Italy events festival guides

The Barcolana is not just a race; it's a maritime festival that turns Trieste into the sailing capital of Europe. With over a week of events and a spectacular race day, this guide covers everything from dates and course details to the best free viewpoints and practical tips for first-time visitors.

Discover the Sorrento Summer Festival, officially the International Summer Music Festival of Sorrento. Held at the atmospheric Cloister of San Francesco, this classical music series runs from summer into early autumn. Learn what to expect, how to find the latest programme, and how to make the most of your visit.

Combine film screenings at the Taormina Film Festival with exploring the town's key sights – from the ancient Teatro Antico and Corso Umberto I to Villa Comunale's gardens and the cable car down to Isola Bella. Our guide gives practical tips for making the most of your festival trip.

Each year on the last Sunday of August, Montepulciano hosts the Bravio delle Botti, a thrilling barrel race through its medieval streets. This guide covers the event's typical schedule, confirms that viewing is free, and highlights the best vantage points—from the start at the Marzocco Column to the dramatic finish in Piazza Grande.

Plan a trip around the Ravenna Festival, an annual summer event with opera, symphony, and sacred music in UNESCO-listed churches and historic venues.

The Historical Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics rotates annually among Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa, and Venice. When it is Amalfi's turn, the event features a historical parade from Atrani to Amalfi and a 2,000-meter rowing race starting from Cape Vettica. Learn how dates are determined and what to expect.

Discover the Carnival of Acireale, a late-winter spectacle of papier-mâché and flower floats in Sicily's baroque heart. Our guide covers its history, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.

From the Cefalù Film Festival's awards at Hotel Sea Palace to August concerts in castle courtyards and seafront stages, here's how to plan a cultural beach escape to this Sicilian town.

The Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo is an annual series of operas and events held each November. This guide covers dates, venues, program highlights, and practical trip-planning tips to help you make the most of this celebration of Gaetano Donizetti's work.

Effetto Venezia is Livorno's largest summer festival, held each year in the historic Venezia Nuova district. With music, street theater, food stalls, and events for all ages, the 41st edition took place from July 29 to August 2, 2026, under the theme 'Futuro Prossimo'.

A first-timer's guide to the Palio di Ferrara, Italy's Renaissance horse race festival. Learn about the historical procession, the eight contrade, the four races, and get practical tips to enjoy Piazza Ariostea.

Planning to attend the Giostra della Quintana in Foligno? From the free Corteo Storico to the ticketed joust at Campo de li Giochi, here are essential first-timer tips, including what to wear, how to get there, photography rules, and how to soak up the medieval atmosphere.