Calendar of Events

Arte Fiera. Last weekend of January. Dedicated to contemporary art, with exhibitions and events throughout the city.

Children’s Carnival. February. Allegorical floats and parades in the city centre

Children’s Book Fair, at Bolognafiere. The most important of its kind in the world.

Live Arts Week. Early April. 3rd week April. Festival dedicated to contemporary performing arts.

Madonna di San Luca Ascension Day. Heartfelt festival in honour of the icon of the Virgin in San Luca, with a procession through the city.

Future Film Festival Late May. International festival of cinema, animation and new technologies.

Diverdeinverde 3 days, late May. Private gardens in Bologna and surrounding hills open to the public.

Bè Bolognaestate June-September. Summer programme of music, art and theatre throughout the city.

Il Cinema Ritrovato Late June/early July. Celebration of film classics with screenings, including rare movies, in various cinemas and on Piazza Maggiore.

Danzaurbana September. International festival dedicated to contemporary dancing.

Bologna, La Strada del Jazz Mid-September. Jazz concerts and events in the Quadrilatero.

Festa di San Petronio 4 October. Feast of the patron saint with concerts and other events taking place from 1st−4th October.

Bologna Jazz Festival October−November. Almost a month of concerts with well-known Italian and international jazz artists.

Gender Bender Late October/early November. International interdisciplinary festival dedicated to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Trekking Urbano Bologna Last weekend October. Guided tours to discover Bologna and surroundings.

Cioccoshow November. Four- or five-day event dedicated to top-quality chocolate, with tastings, stalls, cooking lessons, etc.

Motor Show December. Showcasing cars and motorbikes manufactured in the region and elsewhere.

New Year’s Eve 31 December. DJ music, street food and the burning of an effigy (‘Vecchione’) herald the New Year.