Florence’s official summer events showcase, Estate Fiorentina, is reaching fever pitch with 132 organizers, 111 projects and 6 special themed events. Here are a few of the festivals worth delving into as the mercury rises in the months ahead.
Florence Dance Festival
Having reached the 34th edition, the theme of this year’s Florence Dance Festival is Dancing in the Main Cloister dedicated to the venue at Santa Maria Novella. This festival was created to promote the art of dance, while revitalizing public spaces and using the city as a performance space. Special attention is paid to emerging choreographers and dancers and the events will continue until July 20.
Musart Festival
Top-tier culture returns to piazza Santissima Annunziata from July 16 to 26 for Musart Festival as leading names like Roberto Bolle, Venditti e De Gregori, Marco Masini, Drusilla Foer, Paolo Conte, Madame and Stewart Copeland take to the stage, in addition to access to nearby monuments and exhibitions.
Firenze dall’alto
Summer in Florence is all about the rooftops and no festival aims higher than Firenze dall’alto, which is now in its fourth edition. Concerts, talks, comedy shows, readings and guided tours are just some of the experiences on offer in 10 locations and sunset events through September 7. English-friendly highlights include the terrace at little-known Palazzo della Borsa on July 6, Caffè del Verone on August 6, Florence Observatory in Arcetri on August 24 and Torre della Zecca on September 7.
Sagrati in Musica sotto le Stelle
Outdoor concerts galore are held outside Florence’s churches throughout the summer. Head to the Misericordia by the Duomo on July 7 for a Mexican mariachi ensemble, the ornate façade of the Church of Santi Michele e Gaetano on July 8 for music from the Florence Horn Quartet and the church of Santa Maria del Carmine on July 9 for pop and rock tracks reworked in a classical key by the Oversea Orchestra. All concerts start at 9pm.
Apriti Cinema!
Light up your summer nights with open-air quality cinema in the piazza by the Uffizi. Every night between June 26 and August 7, 50 original-language films will be screened with Italian and English subtitles where possible, in partnership with Cinema La Compagnia and Quelli dell’Alfieri cultural association. Entry is free, films start at 9.45pm and seats are subject to availability. The city’s established film festivals will enjoy their own nights: Lo Schermo dell’Arte (Monday), Middle East Now (Tuesday), Festival del Popoli (Wednesday) and retrospectives on Maestro Franco Zeffirelli (Thursday) and Anna Magnani (Sunday), among others.
Italian Brass Week
Italian Brass Week is an international festival founded 20 years ago under the artistic direction of Luca Benucci, first horn of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. This year from July 23 to 28, young musicians from all over the world have the opportunity to strengthen their skills through a week of musical training. These emerging artists will have the opportunity to participate in events that will gain them visibility in the world of music and brass.
Copula Mundi
Free to the public, Lumen and Mensola park will host the Copula Mundi festival with art, theater, dance and music performances as well as various creative workshops for children and adults. The festivities can be enjoyed from August 31 to September 3.
Firenze Jazz Festival
Oltrarno sets the stage for the return of the international Firenze Jazz Festival on September 5-10 and 13-17. With venues dotted around the neighbourhood, guests can tap their feet to top-tier jazzy tunes as the festival spills out throughout the south side of the river.
Cirk Fantastik!
International and local circus artists come together for children’s workshops, adult circus lessons, concerts, book readings, film screenings and much more, all held in the Cascine Park. These whimsical events are fun for all ages and open to all. Enjoy from September 7-17.
Genius Loci
Discover the beautiful Santa Croce basilica from September 28 to 30 as participants in the Genius Loci festival enjoy workshops, performances, tours and lectures, all free of charge with reservations required.
Florence Folks Festival
Manifattura Tabacchi hosts Florence Folks Festival from September 7 to 9. This urban pop festival aims to unite the community through music, food and culture. Along with local and international musical acts, guests can expect an artisan market run by young craftspeople, presentations with independent bookshops and workshops for children and adults.
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