CANAL/The Venice Effect
July 26–August 4
‘Little Venice’ area of Livorno
An extravaganza of dance, theatre, literature and music, aiming to reconstruct the essence of Venice in the evocative La Venezia area of Livorno. 80 events are in store, including DJ sets, street artists, marching bands and exhibits. More info at www.livornoeffettovenezia.it.
STARS/Calici di Stelle
August 10
Wineries and piazzas in Tuscany
Every year in August, San Lorenzo’s tears (or, to be more prosaic, the Perseid meteor shower), light up the sky. Take the opportunity to watch them with a glass of Tuscan wine in your hand at many wineries and piazzas across the region, which are also offering music, telescope viewings, fireworks and more. See www.movimentoturismovino.it.
FESTIVAL/Musicastrada
Until August 21
Pisa, Livorno, Grosseto and Florence
A free festival with sounds ranging from jazz and blues to tango, folk and pop. Frankie Chavez, Luiz Lima BZ 4et, Leroy Emmanuel Band and Arnesi are just a shortlist of artists set to perform. Visit www.musicastrada.it for more.
EAT/Festa del Mugello
Until August 10
ObiHall Theatre, Lungarno Aldo Moro, Florence
Enjoy the tastes of the Mugello without ever leaving Florence at this daily summer BBQ at the ObiHall. Every evening from 7pm, the outdoor area will come alive with games and magicians for children, tango, live music, sports matches on a giant screen and a full range of traditional food from the Mugello. See www.festadelmugello.com.
MEAT/Sagra della Bistecca
August 14 and 15
Cortona
Enjoy a village-wide BBQ in this beautiful historic town. Huge steaks will be cooked on a 14-metre long grill, as well as sausages and other meats, accompanied by excellent local wines. See www.cortonaweb.net.
VIEW/Terrazza con vista
Until September 30
Various rooftops in Florence
Could there be anything more idyllic than sipping a cocktail while admiring the view over the roofs of Florence? Numerous panoramic rooftops in Florence will be open to the public for an aperitivo, dinner or simply to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view. There is also a photography competition, including an Instagram section. See www.firenzeturismo.it for details and a list of rooftops.
HOLIDAY/Ferragosto
August 15
Throughout Italy
Florence will be nearly void of Italians on this national holiday, with shops and restaurants shut as everyone heads to the seaside or mountain retreats. Previously a religious holiday, celebrating Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, it now tends to be a good excuse to escape muggy cities and relax under the summer sun.
CONCERTS/Estate al Bargello
Until Sept 22
Bargello museum, Florence
The courtyard of the beautiful Bargello museum will be filled with musical, dance and theatre performances all summer. August highlights include Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro on August 4 and a George Gershwin sax quartet on August 17. See http://tinyurl.com/bm4yfqg for more.
RACE/Siena’s Palio
August 16
Piazza del Campo, Siena
This famous historic horse race pits the city’s contrade against each other each year as horses race at breakneck speed along a dirt track round the beautiful piazza del Campo in a dangerous yet centuries-old tradition. Those willing to brave the August sun can head to the square early in the day to get a standing spot in the centre. See www.ilpalio.org for info.
MARBLE/Siena Cathedral’s floors uncovered
August 18-October 27
Siena Cathedral
The Duomo’s beautiful marble floors will be uncovered over the summer, giving visitors a rare chance to see these historic artworks. The cathedral will also be open late on Saturdays, from 8pm till midnight. See www.operaduomo.siena.it for more.
CARNIVAL/Summer parade in Viareggio
August 24
Viareggio town centre
The city famed for its February carnival parade is holding a summer edition! A series of floats celebrating the colours, sounds and fun of summer, and the beauty of the area, will wind through the town on August 24. Viareggio is also holding a series of summer events in the surrounding days: see www.arcobalenodestate.it.
SUMMER/Estate Fiorentina
All summer
Various places in Florence
It’s fun, fun, fun in Florence this summer! Contemporary dance, live concerts, open air cinema, international artists, children’s shows and more in various locations around Florence including Villa Strozzi and the Bargello museum, as well as gardens and piazzas in the city. Find out more at www.firenzestate.it.
