Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best of them. In addition to the events described here, for current and upcoming art exhibits, see Fall Exhibits in Tuscany.
SHOPPING/ Vogue’s Fashion Night Out
September 18, shops in the centre of Florence
Shop till you drop! In addition to late-night shopping, many stores in Florence will host special events, such as free make-up classes at Sephora, a special sale of personalised Samsung phone covers at phone stores, as well as several initiatives to raise money for earthquake-hit Emilia. For details, see http://vfno2012.vogue.it
KIDS/Bimbi e Natura
September 15, Corsini Gardens, piazzale di Porta al Prato 37, Florence
All-day entertainment for your wee ones, with play areas, outdoor games, music and educational activities to keep your little angels busy while you attend workshops and discussions with a host of paediatricians, educators and psychologists, who will provide parents with valuable child-rearing advice. (For Italian speakers.) For information, consult www.bimbienatura.it
VINO/ Wine Town Firenze
September 21 to 22, various locations in the centre of Florence
A weekend of wine tasting in Florence! Gather some friends, buy a wine card from a kiosk (15 euro, includes a glass), and explore the more than 100 wines on offer, products of some of the top international winemakers. In 15 piazzas, palazzos and cloisters, including Palazzo Pitti and the Bargello, with music and other performances. Find details here: www.winetown.it
TOUR/Open Day
September 24 and 25, book by September 17, Florence
Visit the American universities of Florence and get an inside look at the historic buildings, such as Villa La Pietra and Palazzo Levi, that now house them. Guided tours (in English and Italian) and American-style refreshments. The initiative is part of the City of Florence’s Anno Vespucciano, in which The Florentine is participating through a monthly column during 2012. For reservations and details, call 055/768622.
TUNES/Mercati in Musica
Until September 22, historic market places of Florence
The city’s historic markets provide the backdrop for a series of concerts, with music ranging from rock to gospel. Free, live evening performances will take place among the market stalls, which will stay open on concert nights. For the full programme, see www.mercatiinmusica.com
FARM/ Expo Rurale Toscana
September 20 to 23, Cascine park, via delle Cascine, Florence
The countryside is coming to the city. Leave the bustling historic centre and get a taste of rural Tuscany as hundreds of animals, including chickens, horses, cows, pigs and rabbits, arrive at Florence’s Cascine park. Learn how to milk a cow, make bread, salt anchovies and build an eco-friendly house, then have a traditional Tuscan picnic on the grass. Find more information at www.exporurale.it
OUT OF TOWN/ Anima Mundi
Until September 28, 9pm, piazza Duomo, Pisa
What more peaceful and uplifting way to spend an evening that hearing the notes of sacred music fill Pisa’s stunning cathedral and camposanto. The programme, seven free concerts held at the Pisa Duomo and the magnificent Camposanto Monumentale, features religious music by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Schubert and Britten. For details, see www.opapisa.it
TRUFFLES/ Sagra del tartufo del Girone
Until September 30, from 7:30pm, piazza Pertini, Girone, Fiesole
You can’t beat a good sagra for tasting local foods while exploring Tuscany off the beaten track, and this truffle festival is one of the best. Taste these powerful delicacies as spreads, on pasta or pizza, or cooked in a dozen other inventive ways. Run by local volunteers, the sagra also features live music and other entertainment. For details, call 055/6593712 or email sezione.girone@croceazzurra.org
UPCOMING
ROCK/Iggy Pop
September 27, 7:30pm, piazza della Repubblica, Florence
The rock legend is performing free in piazza della Repubblica, with his band The Stooges. Be prepared for a naked, sinewy torso, some microphone hurling and a lot of yelling. It’s sure to be a fun evening! Find details at www.hardrock.com
CHARITY/Corri La Vita
September 30, preregistration required
Every year Florentines and visitors alike race through the centre of the city to support the fight against breast cancer. For non-runners, there is also a 5km non-competitive walk through the Boboli Gardens and other city landmarks. Last year over 25,000 people participated, raising 300,000 euro for the cause. Help reach this number again, and register now by calling 055/223907 or emailing esterdileo@gmail.com. More details at www.corrilavita.it
DISCOVERY/Luogi Insoliti
September 30, October 28, November 25; reservations by September 21
Discover the secret places of Florence on these exceptional free tours. Palazzo Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati (seat of the president), Casa Rodolfo Siviero (former home of a secret agent) and the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova are well off the tourist track but nonetheless fascinating both for their beauty and history. Spaces are limited, so book early by calling 055/4385616 or emailing luoghi.insoliti@regione.toscana.it
CONCERT/Noel Gallagher
October 5, 9pm, Obihall theatre, via Fabrizio De André, Florence
Stop crying your heart out … Noel Gallagher is coming to Florence! The ex-Oasis singer may have left the group, but he still puts on an awesome show. The tickets won’t last long, and this one is not to be missed. Buy tickets at www.ticketone.it
