TASTE/TF Gelato Night!September 23, 6pm–8pmMy Sugar, via de’ Ginori 49r, Florence
Come sample artisan gelato at the newest and tastiest place on Florence’s sweet treat scene! Owned by an enthusiastic and entrepreneurial young couple, My Sugar carries lip-smacking all-natural flavors like Uncle’s Figs and Grandma’s Pumpkin, as well as classic fruity choices like strawberry, orange cream and pineapple sherbet. Flavors are strictly seasonal and sure to please even the pickiest palates. Free dessert, friends and The Florentine’s first event of the fall: what’s not to love? For more information, see the Facebook event and follow #TFgelatonight on Twitter.
FRENCH/Back to the Belle Epoque!
September 19–27, 9am–11pm
Piazza Santissima Annunziata, Florence
Relive the early days of the Moulin Rouge! The Belle Epoque is back… not in Paris, but piazza Santissima Annunziata. With Expo buzz still in the air, Florence’s Belle Epoque French Marketplace is inspired by Paris’ universal expositions of the 19th and 20th centuries. Feast on French specialties: chow down on over 80 varieties of cheese, from Mont d’Or to Rocamadour del Midi Pyrénées, and sip champagne or Bordeaux al Sidro. Add some French flair to your wardrobe or home: Parisian fashion accessories and artisan goods will be for sale. Entry is free and the showcase runs from 9am–11pm daily, except on September 18, when it will open at 4pm. For more information, see the Facebook page ‘Mercatino Francese Belle Epoque.’
DIALOGUE/Escaping North Korea September 21, 6.30pm Robert F. Kennedy International HouseVia Ghibellina 12A, FlorenceDelve into North Korean author Hyeonseo Lee’s memoir La Ragazza dai Sette Nomi in an evening of discussion (in English) with the author and two special guests. Years ago, Lee left her home country, where she’d been raised by well-to-do parents who made her believe that North Korea was the best place in the world. Aiming to connect with long-lost relatives in China, she abandoned everything she knew, unsure of what the future would hold. Luciano Bozzo, International Relations professor at the University of Florence, and Frank La Rue, executive director of the RFK Human Rights Europe, will join the author. For more information, call 055/5389250.
RUNWAY/Vogue Fashion’s Night OutSeptember 17, from 7pmVia Tornabuoni and central Florence
Take part in a fabulous start to fall in Florence with the seventh edition of Fashion’s Night Out, a global celebration of style. Florence’s merrymaking will be anchored in its major high-fashion street, via Tornabuoni, and all throughout the center, shops will stay open late, hosting cocktail parties, art installations and DJ sets. But it’s not just for party people: there’s a charitable side to many of the events, like Fratelli Piccini’s family-friendly artisan gelato tasting (7–11pm), where funds will be collected for the European Institute of Oncology and the Meyer Pediatric Hospital. Additionally, the Robert F. Kennedy International House will host a pre-party aperitivo and panel discussion (in Italian) on fashion and human rights (6.30pm). For riverfront people-watching and more fabulous fun, head to Rivalta Café (7pm) for a Krisme DJ set and cocktails. #VFNO offers the perfect excuse to dress up, people-watch and treat central Florence as a personal catwalk.
NETWORK/Epic Failures Conference September 17, 7pm Tasso Hostel, via Villani 15, Florence
The road to professional success is paved with false starts, setbacks and the occasional epic failure. Most entrepreneurs and trailblazers have taken nonlinear paths, yet often gloss over the gritty details of their stories. Now in its second edition, the Epic Failures Conference is a networking platform that celebrates the silver linings of professional detours. Speakers span a range of backgrounds, generations and industries but have one thing in common: a willingness to share their stories, warts and all. Advance tickets are 10 euro (aperitivo included).
CIRCUS/Cirk Fantastik
September 17–27 Cascine Park, viale degli Olmi/piazzale del Re, Florence
This contemporary circus festival is far more than just ‘clowning around.’ Prize-winning performers will come to the Cascine from all corners of the globe: Belgium-born group MagdaClan’s new cabaret project will make an appearance. Cirko Paniko, the very first contemporary circus group in Italy, will light up the stage. Danish group Karl Stets promises a comical show, calling themselves ‘professional absurdists: we look for the most complicated way to accomplish simple missions.’ Concerts, children’s activities and clowns (proceed with caution) are all part of the program, too. See details at www.cirkfantastik.com.
