During the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Val di Fiemme came alive as a vibrant stage for sport, culture and entertainment. Alongside the Olympic and Paralympic competitions, the valley hosted a rich programme of side events that helped create a unique and deeply engaging Games atmosphere.
The squares, theatres and sports halls of Cavalese, Predazzo and Tesero welcomed more than twenty events, including concerts, fan parades, DJ sets, live performances and artistic installations. The Olympic Fan Zone became a daily gathering place where spectators shared emotions, results and medal celebrations in an atmosphere of constant enthusiasm that amplified the magic of the Games.
The Palafiemme in Cavalese was one of the musical hearts of the Olympic entertainment programme, hosting concerts that brought together music and the spirit of the Games. Among the most popular events were the live performance by Max Gazzè with Musicae Loci and the concert by Nina Zilli, whose soul-pop energy created a festive atmosphere. Classical music performances were also highly appreciated, featuring the Haydn Orchestra and the Alter Echo string quartet.
In Predazzo, the Olympic Fan Zone came alive every day with shows, DJ sets and live performances, becoming one of Val di Fiemme’s main social and entertainment hubs. Fan Parades filled the streets with music, flags and cheering crowds, accompanied by groups such as the Lake Funk Street Band and the Banda Civica E. Bernardi. Athletes and teams often joined the celebrations, creating memorable moments as medals won at the Games were celebrated together in the town square.
Among the most popular events were the 1990s-themed show Love Generation 90, the pop energy of Ivana Spagna with Noi che siamo gli anni ’80 ’90 2000, and the international performances of the Mountain Crew boy band, Paolo Noise and a series of DJ sets that kept the celebrations going late into the night. Audiences also warmly welcomed the multisensory show Fiat Lux by Pentagramma Winds and the performances of the Queenmania Tribute Band.
Tesero also played a key role in shaping the cultural atmosphere of the Games through a programme closely linked to Alpine musical traditions and the encounter between different musical styles. Among the most moving moments was the performance by the SAT Choir during its centenary year, followed by the Ziganoff Jazzmer Band with Heidi Clementi and concerts by musicians from the Conservatories of Trento and Riva del Garda. Local choirs of the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme also enjoyed strong public support, highlighting the valley’s cultural identity and traditions in a spirit of shared participation.
In Castello di Fiemme, one of the most significant events was dedicated to Franco Nones, a symbolic figure in Italian cross-country skiing and the first Italian Olympic champion in the history of the discipline. A special video tribute retraced his historic gold medal victory at the 1968 Winter Olympics. The tribute created a powerful connection between the sporting heritage of the region and the contemporary Olympic experience, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire athletes and local communities and remains deeply rooted in the identity of Val di Fiemme.
The cultural and artistic dimension of the Games also played a central role, with five exhibitions dedicated to the Olympic Rings hosted in Cavalese, Tesero and Ziano di Fiemme. These exhibitions brought together contemporary art, sporting heritage and local traditions, enriching the cultural programme of the Games.
Overall, the entire valley was transformed into a large open-air arena where each day was filled with music, encounters and celebrations. The programme of accompanying events, coordinated by APT Fiemme Cembra together with the municipalities of Val di Fiemme and the Autonomous Province of Trento, played a crucial role in creating a vibrant and inclusive Olympic and Paralympic atmosphere, leaving a legacy of emotions and memories that extended far beyond sport.
