The event that combines local food and wine culture with live music returns to Piazza Gramsci on Thursday, September 10th and Friday, September 11th. Among the new features of the 2026 edition is the "Passport of Taste," with a charity project for the Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital in Bari.

Summer at Capurso continues to make its energy felt. The "Culture" events program is entering its third season and preparing for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Polpette & Beat, scheduled Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September 2026, starting from 20.00 hours in the central Piazza Gramsci.

With the slogan “The taste of tradition. The rhythm of the city.”, the event celebrates its identity by uniting three fundamental pillars: good food, live music for all generations and community life. At the centre of the scene is the Meatball of Capurso, not just a simple dish, but a true cultural heritage made of family memories, handed down gestures, and the art of recovery. An excellence that the municipal administration aims to increasingly promote and structure as a symbol of identity and a tourist attraction. Making the gastronomic experience even more special will be the major innovation this year with the birth of the Taste Passport*, a formula designed to guide visitors through the scents and flavors of the event, while also supporting an important social cause. And during the tastings, the stage in Piazza Gramsci will offer a rich and engaging soundtrack. September 10th (starting at 20pm) there will be an engaging performance by the Apulian group Under Your Houses, known for his dynamic and festive repertoire that spans various genres: swing, rock'n'roll, dixieland, ska, boogie woogie and author music, combining performances on the fixed stage with itinerant moments (strolling band) in street band style, followed by the overwhelming show of Mr. Bricks, the musical project of the Apulian singer-songwriter and guitarist Dario Mattoni (formerly frontman of Rekkiabilly). The next day, Friday September 11 (starting at 20pm), great party atmosphere with the Swing Night Experience together with Spaghetti Brothers, a format that blends live music, rhythm, and entertainment to get the square dancing.

«Cities are remembered and loved also through their flavors – declares the Mayor of Capurso, Michael Laricchia –. Just as there are territories identified by a great wine or a typical dessert, we want the Polpetta di Capurso may it be recognized as the authentic symbol of our history, of our hospitality, and of the fight against food waste that has always been part of our culture. Polpette & Beat was born from this: from the desire to make our tradition a shared moment of celebration, capable of attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and making us feel part of a community. All citizens, travelers, and lovers of good food - adds - are invited to experience two unforgettable evenings where taste becomes culture and the square transforms into a home open to all. This initiative – he concludes -, together with Multiculturita, The Fanoje and Voci in Villa, is part of a specific urban and cultural development strategy launched by the Municipality of CapursoThe goal is to make the city lively, welcoming, and attractive all year round.».

THE PASSPORT OF TASTE

The Taste Passport includes: 2 tastings of the Meatball Capurso, to be chosen from the proposals of the participating chefs and exhibitors and 1 glass of wine selected with the support of theItalian Sommelier Association (AIS) Puglia o 1 craft beer produced by the Birranova brewery. In addition, it finances the DAMA Project, aimed at creating a multisensory room dedicated to children with severe disabilities at the Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Hospital in Bari.

INFO AND CONTACTS

• Event: Polpette & Beat 2026
• Where: Gramsci Square, Capurso (BAHIA)
• When: Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September 2026, from 8:00 pm
• Entrance: free, drinks are subject to charges
• Info: facebook Capurso Culture