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 events in Florence and Tuscany this October.
FUTURISTIC/Internet Festival
October 9–12
Various locations in Pisa
The theme of this year’s festival is Forms of the Future. How will the Internet affect the future? What will be the repercussions on our quality of life, businesses and culture? These are some of the key questions that will be addressed during the wide array of lectures, discussions, workshops, films, readings and dozens of other free events throughout Pisa. #IF2014 pays tribute to the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei, during the 450th anniversary of his death. Find out more at www.internetfestival.it.
DISCOVER/WoLakota
October 6–26
Palazzo Medici Riccardi, via Cavour, 5, Florence
Free entry to the ethnographic exhibition about one group of Native American Indians, the Lakota Sioux, which is open daily from 10am to 7pm. In addition to a number of lectures in Palazzo Medici Riccardi, on October 6 there will be a music night in the restaurant Tamerò in the Santo Spirito neighbourhood, followed by a dinner (25 euro; reserve a place at info@tamero.it). Take part in a workshop with Tim Murphy, who specialises in Native American artwork, as well as other activities. See theflr.net/wolakota.
FOLK/Musica dei Popoli
Until November 11
Auditorium Flog, via M. Mercati, 24b, Florence
Music and dance from around the world come to Florence for some ethnically rich evenings. Highlights include the new voice of Africa, Nigerian Seun Kuti, son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who will perform with Egypt 80 on October 18; a taranta evening with music and dance from Italy and Mali; and a night featuring a ‘griot,’ a West African storyteller and musician. More information at www.flog.it.
BOOK/When the World Answered
October 22 – 6.30pm
Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, via Orsanmichele, 4, Florence
When the World Answered: Florence, Women Artists and the 1966 Flood is the latest book from The Florentine Press, which furthers the quest of the Advancing Women Artists Foundation to reveal works by women in the city. Linda Falcone and Jane Fortune will present their new book describing works by numerous women whose stories and interviews offer a personal look at twentieth-century creativity in Italy. Please sign up to attend at http://floodladies-talk.eventbrite.it.
BUY/Shop till you drop!
October 16–19
Fortezza da Basso, Florence
Calling all shopaholics in Florence! From furniture to books, clothes and health products, the array of luxury goods promises something for every taste. Over the four days, there will also be numerous other events such as food tastings, aperitivos, DJ sets and photo projections. Visit www.fieradifirenze.com for details.
DELICIOUS/Volterragusto
October 25–26, 31 + November 1–2
Volterra town centre
Discover fresh seasonal flavours at the white truffle autumn festival in the picturesque town of Volterra, featuring freshly pressed oil, truffles, wine and cheese, an entertaining cheese-rolling competition known as the Palio dei Caci, a truffle hunt and plenty of music. Read more at www.volterragusto.com.
ART/Spotlight on the twentieth century
October 28–March 8, 2015
Gallery of Modern Art, Pitti Palace, Florence
To celebrate its centennial, the Gallery of Modern Art is hosting a few chapters of its twentieth-century heritage in the ballroom and music room of the winter quarters. These will include masterpieces by Carlo Carrà, Baccio Maria Bacci, Alberto Savinio, Marino Marini, Libero Andreotti, Antonio Maraini and many other prominent individuals of Italian figurative culture. Visit www.unannoadarte.it for further information.
SPOOKY/Ghosts and ghouls
October 25–31
Borgo a Mozzano town centre (Lucca)
For a haunting Halloween, the oldest and biggest frightening celebration in Italy is not for the fainthearted. Take your pick: Walk of Terror is certain to have you looking over your shoulder for days; Black Night features interactive mystery games for families; on Ghost Experiment night, participants study the paranormal using a variety of equipment. There are far more, so take a look at www.halloweencelebration.it, if you dare!
DISCUSS/La Pietra Dialogues
Until November 6
NYU Florence, Villa la Pietra, via Bolognese, 120
This series covers a wide range of topics, from a dialogue with Egyptian activist Esraa Abdel Fattah on October 2 to a talk from Cesura and Terraproject about documentary photography. Also included in this autumn’s events are film screenings at the Spazio Alfieri on October 7, 13 and 20. RSVP is required for all lectures: lapietra.reply@nyu.edu. See www.lapietradialogues.org for more information.
DANCE/Twist and Shout!
October 18 – 9.30pm
Viper Theatre, via Pistoiese, Florence
The best 50s and 60s party is back in town! Twist and shout to the irresistible beats of rock ‘n’ roll, doo wop and blues. If you’re finding it difficult to tease your hair into a super 60s style, there will be help on hand from Ketty—Vintage Style—Cinieri, who can pin it up in true vintage fashion as well as do your make-up for free. Studio la Rosa dance school will be there to give lessons in 50s dance styles. See www.viperclub.eu for more information.
