This summer in Florence is set to be a busy one, with all manner of exciting events filling the Estate Fiorentina calendar for the four months from June to September. 138 associations dedicate themselves to 122 different projects throughout the city, with ten festivals and six special themed events, ranging from cinema and literature to dance and theatre. This year, a budget of 1.9 million euro, overtaking that of last summer, has been committed to making Florence a hive of cultural activity for every taste. The season will also see the opening of 13 venues for the summer, three of which are new to the city’s offerings.
Memorable music
The long summer evenings deserve musical accompaniment, and this summer will cater to a wide range of tastes. Firenze Jazz (September 6-15) takes pride of place as one of Estate Fiorentina’s key events, and one of Italy’s most loved celebrations of the music genre, while Sagrati in Musica (June 8-September 1) brings a variety of styles to Florence’s churches and basilicas. Festival au Désert Firenze (July 21-25) gives special attention to the musical traditions of the Middle East and North Africa, while Lattexplus (September 21) brings artistic installations and immersive performances to the Cavea at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Theatre.
Outdoor cinema screenings
Making the most of the warm evenings, Apriti Cinema (June 25-July 24) will bring outdoor screenings of films, as well as presentations from writers, actors, and directors, to the piazzale degli Uffizi. Both Italian and international films (with Italian subtitles) are on the agenda and will include works of fiction and documentaries. Film events can also be found among some of the season’s festivals, including Secret Florence (June 4-July 16), with a focus on contemporary art, and Aspettando Il Tour (June 25-29), generating excitement for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.
Literary lovers
La Città dei Lettori (June 5-9) collects a rich array of book-related events to promote a love of reading for all attendees through talks and workshops. Le Piazze dei Libri (June 11-15), will likewise deepen an appreciation of literature, bringing readings and meetings with authors to seven of Florence’s squares.
Perfect performances
The 35th edition of the Florence Dance Festival sees performers from across the world coming to the Chiostro Grande of Santa Maria Novella. The art form also finds a role in many of this summer’s interdisciplinary festivals, including Corpo Celeste, which takes an artistic perspective on the body’s fragility. Cirk Fantastik (September 5-15) is another firm favorite, with contemporary circus entertaining audiences of all ages. Over 30 events will be held in San Salvi and at the Luzi and CaNova libraries from June 1 to August 15, themed around renowned Italian psychiatrist Franco Basaglia in honour of what would have been his 100th birthday.
Summer spots
As well as the ample cultural events, 13 summer spaces will open across Florence, creating some new hangouts for the duration of the season. 10 of these are known and loved, such as Il Fiorino, Habana 500, and Il Molo, where their riverside locations provide a scenic backdrop and escape from the sometimes stifling heat. Anconolla Park, Light at the Niccolò Galli Gardens, and the Orticoltura Gardens are also always popular, with 2024 seeing the opening of three new locations: Tinaia Park, San Donato Park and La Montagnola Garden, spreading the fun further throughout the city and making this summer one to remember.
The full calendar can be found online.
