Festivals and Seasonal Events in Tuscany

folklore

Main Events in Tuscany

A brief introduction to the main events across Tuscany that take place every year, divided by season.

Events Calendar

View upcoming festivals, fairs and celebrations across Tuscany on our shared Google calendar!

exhibits

Current Exhibits in Tuscany

An interesting overview on the main current art exhibitions taking place all over Tuscany at the moment.

wine

Exciting Events in September: jousts & races

Throughout September, Tuscany events are dressed in the bright colors of the many historic contests: Joust in Arezzo & donkey races in Asciano. You will find many events & activities, concerts & food festivals to visit during your vacation.

piazzas

Main Music Festivals in Tuscany in the Summer

Visiting Tuscany during the summer is a great occasion both to discover the region as well as enjoy many concerts and events under the Tuscan sky. The main festivals are: Lucca Summer Festival, Pistoia Blues, the Puccini Festival and the Opera Festival.

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Medieval Fairs In Tuscany

Beautiful villages in Tuscany are the perfect setting for Medieval festivals and fairs organized throughout the year. Here we've listed the main ones coming up in the next few months.

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Lucca and the Holy Cross Celebration

If you've never been to the Holy Cross Celebration in Lucca, this could be the perfect occasion to explore the marvellous city of Lucca and take part in this suggestive manifestation when the city is lit up with candles and lamps, offering a gorgeous sight!

folklore

Top 5 Activities in Tuscany this Fall

Tuscany is unique and special in the months of September, October and November.  This is the time to enjoy discovering Autumn flavors, colors and activities with the crisp temps, shorter days and the harvest of a prosperous summer.  Read our suggestions of things to do while in Tuscany during the months of fall.

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Tastes of Fall

Tuscany usually turns yellow and ochre in Autumn, offering an amazing landscape. During this season our region also celebrates all its most renowned food products, thanks to which it has gained its international claim, so if you drop by Tuscany, get ready to discover a coloured and beautiful nature and...stuff yourself with all kind of delicacies!

October Events & Food Festivals in Tuscany

A selected list of the most important events in Tuscany throughout the month of October: food festivals, cultural celebrations, recreational activities for children and grown-ups, all aimed at the discovery of the culinary and traditional customs of the region.

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November Events in Tuscany

All the most important events taking place in Tuscany throughout the month of November: food festivals, art exhibitions, sport and cultural shows that will let you delve deeper into the wonderful world of Tuscany in the fall.

folklore

Events in December & Magic of the Holidays

Christmas is getting closer and Tuscany is getting ready to kick off one of the most exciting times of year: a month full of festivals and events celebrating Christmas, but also food, culture and music all across Tuscany throughout the entire month of December.

folklore

Christmas Markets in Tuscany

Are you travelling around Tuscany during December and want to enjoy the Christmas festivities? Enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas markets, including Santa Claus' North Pole Christmas villages, set up across the region. We have some of the main markets, city by city, in this article. The hard part will be deciding where to go!

piazzas

New Year's Eve in Tuscany

Are you planning to wait for the new year's arrival in Tuscany? Here you'll find all the events organized in the main Tuscan cities for the New Year's Eve.

Christmas in Tuscany: What to See & Where to Go

Have no fear, Christmas and the holidays in Tuscany are filled with lots of fun activities, events, concerts and food festivals. Continue reading to find how to best navigate the many holiday calendars, Christmas markets, and New Year's Eve events all over Tuscany.

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Events in January in Tuscany

The last of the Christmas festivals, food and musical events, art and photo exhibits throughout the month of January in Tuscany: a rich calendar of events for making the most of your time in Tuscany in winter!

what to do

Top 5 Winter Activities in Tuscany

Don’t let those winter temps dissuade you from enjoying the best of Tuscany. Here are 5 activities which are sure to brighten up your holiday vacation during the chillier months of the year, letting you experience a special side of Tuscany.

The Festive Air of February in Tuscany

February is the month of Carnival and Tuscany always draws a crowd of people that eagerly await the many celebrations spread out all over the region. February also means special romance around San Valentine's Day, although Tuscany offers romance year round!

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May in Tuscany: outdoor festivals, fairs and tastings

May events are all designed to welcome the Spring at its fullest, when everything is in bloom. A chance to spend time outdoors in Tuscany, celebrating local traditions and many excuses to taste local specialties, buy handicrafts and enjoy the Tuscan countryside.

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June in Tuscany: triumph of tastes!

If you're traveling to Tuscany this June, take a look at the rich calendar of events awaiting you! Here is just a roundup of the main festivals taking place throughout the month, with Pisa, Florence and Arezzo playing the starring roles!

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June, a month of festivities in Pisa

Are you planning to visit Pisa in June? This is one of the best months to visit the city of the Leaning Tower as it will be hosting many traditional events along the Arno river, from the Luminara to the Regatta of San Ranieri to the Battle of the Bridge.

san gimignano

Ferie delle Messi in San Gimignano

Knights & damsels in costume at San Gimignano every June! The medieval celebration and festival has many events, including ancient games, parades in medieval costumes and an exciting horse race where they compete to win the Gold Sword. If you're here in June, we highly recommend you head to San Gimignano to step back in time!

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Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo

Don't miss this medieval tournament that takes over Arezzo normally twice a year in June and early September. If you're here, head to Arezzo to step back into the Middle Ages.

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Regatta of San Ranieri in Pisa

The regatta of San Ranieri is an interesting race in the Arno - the winner is not who arrives first but who manages to climb a rope and grab the right colored flag! An ancient custom in celebrating Pisa's patron saint feast day.

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June in Florence

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The Luminara in Pisa

The Luminara in Pisa is a special event - the city and river glows in the light of thousands of candles lit outside of palaces, churches, towers and bridges along the Arno on the eve of the feast day of San Ranieri, Pisa's patron saint.

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The Calcio Storico Fiorentino in Florence

June in Florence means Calcio Storico Fiorentino! If you're in Florence this June, don't miss the chance to catch this game of soccer, rugby and wrestling all rolled into one in Piazza Santa Croce.

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The Palio in Siena

The two annual races are just a part of what the Palio really means.  This special event, which involves the entire city of Siena, starts at birth when each child is assigned a Contrada and becomes a lifelong journey of rivalry.  Learn the more about the race.

pistoia

Pistoia Blues: Blues, Rock and Folk Music Festival

Every July, Pistoia is transformed into one of Tuscany's musical centers as it hosts the Pistoia Blues in Piazza Duomo. International artists come to Italy to entertain the public, with not just blues music but with rock and folk music as well. Take a look at the program and start planning your visit to Pistoia!

pistoia

The Giostra dell'Orso - Joust of the Bear

The Joust of the Bear, Giostra dell'Orso, takes place every July 25th in Pistoia, on the feast day for the patron saint of the city. Read about the history of this ancient tournament and some useful tips to go to see the event today.

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Mercantia, Street Art Festival in Certaldo

Enter the world of Mercantia and enjoy a wonderful journey in the splendid medieval village of Certaldo. Here you will be entertained by fantastic creatures, music, performances, street artists, theatre and much more. Many arts and crafts stands will be located along the streets within the wall.

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Effetto Venezia, Livorno's Summer Festival

"Effetto Venezia" is the most beautiful summer festival in Livorno, taking place every year at the end of July and the first days of August. On this occasion, the characteristic neighborhood called "La Venezia", or Venice, comes alive until late into the night as it hosts music, theater and entertainment for all ages. An event not to be missed!

July is the month of music in Tuscany

In July, Tuscany turns itself into an open-air stage with many music concerts all over the region. If you're traveling to Tuscany this July, you'll have the occasion to enjoy the region during one of the best periods of the year.

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August: A Month of Never Ending Surprises

August is the month when ancient traditions come back to life everywhere in Tuscany: medieval fairs and historical reenactments will be protagonists of a month dedicated to celebrate the local culture. And that's not all: culinary festivals, open-air concerts and art expositions will give you the chance to delve deeper into the extraordinary world of a region that never ceases to surprise.

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The Bravio delle Botti in Montepulciano

Il Bravio delle Botti is one of the most interesting and original festivals in Tuscany. The race consists of pushing large wine barrels uphill through the town, the finish line being in the beautiful Piazza Grande, the heart of Montepulciano. The Bravio takes place every year on the last Sunday of August. If you're around, we recommend you go see it and the parade in historical costume that precedes it.

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A Tutta Birra Beer Festival in Prato in May

The Tutta Birra Beer Festival takes place over 5 days in May with music, fun and lots of beer. Check out the calendar of concerts and make your way to one of the best events this summer. Read details on where and when.

folklore

Carnival in Tuscany: Where to go for Carnival

From February to March, Tuscany celebrates Carnival Season with a lot of fun and colorful events all around the region. Find where and when you can find the best floats and Carnival events to participate in one of the most folkloristic events in Italy.

eating & drinking

March: A Month of Sweet Celebrations

A roundup of the main events taking place all across Tuscany this March. There are a few national holidays and and many activities celebrating food, the colors of spring and Easter. Be Sure to check out our highlights before coming to Tuscany and be prepared to see it all!!

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Have Fun at the Carnival in Viareggio

All the details you need to go to the Carnival in Viareggio, the most famous and spectacular carnival in Tuscany. Information on the parades, dates and other useful details if you want to take part in the fun!

folklore

5 Reasons Why You Can't Miss Carnival in Tuscany

It might be chilly outside but the celebrations surrounding Carnevale in Tuscany will keep you plenty warm. If you are touring the region during this season, here are 5 of our best reasons why you don't want to miss the opportunity to join in the fun.

eating & drinking

Traveling to Tuscany during Easter?

If you are organizing your trip to Tuscany during the Easter holidays, look no further. Easter in Tuscany is a fun time to visit quaint towns and see some great parades. There is never a lack of events nor things to see throughout the region with Easter festivities lasting for five days. Take part in one of the many religious processions, experience historical traditions or simply enjoy your time in the city by taking advantage of the extended museum hours.

eating & drinking

Tuscany: all April Events

The first signs of spring, bring flowers, fields of grain turning green, a new menu highlight the first crops of the season, the blossoming of colors, flowers and the vineyards as well as the fields and fields of wild flowers.

florence

Explosion of the Cart Easter in Florence

The Explosion of the Cart, or Scoppio del Carro, takes place every Easter Sunday, a special celebration taking place in Florence for over 350 years. A historical parade accompanies the procession starting at 10am to Piazza del Duomo, where the Cart explodes shortly after 11am.

folklore

La Giostra

The Compagnia La Giostra, a musical group inspired by Medieval and Renaissance as well as popular and ethnic music, offers fun and entertainment at many Tuscan summer festivals.

exhibits

Discover the genius of Ambrogio Lorenzetti

In this marvelous 3 month exhibition spread across Siena, you'll get to discover the genius and beauty of the creations of Ambrogio Lorenzetti, an up to now largely unknown 14th century artist. Known for his "Good and Bad Government" fresco style in Palazzo Pubblico, there are more works to discover!