Upcoming Events in Italy

Festivals, music events, cultural celebrations and public holidays happening across Italy — updated regularly.

• Palio di Siena — July 2026

  Italy · Siena

  The July Palio — Siena's bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo. 10 of the 17 contrade compete in one of Italy's most intense civic events. Free to watch from the Campo.

  2 July 2026

• Verona Arena Opera Festival 2026

  Italy · Verona

  The 103rd Verona Opera Festival runs July–September in the Roman Arena. Full-scale productions of Aida, Carmen, and Nabucco for 14,000 people under the stars.

  3 Jul – 6 Sept 2026

• Ferragosto 2026

  Italy

  Ferragosto (15 August) — Italy's primary summer holiday and the Feast of the Assumption. Italian city-dwellers leave for the coast; some businesses close; beach destinations are at peak capacity.

  15 August 2026

• Palio di Siena — August 2026

  Italy · Siena

  The August Palio — Siena's bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo on 16 August. 90 seconds of racing preceded by days of contrade preparation. Italy's most extraordinary civic event.

  16 August 2026

• Venice Film Festival 2026 (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica)

  Italy · Venice

  The Venice Film Festival — the world's oldest film festival, held on the Lido island. The Golden Lion competition, red carpet premieres, and public screenings.

  26 Aug – 5 Sept 2026

• Alba White Truffle Fair 2026

  Italy · Alba

  The world's largest white truffle market runs every Saturday October–December in Alba, Piedmont. White truffle on tajarin pasta, Barolo wine, and a genuine food pilgrimage.

  3 Oct – 6 Dec 2026

• Bolzano Christmas Market 2026

  Italy · Bolzano

  The finest Christmas market in Italy — Bolzano's Tyrolean market in Piazza Walther, with mulled wine, braised sausage, handmade ornaments, and genuine Alpine atmosphere.

  21 Nov – 6 Jan 2027