ARF! 2026 Rome Comic Festival: Testaccio Program and Practical Information
The ARF! 2026 Rome Comic Festival, celebrating its twelfth year, is transforming into a distributed event across various locations and times. After an initial preview in Piazza Navona, the festival is now heading to Testaccio from May 22nd to 24th, at the Città dell’Altra Economia del Campo Boario. This phase of the festival promises a wide array of activities, with a special focus on the renowned artist Caparezza.
What to Expect in Testaccio (May 22-24, 2026)
The Testaccio program is packed with engaging events for all ages, all with free admission. Here’s a breakdown of the key attractions and practical details:
1. Caparezza’s “Orbit Orbit” Exhibition
- What: An exhibition by Caparezza, realized in collaboration with COMICON and Sergio Bonelli Editore.
- When: Throughout the weekend (May 22-24, 2026).
- Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Friday, May 22nd, until 10:00 PM).
- Special Events:
- Meet & Greet: Friday, May 22nd, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the ARF! Bookshop.
- Talk Show: Friday, May 22nd, 8:00 PM, on the Testaccio Estate stage.
- Guided Tours: Saturday, May 23rd, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM (free registration via Eventbrite required).
- Signing Session: Saturday, May 23rd, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM with Caparezza and Riccardo Torti at the ARF! Bookshop.
- Talk: Saturday, May 23rd, 6:00 PM at Villaggio Globale, discussing “Orbit Orbit and beyond.”
2. ARF! Kids Area
- What: A dedicated space for children with non-stop creative workshops, quality readings, drawing activities, and specialized children’s bookstores.
- When: Throughout the weekend (May 22-24, 2026).
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Workshops: 22 free creative workshops (registration via Eventbrite until places are filled).
- Bookshops: ARF! KIDS Bookshop and Ottimomassimo, offering a selection of books and activities for children.
3. Manga Workshop
- What: An intensive two-day manga workshop in collaboration with KOKORO.
- When: Throughout the weekend (May 22-24, 2026).
4. “La Fine del Mondo” Magazine Presentation
- What: Presentation, talk, and signing session for the monthly comic magazine “La Fine del Mondo,” published with Il Manifesto. This includes a national preview of issue No. 5.
- When: Saturday, May 23rd, 3:00 PM.
- Who: Featuring Maicol & Mirco, Zuzu, Vitt Moretta, and Micaela Bongi (Deputy Director of Il Manifesto).
Key Information for Visitors
- Location: Città dell’Altra Economia del Campo Boario, Largo Dino Frisullo, s.n.c., Rome.
- Admission: All events are free of charge.
- Reservations: Some events, such as guided tours and workshops, may require prior registration via Eventbrite due to limited capacity. It is advisable to check the official ARF! website for specific reservation requirements.
The Festival’s Broader Scope
ARF! 2026 aims to promote and valorize comics as a contemporary language through exhibitions, meetings, public activities, independent publishing, and training. The festival’s new structure, spanning three weekends and three Roman neighborhoods (Parione, Testaccio, and Garbatella), seeks to broaden its reach and engage with diverse audiences.
Upcoming: Garbatella (May 29-31, 2026)
The festival will conclude its journey in Garbatella, focusing on independent publishing, workshops, and professional development. This segment will feature the SELF® of ARF! at Casetta Rossa, the Viscosa Collective exhibition at Villetta Social Lab, and JOB ARF! at Moby Dick Library, offering opportunities for aspiring comic artists to connect with publishing houses.
Contact and Further Information
- Official Website: www.arf.it
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/arfestival
- Instagram: @arfestival
- Information Line: 060608
The ARF! 2026 Festival is promoted and supported by Roma Capitale – Assessorato alla Cultura, in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura, and with the support of Municipio Roma I and Municipio Roma VIII.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of comics and contemporary art!
Source: https://www.controluce.it/arf-2026-il-festival-del-fumetto-di-roma-arriva-a-testaccio/
