In 2026 Detour Discotheque is returning to southern Italy, this time to the incredible city of Matera. We’ll be taking over multiple venues across a weekend in September 2026.
A gem on the border of the Basilicata and Puglia regions, Matera is a jumble of architectural beauty that rises out of the rocks, with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Venues include Fondazione Monacelle, an ancient convent turned non-for-profit cultural centre, with fabulous frescoes, endless secret arches and a breathtaking roof terrace. Also Area 8, a labyrinthine creative space extending into the cellars of the city. There’ll be sunset aperitivo, courtyard feasting and our legendary discos inspired by the golden era of 70s and 80s parties.
Tucked into the arch of the Italian boot, Matera is a ruggedly gorgeous and entirely unique place where, for over 9,000 years, residents have been carving their homes out of rock. It’s now known as a forward-thinking cultural destination (with plenty of caves to rave in), and is named Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026. You might also recognise its cobbled streets and sun-drenched piazzas from the James Bond film No Time To Die. Cinematic and engimatic, it’s the perfect Detour destination.
Matera
Bari Airport → Matera: ~1 hr drive
Brindisi Airport → Matera: ~2 hrs
Salerno Airport → Matera: ~2 hrs 15 mins
The discos
This year we’re taking over multiple hidden spaces across the city – think terrace parties until midnight, then deep cellar sessions till the early morning – with three nights of glittering get-downs. Featuring our usual line-up of the best international disco selectors, plus some choice Italian musicians representing the future of Italo Disco. More line-up details coming soon.
Food & drink
Great golden loaves of pane di Matera; sweet peperoni cruschi dried in the sun; fennel-scented lucanica sausage – eating and drinking is as much a part of the Detour experience as dancing. We’ll suggest our favourite spots as part of the official Event Guide. Plus, there’ll be group meals and aperitivo moments available as add-ons to the main experiences.
Activities
Our 2026 programme will cover tours, talks and classes. With emphasis on Matera’s rich history in the city’s year as Mediterranean Capital of Culture. Plus some sincere appreciation of disco and vinyl culture and lots of opportunities to connect with other members of our growing Detour community.
Where to stay
Choose your own accommodation with lots of options within easy walking distance of the main Detour venues. Apartments are affordable (from around €50), with most on AirBnB or booking.com. Hotels range from luxury spas to cheerful hostels. Or venture just outside the city to find high-end masserias and agro-tourism stays set in acres of serene countryside.
Other highlights
On the other side of the valley is the Murgia plateau. Its dusty trails through wild herbs reveal big views back across the Sassi, as well as the rupestrian churches carved straight into the rock.
Also within easy reach are the sandy beaches of the Ionian coast around Metaponto and Policoro, and the fairytale trulli town of Alberobello. Or take a volcanic wine tour of Monte Vulture, home to some of southern Italy’s most serious Aglianico wines.
We’re also thrilled to announce we’re continuing our partnership with Crosta Mollica.
Crafted in Italy using exceptional ingredients, Crosta Mollica pizzas are made for people with eccellente taste and a love of good times. After they fuelled the dancers and dreamers at our Puglia disco in 2025, they’re returning with their iconic pizza van to the piazzas of Matera.
Together, we’re celebrating authenticity, flavour and style at a place where music and food move in harmony. It’s pizza meets disco, at the dreamiest party on Earth.
