Every spring, Savigliano changes. For three days, the historic center fills with cosplayers, Lego bricks, theme songs, comics, and an energy that draws in kids, twenty-somethings, and nostalgic adults alike.
The event is called Savix Comics & Bricks, and it’s now one of the most popular pop culture events in Piedmont. If you’re planning to visit Savigliano for the fourth edition, scheduled for May 8–10, 2026, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how to plan your visit, and where to stay without giving up comfort.
What Savix Comics & Bricks is
Savix Comics & Bricks is a free festival dedicated to comics, anime, cosplay, video games, and Lego®.
It doesn’t take place in a convention center but spreads throughout the streets and squares of Savigliano’s historic center, with themed areas set up across historic buildings, parks, and public spaces.
In just three years, it has attracted a growing audience: the third edition in May 2025 welcomed nearly 27,000 visitors over the weekend, making it a key event for pop culture in northern Italy.
How Savix started
The festival was launched in 2023 in memory of Francesco Gerbaldo, a young journalist from Savigliano who passed away in 2022 and was passionate about comics and pop culture.
It also honors his brother Federico, a vinyl collector who passed away in 2020.
In the 2025 edition, a cultural space dedicated to them—“Il sogno dei Gerba”—was inaugurated on Via Beggiami, housing the family’s comic collection.
Savix is organized by a team of volunteers who work for months, supported by the Municipality of Savigliano and the Piedmont Region, which has funded the last three editions.
Who Savix is for
The short answer: everyone.
The more precise answer is that Savix works so well because it brings together worlds that rarely meet in one place.
You’ll see families with young children, teenagers in anime or fantasy costumes, adults browsing vintage vinyl, Lego® enthusiasts of all ages, and curious visitors who end up drawn in by a cosplay parade.
If you’re not sure what to expect, just come anyway—you’ll enjoy it.
The Savix areas
One of Savix’s defining features is its distributed format: multiple themed areas spread across different parts of the city.
- Bricks Area. Expanded for the first time and hosted at the University of Savigliano. Here, ItLUG (Italian Lego® Users Group) showcases detailed builds: everything from medieval castles to spaceships, urban scenes, and sci-fi worlds. One of the most visually striking areas of the festival.
- Japan Area. Located under the multi-purpose wing in Piazza del Popolo. A full immersion into Japanese culture, with manga, anime, Japanese products, and this year also Chef Hiro for a meet & greet.
- Media Stage Area. In Piazza Turletti, this is the most interactive space, with talks, workshops, and meet & greets with guests from the worlds of comics, voice acting, and pop culture.
- Main Stage. In Piazza Cavour, this is where the main events happen: concerts, headline interviews, and evening shows. The closing concert with Giorgio Vanni on Sunday, May 10 will take place here.
- Cosplay Area. Next to the Games Area in Piazza del Popolo. Here you’ll find themed cosplay groups (Ghostbusters, Marvel, lightsabers, One Piece, and more). The parades through the city start from here.
- Cosplay Contest. Confirmed again for 2026—and we’re glad it is. Cosplayers parade and compete in the historic center, with impressive costumes and a serious level of competition.
- Artist Alley. Back in an expanded version, in collaboration with Papersera and Linea Cinetica. You can meet illustrators and comic artists, buy original works, and discover new names from the Italian and international scene.
- Games Area. Board games, card games, and organized tournaments. Perfect if you want to sit down and play or discover new titles.
- Retrogames Area. Dedicated to vintage video games, especially popular with visitors in their thirties and forties. Expect classic consoles and a strong dose of nostalgia.
- Expo Area. In Piazza Santarosa, just steps from Vayadù’s office, with exhibitors and themed stands featuring action figures, collectibles, rare editions, and all kinds of geek merchandise.
MONUMENTINI exhibition by Luca Petraglia. The pre-opening on May 8 revolves around this exhibition at Palazzo Muratori Cravetta, featuring famous landmarks recreated with Lego®. - Exhibition MONUMENTINI by Luca Petraglia. The pre-opening of Savix on May 8th revolves around the inauguration of this exhibition at Palazzo Muratori Cravetta featuring many famous monuments reproduced with Lego®.
Confirmed guests for Savix 2026
Four names have already been confirmed for the 2026 edition, and they are very diverse, confirming the festival’s approach, which blends music, dubbing, Japanese culture, and cuisine.
Giorgio Vanni is the voice behind some of the most iconic Italian TV theme songs, from Dragon Ball to One Piece, Digimon, and Pokémon. He’ll perform on the Main Stage on Sunday, May 10 at 6 PM. This will be his third appearance at Savix, making him a regular presence.
Maurizio Merluzzo is the Italian voice actor for characters such as Zamasu in Dragon Ball Super, Sai in Naruto Shippuden, Ling Yao in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and Mirio Togata in My Hero Academia. He is also the face of the YouTube channel “Cotto e frullato” and has dubbed Idris Elba in the films Sonic 2 and Sonic 3. He will be on the Main Stage on Saturday, May 9, and then available for a meet & greet with fans.
Chef Hiro AKA Hirohiko Shoda, is the official ambassador of Japanese cuisine and culture in Italy, a recognition awarded by MAFF Japan (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan). Born in Osaka in 1977, he worked in high-level restaurants before arriving in Italy in 2006 and becoming known through TV appearances on Gambero Rosso Channel, La prova del cuoco, and others. At Savix 2026, on Saturday, May 9, he will host a showcooking on the Main Stage and will also be available for a meet & greet in the Japan Area.
Federico Cecchin is one of the most followed Italian illustrators in the field, known as a caricaturist and digital artist with a strong presence on social media and at major festivals. He will be present at the Media Stage for talks and meetings with the public.
Events not to miss at Savix 2026
The final 2026 program has not yet been published; registration openings and guest announcements are released gradually on the festival’s social channels. That said, based on confirmed announcements, there are already some events worth noting.
The closing concert with Giorgio Vanni on Sunday evening is traditionally one of the most emotional moments of the entire event: the square fills up, the audience sings along to the theme songs everyone knows by heart, and the collective excitement is guaranteed.
Chef Hiro’s showcooking on Saturday, May 9 is a new addition to the festival format. It’s not common to see Japanese cuisine brought onto the main stage of a comics event. The combination works because Japanese pop culture also passes through food.
The cosplay contest, as mentioned, is one of the most anticipated events every year: spectacular costumes, a parade through the historic center, awards. If you’re a fan or just want to enjoy it as a spectator, it’s worth arriving early.
The Lego® exhibitions are visually striking: elaborate builds, recreations of cinematic scenes, and iconic monuments with incredible realism. If you’re coming to Savigliano with children, this is where they won’t want to leave.
Where to eat in Savigliano during Savix
During the festival days, the center is crowded, so—especially for lunch and Saturday dinner—it is strongly recommended to book in advance.
Savigliano offers a good range of dining options, with restaurants serving classic Piedmontese cuisine (tajarin with ragù, agnolotti, raw meat, vitello tonnato), alongside more informal places.
Ostu Bistrot is among the most appreciated spots in town, with refined local cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
Antica osteria dell’Orsa is a solid choice if you want to eat authentic Piedmontese food, with an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Cantina 121 Wine & Food is the right place if you want to pair a good glass of wine with something satisfying.
If you prefer something quick between one area and another, the center of Savigliano has several cafés, pastry shops, and bars where you can stop for an aperitivo under the arcades of Piazza Santarosa.
What to see in Savigliano during Savix
If you’re already in Savigliano for the festival, it’s worth spending a few hours exploring the town itself.
The historic center is compact and walkable, with a strong concentration of medieval and baroque architecture.
Piazza Santarosa is the heart of the city, with late Gothic arcades, tower houses, and the Arch of Triumph dedicated to the House of Savoy. The 13th-century Civic Tower is located right here.
Palazzo Taffini d’Acceglio is one of the most interesting Baroque buildings in the area: a courtyard with columns and arches and, on the main floor, the surprising cycle of frescoes in the Hall of Honor, created by painters of the Savigliano school and dedicated to the military exploits of Vittorio Amedeo I of Savoy. The building also houses the MÚSES – European Academy of Essences, a techno-sensorial journey dedicated to medicinal herbs and the history of perfumery.
The Antonino Olmo Civic Museum and Davide Calandra Plaster Cast Gallery is located in the former convent of San Francesco, with an eighteenth-century cloister and collections that include plaster casts by the sculptor Calandra and paintings from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.
On the outskirts of town, the Piedmont Railway Museum showcases Savigliano’s industrial history. This is where the train factory that still produces the Pendolino train was founded. It’s worth a visit if you’re a train enthusiast or if you’re traveling with curious children.
Where to stay in Savigliano: Vayadù holiday homes
If you’re visiting Savix from out of town and want to stay in Savigliano, well, Vayadù is here! We have nine accommodations in the heart of the city. They’re well-maintained, centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from all the festival areas. No hotel, no reception: you arrive, have the house to yourself, and move around with all the freedom you need.
Casa Schiaparelli is a two-room apartment with a double bedroom, designed with attention to detail, just steps from Piazza Santarosa. Perfect for those seeking accommodation with the charm of an old farmhouse, pleasant to live in, and within walking distance of the entire town center.
Dimora 1690. A late 17th-century villa surrounded by a park filled with centuries-old trees, in the center of Savigliano. Arched vaults, parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and quiet rooms make this home a pleasant blend of contemporary comforts and antique charm. The home is divided into two independent apartments, perfect for large groups.
Dimora Beggiami. Loft Arco and Loft Affresco are the two lofts that make up this historic residence on Via Beggiami, just steps from Piazza Santarosa. The building was restored by architect Massimo Rosa, preserving exposed beams and original 15th-century frescoes, complemented by modern, minimalist furnishings. The two independent lofts, spread over two floors, feature a living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a mezzanine bedroom. Ideal for couples or those looking to stay just steps from the city center.
Ai Binari. Binario 1 and Binario 2 are two apartments located in a historic house near the train station, once a toll house at the entrance to the city. The first is on the ground floor, with two bedrooms (a double and a single) and a private paved garden. The second is on two levels, with an industrial chic style featuring exposed brick, iron, and wood, two bedrooms, and a private terrace on the upper floor. Both are just a few minutes from the city center on foot or by bike.
Casa Fiore is a simple and practical two-room apartment with a balcony overlooking the rooftops of Savigliano. It features a fully equipped kitchen, a bright double bedroom with a walk-in closet, and a sofa bed in the living room for three people traveling together. The right choice if you’re looking for functional, tidy, and simple accommodation right in the city center.
Casa Flora is a modern and quiet apartment in the center of Savigliano, ideal for those seeking contemporary comfort without sacrificing a central location. It has two bedrooms (one double and one single), a bright and large living room with kitchen and a bathroom.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Vayadù homes in Savigliano for Savix. We can already picture you getting ready and putting on your cosplay costume at Flora’s house or deciding what to watch with your family at Dimora Beggiami.
Our homes offer all the comforts you need to enjoy your event: quiet rooms to rest in, fully equipped kitchens for cooking at home if you don’t want to eat out all the time, the entire Savix center and events just steps away, and personalized assistance. If you want to check availability for the dates of May 8-10, 2026, you can check directly here on the Vayadù website.
