Europe’s most adventurous roving disco is back, and this time it has picked one of the most extraordinary settings on the continent. Detour Discotheque: La Dolce Vita Disco Part II takes over Fondazione Le Monacelle in Matera, Basilicata, from 11 to 13 September 2026. The venue is a 16th-century former cloistered convent in the Sasso Barisano, now a UNESCO World Heritage cultural centre, complete with winding passageways, crumbling frescoes, secret arches and a roof terrace that looks out over the ancient limestone ravines of the Sassi di Matera.
The fifth instalment of Detour, this is the second time the event has planted its mirror balls in southern Italy. On the line-up are London-based DJ Sunni D, Italian broadcaster and DJ Claudia C, and disco-funk act Kashmere. Beyond the dancing, the weekend programme takes in sunset aperitivo, cloistered silent discos, talks on disco history and vinyl culture, local cooking classes and guided explorations of the Sassi. Food comes courtesy of returning partner Crosta Mollica, whose pizza van will set up in the piazzas alongside local Basilicatan offerings including pane di Matera, peperoni cruschi and lucanica sausage. Sunday brings a pool session for recovery. Accommodation is not included but the organisers point to apartments from around 45 pounds a night within easy walking distance of the venues.
Matera is the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026, making September a particularly fitting time to visit. Fly into Bari, then take a direct bus from the airport to Matera Piazza Matteotti, a journey of roughly one hour and fifteen minutes costing around 3 to 6 pounds. Tickets for the full weekend event are priced at roughly 195 to 215 pounds at current exchange rates. Book at detourdisco.com.
