October 2026 in Florence and the surrounding area
Artemisia Gentileschi, the millennia-old Festival of Saint Luca, the "50 Days of Cinema in Florence", the new EVO oil, and much more.
October Traditions
On Sunday, October 18, 2026, in the medieval village of Calenzano Alto, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the traditional historical reenactment “Calenzano 1325—Siege of the Castle” will take place, featuring a historical procession, flag-wavers, medieval music and dancing, and games for children. On the same day, the thousand-year-old San Luca Fair (October 10–18) comes to a close in Impruneta; one of Europe’s oldest fairs, with over a thousand years of history, the San Luca Fair has its roots in the transhumance of shepherds, who stopped in Impruneta during their journey from the Apennines to the Maremma. During the fair, the historic center comes alive with art exhibitions, markets, craft workshops, and cultural and recreational events, including a carnival and a fireworks display.
We also highlight October 8 in Florence, when a ceremony in the Duomo and a parade by the Corteo Storico Fiorentino reenact the traditional celebrations for Saint Reparata, who, when invoked, answered the people’s prayers—when, in 406, the invasion of the Gothic barbarians reached the city gates—and led the Roman army to victory and Florence to safety. The saint is, in fact, the city’s ancient patroness, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built on the foundations of the ancient church dedicated to her—probably the first Christian church erected in the city.
Top Events in October 2026
1.Exhibitions and cultural events
The first weekend of the month features outdoor exhibitions. From October 2 to 4, 2026, you can take a stroll through the beautiful Giardino dell’Orticoltura during the Fall Plant and Flower Fair and Market, which features more than 70 exhibitors specializing in floriculture, horticulture, and fruit growing, as well as home decor and crafts. On October 3 and 4, we head to Piazza Santa Croce for the 27th International Ceramics Fair, where 90 artists from across Europe will exhibit their works. Meanwhile, just a few minutes away by tram, from October 3 to 11, you’ll find the grand Scandicci Fair, featuring countless events, artisans, and spaces dedicated to excellence.
The following week marks the opening of one of the flagship cultural events on the Florentine calendar: the “50 Days of Cinema in Florence” festival (October 6–December 10, 2026), during which Florence transforms into a prestigiuos stage hosting nine international film festivals, including the following in October: “Middle East Now,” “Fan Hua Chinese Festival,” “Cinema and Women,” and “France Odeon.” Designed for young people but open to everyone is the Next Generation Fest, which will return to the Teatro del Maggio on October 10, 2026; a day packed with presentations and motivational talks featuring personalities from the worlds of entertainment and sports, along with artists, communicators, entrepreneurs, and content creators. Finally, that same weekend will also feature the FAI Fall Days (October 10 and 11), the major public event that the FAI dedicates every fall to Italy’s cultural and landscape heritage.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Museo degli Innocenti, an exhibition dedicated to the first woman admitted to the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in 1616 will open: “Artemisia Gentilschi”. The exhibition will offer an opportunity to rediscover Artemisia’s connection to Florence through the works still preserved in the city today, from the “Judith with Her Maidservant” at Palazzo Pitti to the “Allegory of Inclination” at Casa Buonarroti.
2. Music and festivals
The musical scene also promises to be very exciting this month: from October 23 to 31, the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino will host the highly anticipated world premiere of the new opera“Romanzo Criminale,” based on Giancarlo De Cataldo’s bestseller. The opera features music and conducting by Nicola Piovani, a libretto by De Cataldo, and direction by Massimo Popolizio.
On October 18, the second event of the fall season of “Museums in Music” will take place, combining the music of La Filharmonie—the Florence Philharmonic Orchestra—with the extraordinary spaces of Florence’s civic museums, featuring concerts and themed guided tours (reservations required). And from October 1 to November 21, 2026, as part of Musica Everywhere, the Orchestra della Toscana will bring great music to Florence’s five districts with nine free events.
3. New EVO Oil and fall flavors
Reggello, as it does every year at this time, celebrates its “green gold”—the arrival of the new extra virgin olive oil—with the historic Reggello Extra Virgin Olive Oil Festival (now known as “ReOlio”), now in its 53rd edition (October 30–November 1, 2026). Villa Montalvo in Campi Bisenzio hosts a veritable fall playground for children, offering plenty of room for creativity and a different way to experience the season: the “Kingdom of Pumpkins and Straw” awaits you with workshops, sculptures, and food throughout the month of October.
Finally, the metropolitan area bursts with the scents and flavors of fall, featuring a wealth of events: you’ll find chestnuts in the Mugello region every Sunday in October at the “Marron Buono” market fair in Marradi, at the Chestnut and Wild Berries Festival in Palazzuolo sul Senio, and at the one in Firenzuola. As is tradition, Certaldo will host the Boccaccesca from October 8 to 11, 2026—a festival celebrating Certaldo onions and wine—which this year will feature Pinocchio as its star. And for truffle enthusiasts, truffles await you (also in the Mugello region) on October 24 and 25, 2026, at the Tartufesta in Montaione and at the white and black truffle fair in Barberino di Mugello!
The October Itinerary
Artemisia Gentileschi, Plautilla Nelli, and Elisabeth Chaplin are just a few of the women who, over the centuries, have enriched Florence’s artistic heritage through their works and their stories. Thanks to this itinerary, you can admire their masterpieces and appreciate their talent.
