May 11, 2026 - (Villa Contarini, ITA) From June 5 to 7, Villa Contarini will host the 12th edition of BAM! – Bicycle Adventure Meeting, one of Europe’s most distinctive events dedicated to bicycle travel.

More than a traditional cycling festival, BAM! is built around a simple idea: the bicycle is not the focus, but the starting point. Over three days it becomes a shared language that connects long-distance riders, local explorers and a broader audience interested in travel, outdoor culture and storytelling.

Rather than following a linear schedule, the event unfolds as an open environment where talks, workshops, rides and informal b happen simultaneously.

Participants move freely between them, building their own experience. Part of the program is specifically designed for the international community and will be held in English, reflecting the growing presence of riders and travelers from across Europe and beyond.

The 2026 program brings together a wide range of voices, combining well-known figures from the global bikepacking scene with new and emerging storytellers. Among the international guests, Max Riese and his WOSSA project, an initiative educating cyclists about water circulation in the Alps, Sami Sauri will bring her perspective on travel, photography and representation, while Nelson Trees will present a documentary linked to his work in shaping some of the most relevant bikepacking events worldwide. Traveling across Italy by bike, artists Juliane Borths and Arkadij Blinow will present at BAM a body of work shaped by their journey.

These international perspectives sit alongside a strong lineup of Italian and European travelers.

Monica Consolini will share her two-year solo journey around the world, while Matteo Stella retraces a transcontinental ride from Beijing to Venice along the routes of Marco Polo. Stories from Africa, Alaska and the Himalayas expand the geographical scope of the program, often focusing less on performance and more on human relationships, adaptation and unexpected encounters.

Figures such as Mattia de Marchi contribute to connecting the worlds of adventure, racing and exploration, while other talks move beyond cycling altogether. Climbers Giovanni Zaccaria and Alessandro Ferrari, for example, reflect on what it means to pursue long-term goals like climbing Cerro Torre later in life, shifting the focus from achievement to time, limits and friendship.

A central theme of BAM! 2026 is travel as a tool for freedom and community. International and grassroots collectives such as Bike Boobs and VaiGine explore inclusivity and empowerment within cycling culture, opening the conversation to new voices and perspectives.

BAM! is also a place to learn. Throughout the weekend, participants can take part in practical sessions on travel photography, storytelling, weather interpretation and first aid in remote environments, alongside discussions on road safety and new forms of mobility. The tone remains informal and accessible, designed for both experienced bikepackers and those approaching this world for the first time.

Riding is an essential part of the experience, with daily outings offering different ways to explore the Veneto region. Some are relaxed and social, others more thematic, but all reflect the same idea of the bicycle as a tool to connect with places and people.

At the same time, BAM! is also a celebration. As the sun goes down, the event shifts into a festival atmosphere, with DJ sets and live music transforming the venue into a shared space where travelers, locals and participants come together beyond the daytime program.

This mix of storytelling, outdoor experience and nightlife is one of the defining elements of BAM!, making it as much about meeting people as it is about listening to stories.

The experience extends through the entire site, with moments such as yoga sessions led by Francesca Oliva, performances by highliner Andrea Loreni and the “cycle cinema”, where film screenings are powered by participants pedaling. Families are increasingly part of the event, with dedicated activities that introduce younger audiences to travel and outdoor culture in an open and inclusive way.

Over the years, BAM! has grown into more than an event. It has become a cultural platform and a meeting point for an international community that sees travel not as performance, but as a way to rethink how we relate to time, space and others.

The full program will be available soon here.

The event is free to attend, while camping spots can be booked online.

The unique BAM! format
Meetings, music, workshops, bike rides: from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon the program has two themes. For those interested, there are workshops, meet-ups with fellow cyclists, performance artists, bike brands and talks by those well-known in the community. For those who just want to hang out there is also plenty on offer: beer on tap, live music and plenty of local routes to explore in and around Mantua.

What does BAM! stand for?
BAM!, is an acronym for Bicycle Adventure Meeting – the largest meet-up in Europe dedicated to bicycle travelers. Bikepackers, classic cycle tourists and those who adore long journeys, gravel, exploring by bicycle, ultracycling and family trips: all the kindred souls and fans of traveling on two wheels meet every year at BAM! Press office and organization here.