The Tuscan Landscape is Rich with Events
This is the best time to enjoy medieval parades, antique flavors and the local color of folkloric traditions and festivals. Concerts, activities and food festivals take full advantage of the warm summer temps and the refreshing evenings under the fall stars of San Lorenzo. Some of the more important events not to miss include the excitement of the Palio in Siena, the colors and enthusiasm in Montepulciano with the Bravio barrel race or mixing the sunny beaches of Campiglia Marittima and Apriti Borgo. And Tuscany wouldn't be complete if it didn't have a few tempting culinary events like our favorites the Tordello pasta and Tortelli on the grill!
With so much to choose from, we have divided this month into a few separate calendars so we can list more activities and so you can focus on what interest you the most:
No matter what corner of Tuscany you are visiting this August, you will find fantastic possibilities to enjoy genuine food and colorful reenactments.
Author's Note: This article was last updated on August 26, 2019, to make sure we're giving you up-to-date info, if the dates have not yet been announced then we indicate TBA (to be announced). If they have not yet been posted keep checking in with us...or better yet, write us on the Forum
Italy | Ferragosto | August 15th
A Summertime National Holiday
Very much celebrated throughout the entire country, the day coincides with the major Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary. But for many Italians, this is simply the celebration of summer and outdoor picnics, parties, and festivals.
Public transport works on a festive schedule. Many stores will be closed. Check hours in advance for museums, monuments, and churches.
Arezzo | FIERA ANTIQUARIA | Aug 6 - 7 & 31
Since 1968, the oldest & the biggest antique fair
Many years ago, Ivan Bruschi gave life to one of the oldest and biggest antique fairs in Tuscany...maybe even all of Italy. He transformed his love for the old, unique and precious into an event that fills the streets of Arezzo every first Sunday of the month and the Saturday that precedes it that month.
Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | 1st Sunday in August
Handcrafts & Vintage
We know they call the fair "April"-ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market in the streets of this charming town in Chianti is where you will find hand crafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence.
Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | Every 4th Sunday of August
Organic and Artisan Market
Piazza Matteotti is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing.
Siena | PALIO | Aug. 16
One of the most popular events in Siena
Offering endless emotions to both visitors and spectators alike. Horses must run three laps around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the first one arriving at the finish line (even without his jockey!) wins the race.
Read our article which offers useful tips for anyone interested in attending and visiting Siena on these occasions.
Montepulciano | CALICI SOTTO LE STELLE | Aug. 10
One of the most important taste testing events organized by Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese. Read the full calendar here.
San Casciano dei Bagni | PALIO DI SAN CASSIANO | the Sunday before August 13
It is such a silly but fun race to watch!
The villagers in this area to Siena compete against each other in popular games, waiting for the "Frog Race", the last and most eagerly awaited game! In it, participants have to push a handcart with a frog inside: if the frog jumps out of the handcart, the frog has to be recaptured and places inside before restarting the race.
M. Marittima | LIRICA IN PIAZZA | Aug. 3, 4 & 5
Music under the stars
In one of the more beautiful historic squares of Tuscany, you can lose yourself in the three musical masterpieces: Tosca, Rigoletto, and Don Pasquale. Between the quality performance, the one of a kind stage at Massa Marittima (Grosseto) and the music of Tuscany, this is an event that will leave you with special memories.
Castiglione di Garfagnana | FESTA MEDIEVALE | Aug. 3 - 4
in honor of the promise to Lucca
A tradition which has been brought back since the year 2000, a festival to honor the promise of faithfulness from the town of Castiglione di Garfagnana to the Repubblica of Lucca and that of the city of Massa Marittima. Starting a new tradition, From this year the Medieval Festival of Castiglione will take place 100% without using non-biodegradable plastic!
Montepulciano | CANTINE IN PIAZZA | Aug. 16
Stroll the city streets and taste Nobile DOCG, Rosso di Montepulciano DOC and other quality wines of the area together with olive oil, cheese, and salumi. See more info on their webpage
Radicondoli | LE NOTTI DI GIOVE | August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & Sept 5
The Mythical god Giove gives Thursday its name (Giovedi)
Every Thursday for the month of August the charming city of Radicondoli (Siena) creates a mini street fair with art, food, and outdoor entertainment to best enjoy the cool fresh evening air. Facebook Page
Montepulciano | BRAVIO DELLE BOTTI | Last Sunday of August
Traditional games that play with their winemaking tradition
The exciting race takes place along the tiny, steep streets of the village between the 8 contrade (districts) and whoever is the fastest to push their heavy wooden wine barrel (called botti in Italian) along the uphill streets of the historical center to the finish line in front of the Duomo in Piazza Grande wins the Bravio (a painted banner depicting the patron saint). Read here for more detailed information.
Roccatederighi | MEDIOEVO NEL BORGO | Aug. 1 - 4
Take a Jump back in Time
A historical and faithful reenactment of how Roccatederighi (Grosseto) was during those times, with many of the medieval buildings still in place. Three days of shows, music, and entertainment, including delicious food to offer fun and entertainment for the entire family.
Facebook Page
Sarteano | GIOSTRA DEL SARACINO | Aug. 11, 14 & 15
The performance of the "giostra" draws its origins from the ancient, bloody chivalrous tournaments that continued for centuries from the time of Charlemagne and then of the Crusades. The last solemn tournament took place in Paris on July 10, 1559, when the king of France Henry II - but here in Sarteano....
Roccatederighi | PALIO DEI CIUCHI | Aug. 14
The traditional Donkey Race
At one time the ciuchi (donkey) was an indispensable part of life for the citizens of this little town, and they celebrate the animal in some fun races.
La Valle Castiglione della Pescaia | I BUTTERI DI MAREMMA | August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & Sept 6, 13
The Italian Cowboys Ride Again
You will be able to witness the skill of the Butteri that will compete in traditional jobs and in spectacular games, all with horses, cows and calves. The best chance you’ll get to enjoy a bot of Maremma history and culture.
Pescina | SAGRA DELLA SCOTTIGLIA | Aug. TBA
In the small little town of Pescina - Seggiano (Grosseto) there is a special food festival featuring a traditional recipe of mixed meats in a rich and hearty red sauce. Bring your appetite for August 10 celebration of the Patron saint of Pescina!!
Le Piastre | CAMPIONATO DELLA BUGIA | August 3 - 4
Up for a few laughs?
You will need to brush up on your Italian - but it will be worth the effort. Florence is about to select their candidate from the Italian Liar championship! The Florentines are excellent at spinning a story - and it is your job to decide whether they are credible or not, if you are mildly fluent in the language this will be a test of your conversation skills...listen and learn!
Marina di Pietrasanta | 39th FESTIVAL LA VERSILIANA | July - August
In the enchanting setting of Versilia, between the coast and the mountains is a festival of music combining all the wonderful aspects of Tuscany, including traditional foods and the historic charm of the area.
Torre del Lago | 64th FESTIVAL PUCCINI | July-August
Bringing music, food, and culture together
A deep love lasting over thirty years linked Giacomo Puccini to the charming hamlet of Torre del Lago, which, after his death, was renamed Torre del Lago Puccini to the pride of all its inhabitants. The Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago is the only Festival in the world fully dedicated to the composer Giacomo Puccini. It takes place every summer during the months of July and August, in the very places that inspired Maestro Puccini’s immortal melodies.
Marina di Castagneto | BOLGHERI MELODY FESTIVAL | August 4, 8, 11 & 16
An enchanting area. The beachside town of Marina di Castagneto (Livorno) remembers the past while celebrating with a series of live performances and concerts, classical music, cabaret and dances aimed to create a thematic leitmotiv between culture and shows, wine and food tradition with tastings of local specialties.
Campiglia Marittima | APRITIBORGO | Aug. 11-15
During the course of 5 days, the entire village of Campiglia (Livorno) turns into an open-air live theater with street-artists performing with music, dancing, and amazing traveling shows that will leave you laughing at their captivating creativity. There will also be a handicraft market and the favorite "via del gusto" (the road of flavor) where you can enjoy local products along the way.
Official link
Volterra | VOLTERRA 1389 | August 11th and 18th
Antique Fun, Food, Games, and even the Money in this historical re-enactment
The city will be animated by fiery war-horses, fearless knights, noblemen, ladies, artisans and merchants, common people and peasants, flag wavers and crossbowmen, musicians, and jesters....if by magic they will bring back the mysterious and magic Middle Ages to Volterra. Official link
M. Carrara | GIOSTRA DELLA QUINTANA CYBEA | 1st weekend of August
A magical stage for damsels and knights
The festivities actually start on the 10th of June and have their grand final in an XVI century reenactment where each of the quarters in the small city of Massa Carrara are pitted against one another with its own horse and knight.
Pontremoli | MEDIEVALIS | Aug. 21 - 25
The Castello di Piagnaro transforms itself into magic
A traditional festival with wine and food stands, handicrafts products, shows with people dressed up in ancient costumes, and live performances
Pitigliano | SETTEMBREdiVINO | Aug. 29 & 31 & Sept. 1
Cantina & Wine cellars in Tufo
Join the amazing town of Pitigliano carved out of volcanic rock and explore their proud history of fabulous wines.
Anghiari | TOVAGLIA A QUADRI | August 25 -28
Have a seat at the table and enjoy the show
A festival that evokes events and characters from the past belonging to the culture and traditions of Anghiari, narrated by the locals through wise, funny and sometimes irreverent stories, music rhymes and Tuscan sayings. The public will have the chance to taste the culture of an amazing and mysterious place savoring the flavors of the delicious local recipes, all served with good wine! ;-) Only in Italian - and reservations are required.
Badia Tedalda | PALIO & SALITA DIVINA | Aug. 14
the black monks of San Benedetto in the hills of Arezzo
In one of the furthest eastern corners of Tuscany, this festival will have you picking sides as you watch the traditional horse tournament to win the Palio (a cloth banner), it is a special path along the historical center during visitors become immersed in another time.
Chiusi della Verna | SAGRA DEL TARTUFO | Aug. 14 - 18
Truffles in every imaginable way. This local specialty heralds from Chiusi della Verna in the province of Arezzo and in the hills of Casentino. It is a culinary specialty which will delight your taste buds for sure. Check the calendar for lunch and dinner times, no reservation needed - just a hefty appetite. Click here for the menu and hours
Corezzo | SAGRA DEL TORTELLO ALLA LASTRA | Aug. 12-14
This is absolutely not to be missed if you are in Casentino in August - every year on the same dates, so make plans next year for this local delicacy. Tasty super-sized potato-filled ravioli were traditionally cooked on a heated stone but now they are grilled on a "lastra" or sheet of heated metal ... definitely one of a kind! Click here for the program
Sansepolcro | PALIO DELLA BALESTRA | August 31 & September 1, 3, 4 & 8
just east of Arezzo, rich with re-enactments
A crossbow contest between the men of Gubbio and Sansepolcro who dress in medieval costumes and use antique weapons (on the last Sunday in May, in fact, the crossbowmen of Sansepolcro travel to Gubbio in Umbria for the first match of the Palio)
Montecatini | INCANTO LIBERTY | Aug. 13 - 15
The magic of the Races
Travel back to a time of carefree abandon, the time of “Liberty” and undeniable elegance: the carriages, the horses, the jockeys, the walks and dinners all in the unforgettable Liberty Style. Official link
Stazzema | SAGRA DEL MAGNIFICO TORDELLO | Aug. 12-13 & 19-20
Looking for the authentic food flavors of Tuscany? Then head over to the quaint town of Stazzema for a steaming plate of hand-rolled pasta filled with beef, pork, swiss chard and served with ragù...a true specialty of the area.
Vicopisano | FESTA MEDIEVALE DI VICOPISANO | Aug 31 & Sept 1
Adults and kids join in the fun in the province of Pisa
At the Rocca del Brunelleschi, the fun is on! Including many events especially aimed at kids plus an authentic medieval-style dinner, organized in the square in front of the Palazzo Pretorio, surrounded by the rare beauty of the historical center of Vicopisano, with its massive Fortress designed by Brunelleschi as the backdrop.
Venturina Terme | BAVARIA FEST | Aug. 23 - Sept 8
a mix of cultures
Towards Livorno, on the coast of Tuscany, the festival (Bavaria Fest) has brought Bavarian culture and gastronomy to Tuscany. As you enjoy the delights of a Bavarian-style restaurant, sipping a beer mug, you can enjoy a bit of the magic of the Oktoberfest tradition: every night Bavarian music alternates with international music, a typical German original orchestra will perform at the Beer Festival and will entertain you with cheerful Bavarian music, prosit and fun gags
Cortona | CORTONATIQUARIA | Aug. 24 - Sept 8
57th Edition
Cortonantiquaria returns, the oldest in Italy, and you will find the city of Cortona immerses itself in an atmosphere of other centuries. The show gives everyone the dream of going back in time by doing strictly vintage shopping. An event of great value for the Italian antique market, and extraordinary longevity that places it among the most prestigious events in Italy.
Pescia | PALIO DEGLI ARCIERI | Aug 25 - Sept 1
Festivities start a week earlier (August 27) with authentic reenactments of the old games and culinary competitions among the districts of the town, historical parades, drummers and flag-throwers exhibitions. The town is covered into the bright colors of the rival rioni, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the week. On the first Sunday of the month, the grand finale plays out, the Archery Palio: 4 archers per district will be competing against each other to win the treasured banner.
Nozzano | IL CASTELLO RIVIVE | Aug 30-31 & Sept 1
Nozzano, a quaint village in the province of Lucca, where you can live between reality and fantasy (August 21 & Sept 1 - 2, 2019 :: Discover Tuscany Events Calendar), in a historical reenactment in medieval style offering traditional markets, street artists, acrobats and jugglers, jesters and innkeepers ready to delight you with their medieval delicacies.
Pitigliano | SETTEMBREdiVINO | 1° weekend (August 29, 30, 31 & Sept 1, 2019)
and the Festa delle Cantine in southern Tuscany
Takes place over 4 days starting on the Thursday before the first weekend in September. (Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2019 :: Discover Tuscany Events Calendar). This fun little play on words - a Divine September - or a September filled with wine. Either way, it is a fascinating way to get to know the wine cellars of this town carved from stone.
