SwinGradec 2026

Boutique Swing Festival

SwinGradec 2026 feature image

Everything you expect from a big festival — with the irresistible charm of a small one.

ℹ️ About

For the 8th year, dancers gather in the beautiful town of Slovenj Gradec for a swing weekend shaped by the people who join. That’s why SwinGradec keeps its boutique character — defined by the dancers, teachers and musicians who bring it to life.
We begin in the Koroška countryside at Lešnik Farm. Under a traditional wooden hayrack, beside a 400-year-old linden tree, the welcome evening unfolds as the sun sets and the space slowly comes alive. On Saturday, the journey continues to the elegant courtyard of Rotenturn Castle, where our grand finale under the stars awaits.
Passionate and incredible teachers, themed workshops, and social dancing create space for connection, learning and shared moments. The program brings together Lindy Hop workshops, additional boutique classes, live music and social dancing in a warm and welcoming setting.
✨ Teachers:
👉 Francesca Checcacci & Marco Baracchi (ITA)
Years of dancing together, endless chemistry and precision on the social floor.
👉 Luisa Venditti & Lorenzo D'Amato (ITA/BEL)
Playfulness. Talent. Flow. No limits.
🎷 Live music:
🎶 The SwingTones — a legendary swing band with a vibrant live sound full of humour, groove and authentic swing spirit. Back with us after some time — and we are excited to share this moment together.

📅 Dates & Registration

📍 What & Where

💃 Dance Styles

  • Lindy Hop
  • special boutique workshops — designed to explore the exceptional knowledge and diversity of our teachers

🎉 Activities & Highlights

  • Workshops
  • Social Dancing
  • Live Music
  • Parties
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Tasters

Three days where dance, music and people meet.
A Friday night in the countryside under a traditional hayrack.
Workshops, laughter and shared moments in the heart of Slovenj Gradec.
A Saturday grand finale under the stars at Rotenturn Castle.

🧑‍🏫 Teachers & Artists

Our teachers bring together experience, creativity and a deep love for swing and jazz dances. Francesca & Marco, with more than 15 years of dancing and teaching together, share an approach rooted in connection, musicality and the dialogue between partners. Luisa & Lorenzo bring a fresh European swing energy, combining strong musical awareness, creativity and improvisation. Together, they create space for clear learning, playful exploration and moments where the music truly becomes visible on the dance floor.

👉 Francesca Checcacci & Marco Baracchi (ITA)
Years of dancing together, endless chemistry and precision on the social floor.
👉 Luisa Venditti & Lorenzo D'Amato (ITA/BEL)
Playfulness. Talent. Flow. No limits.

🎷 Live Music / DJs

🎶 The SwingTones — a legendary swing band with a vibrant live sound full of humour, groove and authentic swing spirit. Back with us after some time — and we are excited to share this moment together.

✨ Festival Vibe

Built for social dancers who already enjoy the floor and are ready for more.
The goal of all workshops is to strengthen your dance technique and musicality,
and to enhance your dance presence through active learning and collaboration

❤️ Why You Should Come

Each edition is shaped by the people who come — by the energy they bring and the moments that happen on the dance floor. SwinGradec is never exactly the same twice. Every year grows naturally with the dancers who join — their curiosity, their movement and the atmosphere they create together. The diversity of dancers is our inspiration: different paths, different levels, one shared floor. That is where the boutique character of the festival comes from — not from size, but from the way people are welcomed into it.

🧾 Quick Overview

  • 📅 Dates: August 28 – 30, 2026
  • 📍 Location: Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia
  • 💃 Styles:
    • Lindy Hop
    • special boutique workshops — designed to explore the exceptional knowledge and diversity of our teachers
  • 🎟️ Passes:
    • Full Pass
  • 🏕️ Type:
    • Festival
  • 🎉 Activities:
    • Workshops
    • Social Dancing
    • Live Music
    • Parties
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Tasters