Event Details
Detour Discotheque 2026: La Dolce Vita Disco Part II in Matera
From 11 to 13 September 2026, the city of Matera becomes the stage for one of Europe's most unique and intimate festival experiences. Detour Discotheque, the continent's most celebrated travelling disco, takes over Fondazione Le Monacelle in the Sasso Barisano district: a former 16th-century cloistered convent now operating as a UNESCO-recognised cultural centre, set deep within the ancient cave city of the Sassi di Matera. With winding stone passageways, crumbling frescoes, secret arches and a breathtaking roof terrace overlooking the limestone ravines below, the venue offers a setting unlike any other.
This is the fifth instalment of Detour and the second time the event has returned to southern Italy. The choice of Matera in 2026 is particularly fitting: the city has been named Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026, celebrating its unique blend of ancient history and creative momentum.
Programme
Three days of music, culture and cuisine unfold across the historic spaces of the convent. Highlights include silent disco sessions in the cloister, an outdoor sunset aperitivo on the rooftop terrace, evening dance parties, traditional cooking classes, guided explorations of the Sassi and talks on the origins and culture of disco music. Sunday is dedicated to recovery, pool sessions and a relaxed farewell atmosphere.
DJ Line-Up
- Sunni D – London-based DJ with a soulful disco signature
- Claudia C – Italian broadcaster and DJ
- Kashmere – Emerging disco-funk talent
- Jonny Ensall (Detour Discotheque) – Festival founder and resident DJ
- Donna Gibson – Groovy sets from the London club scene
- Suka Meneri – Deep disco and house
- Joss (Talking Drums) – Manchester disco label DJ with deep crate selections
- Delonte Rivers (Everybody Loves to Boogie) – Star of the acclaimed YouTube disco mix series
The Venue
Fondazione Le Monacelle is situated in the heart of the Sasso Barisano, one of the two historic districts of the Sassi di Matera, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The 16th-century convent features stone-vaulted corridors, inner courtyards, faded frescoes and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across the ancient rock city. Matera itself is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, and serves in 2026 as Mediterranean Capital of Culture.
Tickets
Weekend tickets are available exclusively at detourdisco.com, priced at approximately £195 to £215 (around €230 to €260 depending on the exchange rate). The ticket covers full access to all three days of programming including DJ sets, workshops, talks and evening parties. Accommodation is not included: affordable apartments from around €50 per night are available within easy walking distance via Airbnb or Booking.com. The event is capped at just 300 attendees and typically sells out well in advance.
Food & Drink
Detour Discotheque partners with Crosta Mollica for its signature Italian pizza van, serving artisan pizzas throughout the weekend. Local specialities such as pane di Matera, peperoni cruschi, lucanica sausage and other Basilicata dishes round out the culinary experience. Sunset aperitivo on the rooftop terrace is a highlight of the programme each evening.
Getting There
- Nearest airport: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI)
- Direct bus from Bari Airport to Matera Piazza Matteotti: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, costing around €3 to €6
- Matera has no rail connection; bus or car hire from Bari or Potenza is recommended
Visitor Tips
- Tickets are strictly limited to 300 people; book as early as possible.
- Retro disco costumes are strongly encouraged and part of the experience.
- Staying in a Sassi cave apartment is affordable and adds to the Matera experience.
- Allow extra days to explore Matera independently; the Sassi are walkable within 20 to 30 minutes.
- September in Matera brings pleasant Mediterranean weather with temperatures between 20 and 28 °C.
