Places of the Gender Bender Festival 2026

From 29 October to 7 November 2026, Bologna will host the 24th edition of Gender Bender, the international festival produced by Il Cassero LGBTQIA+ Centre and directed by Mauro Meneghelli, which explores the imaginaries of bodies, genders and desires through the languages of contemporary art.

This year, the festival has chosen to describe itself as ‘popular’ in the most radical sense: an invitation to place the senses and sensations at the heart of our relationship with art, offering open, democratic and participatory opportunities for viewing and encounter, to engage in dialogue on the key themes of our lives – from desires to relationships, from the vitality of bodies to their mortality.

The programme and sections of the Gender Bender Festival 2026

The festival programme spans various forms of contemporary art, with events dedicated to dance, film, the visual arts, literature and music.

• Dance

The Dance section, the backbone of the festival, features performances, workshops, installations, one-on-one performances and participatory events from Italy, France, Switzerland, Cyprus, Latvia, the Netherlands, Iran, Germany and Norway.

• Film

The cinema section presents a selection of previews, films and documentaries exploring themes such as identity, music, adolescence and changing bodies.

The screenings will be attended by internationally renowned guests and directors. Among the announced guests is Céline Sciamma, who will feature in a festival preview on 26 October 2026, ahead of the event’s official opening.

• Exhibitions and Special Events

Gender Bender also dedicates space to the visual arts, with exhibitions and special events that broaden the dialogue between different artistic languages.

Among the events for the 2026 edition is *Corpi Fuori Traccia*, the first tribute exhibition dedicated to the illustrator and activist Jacopo Camagni.

• Talks and Literature

The programme includes book launches, talks and cultural discussions focusing on queer memory, activism and the social impact of artistic practices.

Among the announced guests is the writer Catherine Lacey, who will feature in the section dedicated to literature.

• Parties

Alongside the artistic and cultural programme, the Gender Bender parties are also back, with musical events and celebrations to liven up the festival evenings at the Cassero LGBTQIA+ Centre.

Useful information and ticket office

The 24th edition of Gender Bender takes place from 29 October to 7 November 2026.

New this year is the official ticket office, which will be open at Il Cassero LGBTQIA+ Centre from 29 October to 6 November, from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

To view the full programme, find out about the shows on offer and check admission details for individual events, visit the official Gender Bender website.