghina, a local accommodation reality connected with the festival atmosphere and the Rovigo area. www.bordeghina.it

Contacts

Support, join or tell the story of Drum Galà

For information, partnerships, media, sponsors and official communications: info@drumgala.it.

Contact the organization Discover the partners