Florence 2026: All the Major Events of the Year

The highlights of 2026: Rothko exhibition, Firenze Rocks, Antiquarian Biennale.

As tradition dictates, we welcome the new year with a detailed list (constantly updated) of things to do in Florence and around in 2026: traditional festivals, new exhibitions, sporting events, and all the highlights. Grab a pen and mark your calendar for all the city’s unmissable events.

January 2026 
It’s the perfect time to visit the last weeks of the major exhibitions closing soon, such as Beato Angelico, open until January 26 at Palazzo Strozzi and the Museo di San Marco, and The Renaissance of Paolo Uccello, open until January 25 at the Museo Masaccio di Arte Sacra in Reggello. Florentine traditions enliven the city with the Feast of San Zanobi on January 26, when the Historical Parade of the Florentine Republic and the Uffizi Flag-wavers march through the historic center, and with the romantic Festa dei Doni on January 31, when the Uffizi Gallery offers a 2-for-1 ticket for couples.

The events calendar also features major fairs: Pitti Immagine at the Fortezza da Basso from January 13 to 23, a symbol of international fashion, and Vini Migranti on January 25 and 26 at the Stazione Leopolda, with over 90 wine producers from around the world. Finally, for those wanting to explore All Around Florence, until January 6 the Cerreto Ciock in Cerreto Guidi offers a journey into the wider Tuscany.

February 2026 
A month full of events! It’s the perfect time (if you haven’t already) to immerse yourself in Toulouse-Lautrec – A Journey into Belle Époque Paris at the Museo degli Innocenti, open until February 22, or the immersive Frida Kahlo – Emotion Exhibition at the Cattedrale dell’Immagine, open from January 1 to March 29. Traditions light up the city with the Grand Carnival Parade on February 1, a burst of colors and masks in the heart of the historic center.

Many fairs take place: Taste at the Fortezza da Basso from February 7 to 9, dedicated to gourmet excellence; Danzainfiera from February 20 to 22, an international dance fair with shows and masterclasses; Chianti Classico Collection on February 16 and 17 at the Stazione Leopolda, and Testo – How to Become a Book from February 27 to March 1, for book lovers and publishing enthusiasts.
Sports and tradition lovers won’t be disappointed: Firenze-Pistoia on February 1, a historical cycling event commemorating Italy’s first race in 1870, and the Calcio Storico Partita dell’Assedio on February 17 at Piazza Santa Croce, an unmissable event to experience Florence’s living history.

March 2026
Among the unmissable events, the Palazzo Strozzi Foundation presents from March 14 to August 23, 2026, one of the most important exhibitions ever dedicated in Italy to Mark Rothko (1903-1970), a master of modern American art. Another Florentine tradition is celebrated with the Florentine New Year on March 25, a festive and atmospheric event for citizens and visitors.

The month also features international fairs and festivals: Korea Film Festival from March 19 to 28, Europe Project Week at the Fortezza da Basso from March 19 to 21, and the fun Florence Games Festival on March 21 and 22, combining gaming, innovation, and culture. Athletes can participate in or attend the Half Marathon on March 29, while those interested in local traditions can enjoy the medieval Carnivals, particularly the Carnival of San Casciano on March 29.

April 2026 
A month full of colors and blossoms! City celebrations begin with the Scoppio del Carro on Sunday, April 5, the spectacular Easter ceremony that lights up Piazza del Duomo, while the Iris Garden opens on April 25, offering the colors and scents of the Florentine spring.
Fairs and festivals provide unique experiences: the Spring Plant and Flower Market from April 25 to May 1 in the scenic Giardino dell’Orticoltura, and MIDA from April 25 to May 3, a fair fully dedicated to handicrafts, design and innovation.
For All Around Florence enthusiasts, on April 3 in Grassina (Bagno a Ripoli) there is a captivating historical reenactment of the Passion of Christ, just minutes from Florence.

May 2026 
The month opens with the Trofeo Marzocco on May 1, an exciting flag-waving competition celebrating the art and precision of a historic Florentine tradition, along with the prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival, Italy’s oldest, kicking off its season of operas, concerts, and choirs at the theater of the same name.
Families and young visitors can enjoy Firenze dei Bambini , the city’s annual event for children and teens with workshops, shows, and creative activities.

For those exploring All Around Florence: the 31st Medieval Festival in Malmantile (Lastra a Signa), the Toscanello d’Oro wine festival in Pontassieve, and Buongiorno Ceramica events (especially in Montelupo Fiorentino), where history, culture, and gastronomy merge into unforgettable experiences. Motorcycle enthusiasts can enjoy the MotoGP at Mugello from May 29 to 31, one of the most anticipated motorsport events of the year attracting fans from across Europe.

June 2026 
The city celebrates its history with the San Giovanni fireworks on June 24 and the Calcio Storico tournament. Music lovers can enjoy the famous Firenze Rocks from June 12 to 14, 2026, at the Visarno Arena, with an international lineup: Lenny Kravitz on June 12 (also featuring Salmo), Robbie Williams on June 13, and The Cure on June 14, alongside Mogwai, The Twilight Sad, and Just Mustard for a Sunday full of rock and alternative sounds. 
The 37th Florence Dance Festival brings dance excellence to the city.
Summer continues with the start of the events for Estate Fiorentina and Estate Fiesolana, while the “Ville e Giardini Incantati” series offers concerts by the Regional Orchestra of Tuscany in Medici Villas in Florence and the surrounding area.

July 2026
Concert lovers can experience Musart in the Parco Mediceo di Pratolino, an opportunity to enjoy music and nature in a stunning setting. Florentine traditions continue with the Historical Parade for Sant’Anna on July 26, transporting citizens and visitors into the colors and history of the past, along with Firenze dall’Alto, the opening of historic towers and city walls.

For atmosphere enthusiasts, July features unmissable events All Around Florence: La Notte di Isabella in Cerreto Guidi from July 4 to 5, 2026, a captivating event that takes the town back to July 1576, when Isabella, Cosimo I de’ Medici’s favorite daughter, reached her husband at the Medici villa; and the XX Festa dell’Unicorno in Vinci from July 10 to 12, 2026, three days of fantasy, cosplay, shows, and games for visitors of all ages.

August 2026
August in Florence is warm and quiet. Unlike the Tyrrhenian coast, the city empties, leaving space for relaxing activities like exploring lakes, rivers, and pools. On August 10, the day of the falling stars of San Lorenzo, Florence’s co-patron, the San Lorenzo district transforms into a true popular festival with free pasta ragù, watermelon, and DJ sets under the basilica.
 
At the end of the month, the surroundings of Florence offer magical atmospheres with theAntica Fiera di Signa featuring the blaze of the wall tower and the Suoni e Colori in Toscana Festival in Rignano.

September 2026 
A month full of traditions, art, and celebrations across the city and surroundings. The Festa della Rificolona on September 7 lights up the streets with colorful paper lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere for children and adults alike, while the Carro Matto parade on the fourth Saturday of the month, celebrating the arrival of new wine, animates the city with joy and folklore.
Art lovers cannot miss the 34th BIAF – Biennale dell’Antiquariato from September 26 to October 4 at Palazzo Corsini, an unmissable event for collectors and enthusiasts, and the Genius Loci Festival – Discovering Santa Croce. 
On the last Sunday of the month, running and walking enthusiasts can participate in Corrilavita, Italy’s leading charity event combining sport, culture, and solidarity! For those exploring folklore, All Around Florence offers Diotto of Scarperia on September 8, the spectacular 99th Grape Festival in Impruneta with its parade of floats, and the Giostra della Stella, 48th edition of the Palio delle Contrade in Bagno a Ripoli.

October 2026 
The 50 Giorni di Cinema begins, bringing nine top-level international film festivals to Florence, and the International Ceramics Fair arrives in Piazza Santa Croce on the first weekend of October. 
In the surroundings, the 28th Boccaccesca in Certaldo highlights local food and crafts, starting with Certaldo onions, alongside a lot of chestnuts fairs and exhibitions, especially in the Mugello area.

November 2026 
Every November, the city hosts the L’Eredità delle Donne Festival, dedicated to female empowerment and skills, inspired by the city’s muse, the Electress of the Palatinate. The Florence Marathon, the main national road race and one of the top 20 marathons in the world for its scenic route, also takes place.
Visitors can enjoy the traditional Nordic Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce (starting around November 20) with mulled wine and sausages, along with olive oil festivals in All Around Florence

December 2026 
On December 8, Florence kicks off its Christmas season with the lighting of the city’s main Christmas trees, starting with the one in front of the Duomo. Florence Lights Up, the light festival, illuminates major monuments such as Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio, while the Florence on Ice Village with the Ferris wheel and skating rink at Fortezza da Basso creates a magical atmosphere.
Christmas also extends All Around Florence, with Empoli as the Christmas City and Via dei Presepi in Castelfiorentino and Cerreto Guidi. 

And what about December 31? Everyone gathers in Florence’s squares for a citywide New Year’s Eve celebration!