Music Instrument Fairs in Italy and Beyond

Music Instrument Fairs

After months of “hibernation,” the world awakens, and with it, music returns to life. It’s time to restart, to perform live again, and to connect with fellow enthusiasts.

And what better opportunity than a fair entirely dedicated to the fantastic world of music?

Italy’s Music Fairs

Our beautiful country hosts many music fairs, far more than one might think. In every Italian city, various music-themed events take place every month. Artists, industry specialists, and major manufacturers come together to create events catering to the diverse tastes and needs of every music enthusiast, eager to explore new musical horizons.

Each music fair offers a diverse range of experiences, making them excellent opportunities for unique and sometimes quirky musical encounters. Italy offers numerous types of fairs: some focus on education, others on live performances, some emphasize instrument trading, and others highlight amateur craftsmanship and top-tier luthiery.

Artists, retailers, luthiers, and manufacturers, both large and small, find these events to be the best platform for communicating and connecting with all those who cherish this vast universe.

Below is a list of the main annual events.

Musica in Fiera

Musica in Fiera is a premier Italian music fair organized by Starklin, an all-Italian company that has been merging the worlds of IT and music for over 10 years.

This event features a wide array of musical performances, educational seminars, and instrument demonstrations, making it a gathering point for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.

With over 7,000 square meters of space, the fair hosts numerous conferences, demo stages, and exhibitors from around the globe.
More information on the next edition can be found here.

Fim – International Music Fair

Since 2013, Fim has been a major cultural event held at the G. Verdi Conservatory in Milan, encompassing all musical activities in Italy. The event aims to transcend market dynamics and promote free and independent music. Although the event has been postponed, new dates will be announced on their website.

This fair, which effectively engages young people and promotes musical innovation, has hosted renowned artists like Patty Pravo, Tiromancino, Bassi Maestro, Bobby Kimball, Ermal Meta, Alan Sorrenti, Steve Hackett, and many others.

Musika Expo Rome

Musika Expo, held at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome, is the only expo-festival in Central Italy dedicated to music. It combines product exhibitions with musical practice in a setting of high cultural and economic value. The event attracts leading companies and renowned musicians, providing an interactive platform for music lovers and professionals.

With over 200 national and international brands, Musika Expo offers 5,000 square meters of exhibition space and 2,000 square meters of outdoor areas, divided into more than 25 rooms. An 800-seat auditorium hosts concerts featuring national and international artists across various musical genres.

Cremona Musica

Cremona Musica is Italy’s most important fair for high-end handcrafted musical instruments and luthiery. As its name suggests, it takes place in Cremona, home to the most famous luthier families, specifically at the Cremona Fiere exhibition center.

This fair is regarded as the world’s leading event for high-quality handcrafted musical instruments, attracting producers, restorers, accessory suppliers, music publishers, and institutions from around the globe.

The fair is divided into specialized sections, each focusing on a specific segment of the music industry:

  1. Mondomusica: The most prominent part of the fair, focusing on string instruments, antique instruments, restorers, and luthiery accessories​.
  2. Piano Experience: The only section of its kind in Europe, dedicated to pianos and keyboards, offering concerts, seminars, and international conferences​.
  3. Acoustic Guitar Village: Focusing on acoustic, classical, and modern guitars, it features masterclasses, historic instrument exhibitions, and meetings with luthiers and guitar brands​.
  4. Cremona Winds: Dedicated to wind instruments, this section is an ideal meeting place for professionals and enthusiasts, showcasing top international production​.

Cremona Musica offers a unique and unforgettable experience for lovers of classical and contemporary music, featuring performances by internationally acclaimed artists.

Guitar Show Padova

This is the premier market exhibition for guitars and basses in Padua.

Retailers, small and large manufacturers, collectors, modders, enthusiasts, and private resellers will find a space dedicated entirely to their passion, not to mention the hundreds of musicians creating a fantastic atmosphere culminating in a gala concert.

The Guitar Show Padova is dedicated to all who love or work with four or six strings.

SHG Music Show Milan

The SHG Music Show is a staple event for musicians and industry professionals, first held in 1992. It offers:

  1. Variety of Exhibitions: A broad showcase of musical instruments, from the latest models to vintage pieces.
  2. Live Music: The event features live music, workshops, and demonstrations by top musicians.
  3. Used Instrument Market: An area for private visitors to sell and trade instruments.
  4. Media Collaborations: Partnerships with major music publications.
  5. Italian Audience Reach: Extensive online and live engagement through social media and ACCORDO magazine.

Music Wall Cremona

The Music Wall is held at the historic Casematte of Pizzighettone, Cremona. The event features:

  1. Exhibitions and Demonstrations: A 3,000-square-meter indoor circuit with over 100 exhibitors.
  2. Clinics and Workshops: Thematic workshops by industry professionals.
  3. Interactive Public Engagement: Visitors can test instruments throughout the fair.

The Music Wall has not been scheduled since its 2020 postponement.

MIR Expo Center Rimini

MIR is Europe’s largest event dedicated to audio, video, and lighting technology. Highlights include:

  1. Live You Play: A unique format for testing stage technologies.
  2. Technological Innovations: Showcasing the latest industry advancements.
  3. MIR Club: A networking hub for live music event professionals.

Sound Expò

SoundExpò, held in Pescara, features:

  1. Instrument Exhibitions: Acoustic and electronic instruments.
  2. Professional Audio and Lighting: The latest in tech innovations.
  3. Live Events and Seminars: A rich program of performances and educational sessions.

International Music Fairs

Globally, two major events stand out: the NAMM Show and Musikmesse.

The NAMM Show, held in Anaheim, California, is one of the world’s largest music product events. Musikmesse, in Frankfurt, Germany, is a leading European music trade show.

Music enthusiasts, collectors, professionals, or curious visitors—these fairs promise an unforgettable experience as the live music industry reawakens. Don’t miss out!